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Agra is 47 kms away from Mathura. Agra had been the chosen city of Mughals for years as it was close to Delhi. However, the history of Agra is much more older than the times of Mughals. The great Hindu epic 'Mahabharat' refers to 'Agraban' as an integral part of the Brij Bhumi (the land of Lord Krishna). |
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| § New Delhi |
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New Delhi is 141 kms away from Mathura. The heart and capital of India- New Delhi is a city with magnetic attraction. Every nook and corner of the city of Delhi seems like narrating the incidents of the bygone era. Delhi was a witness of every scar India has suffered from time-to-time. |
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| § Vrindavan |
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Vrindavan, just 15 kms from Mathura, is another major place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its numerous temples - both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is where krishna indulged in adolescent pranks like flirting with gopis in the forests and stealing their clothes while they bathed in the river. |
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| § Gokul |
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Gokul, 16 kms from Mathura, the town where infant Krishna was brought up in secrecy and home of his foster mother, Yashoda Maiya. The most important temple is Gokul is Nathji. Gokul is particularly known for the festivals of Janmashtami. Annakut and Trinvat Mela, which are celebrated here in a distinct style. |
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| § Barsana |
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Barsana, 47 kms from Mathura, is birth place of Radha. consort of Lord Krishna, it was previously known as Brahmsarin. The four prominent hills are adorned by temples in honour of Radha, called Ladliji. A small lake, Prem Sarovar, is believed to be the first meeting place of Lord Krishna and Radha. Barsana is famous for its holi celebrations, called Lath-maar holi, enacted between the residents of Nandgaon and Barsana. |
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| § Govardhan |
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Govardhan is situated 26 kms west of Mathura on the state highway to Deeg. A famous place of Hindu pilgrimage, Govardhan is located on a narrow sandstone hill known as Giriraj which is about 8 kms in length. The young Lord Krishna is said to have held Giriraj up on the tip of a finger for 7 days and nights to shield the people of Braj from the deluge of rain sent down by Lord Indra. |
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| § Nandgaon |
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Nadgaon is 56 kms from Mathura on the metalled road. According to tradition, it was the home of Shri Krishna's foster father, Nand. On the top of the hill is the spacious temple of Nand Rai, built by the Jat ruler Roop Singh. The other temples here are dedicated to Narsingha, Gophinath, Nritya Gopal, Girdhari, Nand Nandan and Yashoda Nandan which is located half way up the hill. |
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| § Mahavan |
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18 kms from Mathura, on the left bank of the Yamuna river, it is associated with early childhood of Lord Krishna. Amongst its places of interest are temples of Mathura Nathji and Assi Khamba and eighty Pillars, which follows the contemporary style of Buddhist architecture. Mahavan is connected by regular bus services with Mathura. |
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| § Fatehpur Sikri |
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60 kms from Mathura, a royal city perfectly preserved, Fatehpur Sikri provides a marvellous escape into the past. Akbar embarked on the construction of a new capital here when a prophecy of the birth of a male royal heir, by the Sufi Saint Salim Chisti of Sikri, came true. |
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