Mathura Vrindavan - Where Lord Krishna Dwells
Temple Kusum Sarovara, Vrindavan Uttar Pradesh
Pilgrims Find here Sanctity
Studded with number of ancient and modern temples, Mathura is the abode of God and divinity. Hinduism find here a new dimension which is the colour of love with which Lord Krishna wanted to bind this entire world. The mild sound of devotees taking the hundred and eight names of Lord Krishna all day long covers the entire ambience of Mathura. The immense belief of the pilgrims coming here from different parts of the world is something that give Mathura a well deserved wight and importance in the itinerary of Indian pilgrimages.
One more aspect of Mathura that fascinates is how people from different nationality, religion and race are getting painted with the colour of love of Shri Krishna. Mathura is truly a global city where people from various corners of the world come, lose themselves in the Krishna-divinity and start a new life in the ancient and narrow lanes of Mathura. You will find hundreds of ISKON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness) followers from foreign lands enchanting Sanskrit mantra effortlessly.
When Divinity Mingles With Festivity
The quiet and ancient cities Mathura and Vrindavan come alive as the month of September arrives and devotees celebrate the birth of Lord Krish which is popularly know as Janmasthami with much enthusiasm and gaiety. Devout from various parts of the world come here to attend and participate in this grand celebration. Brij Ki Holi is a festival of colours that leaves an ever lasting memory in the minds of the its participants and people don't even mind when their clothes and hair get colured with different shades of gulal (powdered colour). Plan your Mathura-Vrindavan tour at the time of Holi to savour a new colur of life.
The spectacular long swep of Ghats on the holy Ganga is unique and creates a fascinating sight, best viewed at dawn. Life, in almost panoramic detail, unfolds here from dawn to dusk as a steady stream of devotes, swelling to thousands on auspicious days, perform rituals. Varanasi's principal attraction is the long string of bathing Ghats which line the west bank of ganges. There are over 100 Ghats in all, of which Dasaswamedh Ghat is the most striking, near by are the Manikarnika and the Harishchandra Ghats where cremations take place. The Assi Ghat is further upstream, Panchganga, Tulsi Ghat, Dandi and Kali Ghats, Kedar Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Mir Ghat and Gai Ghats are other important ghats. The best way to enjoy Varanasi is by boat, which are available on hire at most of the Ghats
This temple of Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city, is also known as Golden Temple. Varanasi is said to be the place where the first Jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Lord Shiva manifested his supremacy over other gods, broke through the earth's crust. More than the Ghats and even the river Ganga, it is the Shivalinga installed in the temple that remains the devotional focus of Varanasi. Open only to Hindus. The 'Arti' is performed here at different times and by different names in a grand manner and is worth seeing. The Mangala Arti at 3.30 a.m., Bhog Arti at 12 noon, Saptarishi Arti at 7.30 p.m., Shringar Arti at 11.00 p.m., and the Shayan Arti at 11.00 p.m.