About Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple
The Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple complex in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, is revered as the place where Lord Krishna was born. Tradition says he was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in the prison of the tyrant king Kamsa, and the complex is built around the spot identified as that prison cell. For devotees it is the starting point of any pilgrimage to Braj, and Mathura itself is counted among the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of Hinduism. The complex, also known as Krishna Janmabhoomi, is managed by the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan and covers about 13 acres in the old part of the city, beside the Shahi Eidgah mosque.
According to tradition, the first temple here was built by Vajranabh, Krishna's great-grandson. Excavations at the site, known as Katra Keshavdeva, have found remains going back many centuries, and later temples are linked with the Gupta age and the medieval period. In 1618 Raja Veer Singh Deva Bundela built a great temple of Keshavdeva, which travellers described as a lofty red sandstone building; it was destroyed in 1670 on the orders of Aurangzeb and a mosque was built on part of the site. In 1944 Madan Mohan Malaviya acquired the land with help from Jugal Kishore Birla, a trust was formed in 1951, and the present complex was built between 1953 and 1982.
The heart of the complex is the Garbha Griha, the sanctum marking the birthplace, where a marble pavilion and a prison-like chamber recall the story of Krishna's birth; a shrine of the eight-armed goddess Yogmaya stands nearby. The Keshavdeva temple, consecrated in 1958, is dedicated to Krishna. The large Bhagavata Bhavan, where deities were installed in 1982, has a tall image of Radha and Krishna along with shrines of Jagannath, Rama, Hanuman, Durga and Shiva, frescoes of Krishna's life in its hall, and the text of the Bhagavad Gita engraved on copper plates along the circumambulation path. Southeast of the temple lies Potra Kund, a stepped tank where the infant Krishna is said to have been bathed.
Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple timings & aarti
Usually open in the morning and evening, with the sanctum closed for a break in the afternoon. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Sandhya aarti | At sunset |
| Shayan aarti | Before closing at night (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple
By air
The nearest major airports are at Agra and Delhi; continue by road to Mathura.
By train
Mathura Junction, on the main Delhi–Agra line, is the nearest station; the temple is a short auto-rickshaw ride from it.
By road
Mathura is on the Delhi–Agra highway and the Yamuna Expressway, with frequent buses and taxis. The temple is in the old city.
Festivals at Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple
- Krishna JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- RadhashtamiAug/Sep
- HoliMar
- DiwaliOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest, traditional clothing is recommended. Security at the complex is strict, so expect checks at the entrance.
- Entry
- Free.
- Security is tight; carry as little as possible and be ready to deposit phones, cameras and bags at the counters outside.
- On Janmashtami the main worship is at midnight; arrive many hours early or watch the celebrations elsewhere in Mathura.
- Allow time for the Bhagavata Bhavan, which many visitors miss after seeing the Garbha Griha.
- Pair the visit with the Dwarkadhish temple and Vishram Ghat in Mathura.
Places to visit near Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple
- Dwarkadhish TemplePopular Krishna temple in old Mathura, within a short drive
- Vishram GhatThe main ghat on the Yamuna in Mathura, known for its evening aarti
- Potra KundStepped tank linked with the infant Krishna, next to the complex
- VrindavanTown of Krishna's childhood with hundreds of temples, a short drive away
Frequently asked questions
Is Krishna Janmasthan the actual birthplace of Krishna?
By tradition, yes. The Garbha Griha in the complex marks the prison cell where Krishna is believed to have been born to Devaki and Vasudeva.
Are mobile phones allowed inside Krishna Janmabhoomi?
Security is strict and phones, cameras and bags are generally not allowed inside; deposit them at the counters before entering. Rules may change, so check locally.
What is the best time to visit Krishna Janmasthan?
October to March is pleasant. Janmashtami is the biggest festival but brings huge crowds.
How far is Krishna Janmasthan from Mathura Junction?
It is a short auto-rickshaw ride from Mathura Junction railway station, in the old part of the city.
What is the Bhagavata Bhavan?
A large temple within the complex dedicated to the Bhagavata, with a tall Radha Krishna image, other shrines and the Bhagavad Gita engraved on copper plates.
What is the aarti time at Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple?
Mangala aarti: Early morning (approx.); Sandhya aarti: At sunset; Shayan aarti: Before closing at night (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple timings?
Usually open in the morning and evening, with the sanctum closed for a break in the afternoon. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple?
Modest, traditional clothing is recommended. Security at the complex is strict, so expect checks at the entrance.
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