About

The most famous of Mathura’s temples is the Krishna Janmasthan Temple, built around the prison cell where Krishna was born after his parents were imprisoned by his evil uncle, Kansa, King of Mathura. One of the most venerated shrines in India, the temple complex is located west of Mathura’s old city and thronged by pilgrims’ through-out the year, whose number increases exponentially during festivals. It is believed that there was a massive idol of Krishna, over 4m tall and made of solid gold, which was stolen during an attack by Mahmud of Ghazni. The present Krishna Janmasthan Temple complex is fairly new. Inside, visitors will find paintings of scenes from Krishna’s life, idol of Krishna, Balrama and his beloved, Radha, and a stepped water tank.