About Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura
Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the main temples of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, the city of Lord Krishna's birth. It is dedicated to Krishna as Dwarkadhish, the King of Dwarka, with a beautiful black stone image, and Radha alongside. The temple stands in the old city close to Vishram Ghat on the Yamuna. It follows the Pushtimarg tradition of Vallabhacharya, where Krishna is served with love through daily darshans called 'jhankis'.
The temple was built in 1814 by Seth Gokul Das Parikh, a wealthy devotee who served as treasurer of the Gwalior state. It was later handed over to the Vallabh sampradaya, which still looks after it. Over two centuries it has become one of Braj's busiest temples, especially during the monsoon month of Shravan, when Krishna is placed on decorated swings, and at Holi, when the courtyard fills with colours and songs.
The temple is built in a Rajasthani style, with a grand carved entrance up a flight of steps, open courtyards and a pillared hall. The ceiling and walls are decorated with colourful paintings of Krishna's life. Darshan happens at set times through the day, with the doors opening for each jhanki and closing between them.
Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura timings & aarti
Usually open in two sessions: morning (about 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM) and evening (about 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM), with shorter hours in winter. Darshan opens in short jhankis. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala Darshan | Early morning, at opening |
| Shringar Darshan | Morning |
| Rajbhog Darshan | Late morning |
| Utthapan Darshan | Afternoon, at reopening |
| Sandhya Aarti and Shayan Darshan | Evening |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura
By air
Agra Airport – about 55 km; Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport – about 150 km.
By train
Mathura Junction – about 3 km.
By road
Mathura is on NH-19 and near the Yamuna Expressway. Inside the old city, e-rickshaws are the easiest way to reach the temple.
Festivals at Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura
- Jhulan Yatra (Hindola)Jul/Aug
- Krishna JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- HoliFeb/Mar
- Annakut (Govardhan Puja)Oct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Entry is free and open to all devotees. Photography inside is generally not permitted.
- Check the jhanki timings, as doors open and close several times a day.
- Combine with the evening aarti at Vishram Ghat nearby.
- Use e-rickshaws in the narrow old-city lanes.
- Keep belongings close in festival crowds.
- Try Mathura's famous peda from local sweet shops.
Places to visit near Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura
- Vishram GhatMain ghat on the Yamuna with evening aarti, about 300 m
- Shri Krishna JanmabhoomiTraditional birthplace of Lord Krishna, about 2 km
- Government Museum, MathuraRenowned collection of Mathura school sculpture, about 3 km
- VrindavanTown of Krishna's childhood with many temples, about 12 km
- Govardhan HillSacred hill for parikrama, about 22 km
Frequently asked questions
What are the Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura timings?
It usually opens in the morning (about 6:30–10:30 AM) and evening (about 4:00–7:00 PM), with darshan in short jhankis. Hours are shorter in winter.
Who built Dwarkadhish Temple in Mathura?
It was built in 1814 by Seth Gokul Das Parikh, treasurer of the Gwalior state.
How far is Dwarkadhish Temple from Krishna Janmabhoomi?
About 2 km, a short e-rickshaw ride.
Which festival is special at Dwarkadhish Temple?
The Jhulan swing festival in Shravan and the Holi celebrations are particularly grand.
Is Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura different from Dwarka in Gujarat?
Yes. Both worship Krishna as Dwarkadhish, but this temple is in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, while the Char Dham shrine is in Dwarka, Gujarat.
What is the aarti time at Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura?
Mangala Darshan: Early morning, at opening; Shringar Darshan: Morning; Rajbhog Darshan: Late morning; Utthapan Darshan: Afternoon, at reopening; Sandhya Aarti and Shayan Darshan: Evening. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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