Mathura, the pilgrimage city of Hindus is located between the golden triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra and could be reached from all three cities through roadways or railways or by air. It is also called as Brajbhoomi as it is the birth place of Lord Shri Krishna and is a very ancient city. The city has an ornate sandstone holy gate and the visitors to the city have to enter via this holy gate only.
As Mathura lies on the banks of River Yamuna, it has got a continuous line of ghats or banks along the right side of the river which is surrounded by many beautiful temples and offers spectacular sight when viewed from the opposite side. Vishram Ghat lies in the centre of the Mathura city and all the 12 Ghats to the north of Mathura are called Vishram Ghats and all the ghats that are in the south of Mathura city are called Moksha Ghats.
The Moksha Ghats or the dakshina ghats have the following ghats namely Saptrishi Ghat, Ram Ghat, Ravan Koti Ghat, Guptatirth Ghat, Buddha Ghat, Prayag Ghat, Mokshatirth Ghat, Rishi Ghat, Dhruva Ghat, Kankhal Ghat, Surya Ghat and Shyam Ghat. Now, the names of most of the ghats have changed.
Apart from being holy and serene, these ghats are also boasts of splendid architectural beauty according to the ancient Hindu architecture. They also create cultural and ritual interest among the tourists and pilgrims to the city. It is also said that Chaitanya Maha Prabhu and Nityananda Prabhu took holy dip in all these serene teerthas or ghats.
These ghats are also mostly connected with Lord Shri Krishna temples and are the places where all the childhood pranks of the “Makhan Chor” took place. Thus, becomes a serene one. So the pilgrims believe that a holy dip in the Moksha ghat in Mathura and offering poojas or performing ceremonies at the ghats relieve them of their ill fate. Hence, the pilgrimage to Mathura does not end unless one takes a holy dip in all these 25 ghats. It is also believed that Lord Krishna rested on these ghats after slaying his maternal uncle, Kamsa. Once can also find on the banks of River Yamuna the idols of Goddess Yamuna and her brother Yama, the God of death.
Pilgrims will not get any accommodation near the ghats and it is ideal for them to stay in Mathura where they will find good hotels and to take an auto rickshaw or bus or any personal transport to reach these ghats. The ghats are open all throughout the day and the pets are not allowed into it. Mathura has a wonderful climate during the months of October to March. During the festivals like Janmashtami and Holi, the ghats are beautifully decorated and illuminated with lights.
Mathura also boasts a rich cultural heritage and has contributed to the literature, songs and dance all of which revolve around the life of Lord Krishna. The people of Mathura follow Braj culture which could be seen in their daily activities. When you visit Mathura do not miss out on its local delicious delicacies like chaat, Mathura peda, Jalebis, lassi, thandai, milk badaam, sweetened hot milk and all milk sweets. Throughout Mathura one will get a delicious vegetarian food.
One will also find all kinds of holy and religious items in Mathura. When you shop, go for the handicrafts that are made of brass and copper decorative pieces. Clothes in Mathura also are very famous with embroidery and precious and non-precious stones in the clothes that showcases the artistic skills of Mathura.
As seen earlier, Mathura could be reached through railways as all the major trains stop at Mathura, being the holy city of Hindus. Also, one can take roadways from major cities like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Lucknow, etc as Mathura is situated on National Highway 2. You can also take a flight to Agra and from their either you can travel by public transport or by private cabs and can reach easily Mathura. It is ideal to take local transport to visit various pilgrim centres in and around Mathura.
Enjoy the Holy dip in all 25 ghats including the Moksha Ghat in Mathura to complete your “Brajmandal Parikrama”.
