Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

Lord Krishna

Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Folktale & Sacred Story

According to the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna's uncle King Kansa of Mathura had imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva after a prophecy warned that Devaki's eighth child would kill him, and killed each of their first several children at birth. When Krishna was born as their eighth child at midnight in this prison cell, tradition holds that Vasudeva's chains fell away and the prison doors opened, allowing him to carry the infant across a swollen Yamuna river to Gokul, where he left him with the cowherd couple Nanda and Yashoda. The stone cell traditionally identified as the site of this birth and imprisonment lies at the heart of today's Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex.

Most Revered Practice

The temple's most significant annual observance is Janmashtami, marking Krishna's birth, celebrated with midnight prayers and elaborate rituals that draw enormous crowds through the night. Daily worship centres on aarti and darshan across the complex's shrines, including a Rajbhog Aarti at which food is ceremonially offered to Krishna before being distributed to devotees as prasad.

Prasadam & Offerings

Sweets and food offered during the temple's Rajbhog Aarti are distributed to devotees as prasad; specific offerings vary, so visitors should confirm current prasad locally.

Temple Speciality

The complex is traditionally identified as the birthplace of Krishna and comprises several structures built at different times, including the Keshavdev temple and the Garbh Griha built around the site held to be the ancient prison cell, with the modern temple's construction largely completed in 1982. The site's history is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, and its significance for devotees rests on its identification as Krishna's traditional birthplace.

Why Pilgrims Visit

Devotees visit as one of Hinduism's most sacred sites, believed to be the spot of Krishna's birth, making it a core stop on the wider Mathura-Vrindavan pilgrimage circuit devoted to Krishna's life. Numbers swell enormously around Janmashtami each year.

History & Legend

Marks the traditionally identified birthplace of Krishna, with the present temple complex developed over the 20th century after a long and layered history of destruction and rebuilding at the site.

Divine Significance

A cornerstone of Vaishnavite pilgrimage, especially thronged during Janmashtami celebrations that draw devotees from across the world.

Darshan Timings

Darshan is generally available in two blocks, roughly 5:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 4:00-9:30 p.m. in summer months, with extended access during Janmashtami (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).

How To Reach

Nearest airport: Agra (~60 km) or Delhi. Nearest railway station: Mathura Junction, close to the temple.

Where To Stay

Numerous dharamshalas and hotels throughout Mathura city.

Local Food Nearby

Mathura is renowned for its milk-based sweet, the Mathura peda, along with other Brij-region specialties; pilgrims commonly eat kachori-sabzi and jalebi for breakfast near the temple, with numerous sweet shops nearby selling peda as offerings and souvenirs.

Contact & Official Info

Contact Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan.

Location Map

View on Google Maps → (27.504748, 77.669754)