Area : 37, 80 Sq. kms.
Altitude : 187 mts.above Sea Level
Season : August-March
Mathura is traditionally recognized as the capital of Braj Bhoomi
the land that gave birth to Lord Krishna. The region is richly
interwoven with the legend of Krishna kept alive today by millions
of devotees who look upon him as the most endearing incarnation of
Lord Vishnu.
Mathura the land of Lord Krishna is known not only for his sagacity
and preaching of the thesis of Bhagwad Gita the holy Hindu scripture
but as much for his childhood frolics and the pranks that he was
famous for playing on his foster mother and mates (gopics).
It is one of the most sacred cities of Hinduism dating back to 600
BC. Although identified with lord Krishna today Mathura was
originally a Buddhis monastic centre. Ptolemy mentioned the town and
it assumed importance of capital city during the 1st-2nd century
Kushan Empire. In the 16th century Hindu scholars identified the
town as the birthplace of Krishna and the town’s renaissance began.
With such religious pedigree Mathura bounced back and is today a
bustling religious centre.
Mathura’s history dates back to at least 600 BC in the Mauryan era
and received great stumulus under Emperor Ashoka. Later under the
Kushans it became a centre of trade and learning and was practically
their southern capital during the first two centuries AD.
The earliest sculptural art of India which is Buddhist emerged in
this region.
The twin city of Vrindavan 15 kms. Away is also integral to the
legend of Krishna. This is where Lord Krishna played his flute and
sported with the gopis. The town was later immortalized in the poems
of Mirabai a princess of medieval India who became an ardent devotee
of Krishna. This is one of the most important religious centres of
Braj Bhoomi.
Vrindavan is where Krishna indulged in adolescent pranks. Little now
remains of the legendary forests and the river has meandered away
from most of Vrindavan’s bathing ghats but pilgrims still flock here
in droves from all over India and in the case of Hare Krishna
community from all over the world.
Mathura and Braj Bhoomi regions are important for the festival
centering on Lord Krishna and his consort Sri Radha Rani which are
distinct to the area. These include Holi, Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami,
Kans Vadh, Yam Dwitiya and Hariyali Teej.
Places of attraction
Vindhyachal: The present city of Vindhyachal situated in the
Mirazpur District.It is a renowned ‘Shakti Peeth’, from time
immemorial and the devouts have been coming to this sacred place to
invoke the blessings of the Goddess. According to the puranas and
ancient texts Devi Vindhyavasini is the presiding derty of the
place.The temple of Vindhyavasini Devi situated about 8 kms. From
Mirazpur. The temple has been a centre of great devotion and
inspiration for the devotees. During the Navaratris of Chaitra and
Ashwin months people come here in large numbers to pay their
respects to the Devi and seek her blessings.
Archaeological Museum: This is in an octagonal red sand stone
building in Dampier Nagar. There is an extensive and impressive
collection of sculptures terracottas bronzes and coins and also the
5th century ‘Standing Buddha’ numerous Gupta figures a 1st century
headless Buddha Kushana scriptures and Gandhara pirces in the
museum.
Places of Religious Interest : The other temples worth
visiting in the area are Ashtbhuja temple , Sita Kund, Kali Khoh,
Buded Nath temple, Narad Ghat , Gerua talab, Motiya Bhairav & Kal
Bhairav temples, Ekdant Ganesh, Sapta Sarovar, Sakshi Gopal temple,
Goraksha-Kund , Matsyendra Kund, Tarkeshwar Nath temple, Bhairav
kund etc.
Facilities: The nearest airport are Babatpur ( Varanasi) 102
kms. And Bamrauli
(Allahabad) 105 kms. Vindhyachal is well connected to all parts of
the country with good roads. Good accommodation facilities are
available at Hotel Janhavi (UPSTD), and other hotels of the town.
Apart from these dharmshalas and guest houses are also available.
The Fort of Chunar ( 39 kms.) enroute to Varanasi Vindham ( 17 kms.)
and Tanda.Falls ( 18 kms.) form good excursion points from
Vindhyachal .
Sardhana : Sardhan 21kms. From Meerut town houses one of the
finest churches of its time built by Begum Samru. Completed in 1822
the interiors of the church are awe inspiring with mesmerizing
sculptures by Italian sculptor Adano Tadolini. The church houses the
sacred image of Lady of Graces installed in 1957 the copy of the
famous image of Madonna in the shrine of Montenero near Leghorn with
two gold crowns. In 1961 pope John XXII raised the church to the
statue of a minor Basilica a dignity bestowed on rare churches.
Every year on the 1st Sunday in the month of November a large feast
is held in honour of Mary and pilgrims from all over India assemble
here. The shrine draws not only the pious and the devout but also
history lovers who seldom forget to see the adjoining palaces of
Begum Samru designed by Italian architect Anthony Reghelini who had
also designed the church and the Catholic cemetary where the Begum
lies buried.
Facilities: 22 from Meerut town Sardhana is easily
approachable by road. Buses from Meerut and Daurala frequently ply
on the route. Accommodation and all other facilities are available
at meerut town.
Neemsar-Misherikh : 102 kms. From Lucknow Neemsar Mishrikh is
an important religious centre famous for the temples of Goddess
Lalita , Dadhichi Kund, Vyas Gaddi, Chakratirtha, Hanumangarhi.
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