Dwarkadheesh, a form of Lord Krishna seen in a black Marble idol named Dwarkanath. With him is the White marble idol of his counterpart deity Sri Radharani.
Shrine’s History
Dwarkadhish Temple is not only an important temple of Mathura but also of India. Built in 1814, Dwarkadhish Temple is situated in the heart of the city of Mathura. One Seth Gokul Das Parikh who was the treasurer of the estate of Gwalior built Dwarkadhish temple that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. He is supposed to be a staunch devotee of Lord Krishna. An excellent work of art, the interiors of the temple include images of the Lord Krishna, his beloved Radha and other Hindu deities.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
The temple is having good large premises with the main building enclosed by a magnificently carved Rajasthani style entrance with steep steps leading to temple courtyard. In the central courtyard, a platform is built up lined up with three rows of richly carved pillars and support the ceiling which is also beautifully painted. Another small temple of another form of Lord Krishna (Vishnu) Shaligram is also built up within the temple courtyard.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
Dwarkadhish Temple that is currently managed by the followers of the Vallabhacharya sect is the most visited temple in Mathura. Located in the eastern part of Mathura, not far from the Yamuna River, the temple is architecturally very interesting. The architecture of the temple has elements of local art and aesthetics. The temple carving and paintings are major attractions. The temple is a hub of activity during the festive days of Holi, Janmashtmi and Dipawali.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Bus: Roadways perfectly join Mathura to the other parts of Uttar Pradesh and India. National Highway 2 which joins Delhi with Howrah runs across the city. It joins with NH 3 (extending to Mumbai) and a segment of this road is known as Mathura Road. National Highway 11 which joins Agra with Bikaner and National Highway 93 joining Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh are major highways as well. Mathura is also joined by Yamuna Expressway.
By Rail
By Train Train services from important locations in India like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Indore, Hyderabad, Gwalior, Bhopal, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Lucknow, Rewa, Varanasi and Kanpur are available to Mathura.
There are four railway stations in Mathura. The largest railhead is the Mathura Junction. It joins the city with the northern, western, and southern parts of the country. Mathura Cantonment station joins the city with eastern parts of the state.
Local train services are available from the Bhooteshwar station to Delhi NCR, Delhi, Bharatpur, Agra, and Alwar.
Krishnajanmabhoomi is another railhead which joins Vrindavan through rail bus. Patna to Mathura train services is available from Varanasi, Sultanpur, and Lucknow. The majority of the trains connecting Delhi and Agra stop at Mathura.
By Air
Mathura city can be approached by the nearest airport at Agra 60 km away. From there a cab or bus for Mathura depot can be taken and then reach the temple by taking a connecting auto or rickshaw.
Shrine Timings
Summer Time Mangla Ariti Morning : 6:30 AM to 7 AM Sringar Ariti Moring : 7:30 AM to 7:55 AM Gwal Ariti Morning : 8:25 AM to 8:40 AM Raj Bhog Ariti Morning : 10 AM to 10:30 AM Uthan Ariti Evening : 4 PM to 4:20 PM Evening : 4:20 PM to 4:40 PM Evening Ariti : 5:20 PM to 5:40 PM Syan Ariti Evening : 6:30 PM to 7 PM Winter Time Morning : 6:30 AM to 7 AM Morning : 7:40 AM to 7:55 AM Morning : 8:25 AM to 8:40 AM Morning : 10 AM to 10:30 AM Evening : 3:30 PM to 3:50 PM Evening : 4:20 PM to 4:40 PM Evening : 4:40 PM to 5:15 PM Syan Ariti Evening : 6:30 PM to 7 PM
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Hindola Festival, Sri Krishna Janmashtami
The temple management is under the followers of Vallabhacharya sect (whose followers were the original founders of the premises). A Hindola festival is celebrated in the rainy month of Shravan (Occurring in July/August). The temple in this duration is beautifully decorated in some theme colours and the lord Dwarkadheesh is placed in beautifully decorated in silver and golden Jhoola (swing) for special darshan. Temple is having good religious significance and therefore lakhs of pilgrims visit the shrine every year from different parts of the country and even abroad.
