Popular Temple
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Mathura
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
The birthplace of Lord Krishna — believed to be the very prison cell where he was born
At a glance
- Location
- Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
- Presiding deity
- Lord Shri Krishna
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Vaishnava
- Nearest railway station
- Mathura Junction (~1.5 km)
- Nearest airport
- Agra Airport (~60 km); Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (~160 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to March; Janmashtami (August-September) is celebrated with exceptional grandeur.
History
Mathura is revered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and the present temple complex stands at the site traditionally identified as King Kansa's prison cell, where Krishna was born. The site has seen cycles of destruction and rebuilding over the centuries, with the current temple structure dating to the 20th century. A historic mosque stands adjacent to the complex, the subject of an ongoing long-running legal dispute.
Spiritual significance
The greater Mathura-Vrindavan region is collectively known as "Brajbhoomi," the heartland of Krishna devotion, and millions of devotees gather here for Janmashtami.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (strict security checks and ID verification are mandatory here due to the site's sensitivity).
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Mathura Junction is directly connected to Delhi, Agra, and several other cities; autos and e-rickshaws cover the short distance from the station to the temple in minutes.
Continue your Krishna bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.