Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura | Timings, History

Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura Overview

The Dwarkadhish Temple, touted as one of the holiest temples in Mathura, is famous all over the country for its elaborate architecture and paintings. Built in 1814, the temple is relatively new but is highly revered. The temple is dedicated to Lord Dwarkadheesh, a form of Lord Krishna known as Dwarkanath, depicted in a black marble idol.

An array of beautiful ceiling paintings showcasing the various aspects of the Lord's life and the beautiful Rajasthani architectural designs and carving makes the complex look even more magnanimous. The Dwarkadhish temple is currently managed by the followers of Vaishnava sect (started by Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya) and is a centre for lots of interesting activities all year round especially during the Shravan months when the Lord's Idol is placed inside a Hindola a (type of a swing set). Other important festivals celebrated are Holi, Diwali and Janmashtami.

Situated within the perimeter of the city's holy gate, near the ghats of River Yamuna, the temple and its surroundings are a hub of a lot of interesting activities. Thousands of devotees arrive here every day to pay their obeisance.

Architecture of Dwarkadhish Temple

Built by a staunch devotee of Lord Krishna, Seth Gokul Das Parikh in 1814, Dwarkadhish temple is famous for its architecture and paintings. The temple complex has quite a large premise. The main building is magnificently carved in Rajasthani style entrance with a few steep steps leading to the main courtyard. In the centre of the yard are three rows of richly carved pillars supporting a beautiful painted ceiling. The paintings depict the life story of Lord Krishna.

Inside Dwarkadhish Temple

When you climb the few steep steps leading to the inside of the magnificent temple, the very first thing that you see are the five rows of beautifully carved pillars, which divide the whole courtyard into three different segments; the right lane is for women and the extreme left one for men. In the center lane, the entry is prohibited other than for those having VIP pass. A huge box is kept there for dropping offering for the Lord.

In the front of the yard is the garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum where the holy Idol is placed. When the Darshan is closed, a curtain is drawn over the entrance. While waiting for the curtains to be opened, you can soak in the beautiful painting on the walls and the ceiling of the courtyard. The painting portrays the scene of the birth of Krishna and the performance of Raas Dance by him among several others. Apart from the main idol, you can also see idols of several other Hindu deities and small tulsi plant which is the Lord's beloved and is revered by his devotees.

Dwarkadhish Temple Festivals

Janmashtami: Janamastami or the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna is celebrated with zest and enthusiasm in the whole city. At the temple, the idol is bathed with water, milk, and curd and is cradled in a Palana (crib). The devotees dance and enjoy.

Hindola Utsav: During the Hindu month of Shravan (August-September), the idol is placed inside a Hindola (swing set). The Hindola itself is very intricately carved, and there is a different one every day.

Things To Do at Dwarkadhish Temple

1. In the morning, you can go to the nearby sacred Vishram ghat at the banks of Holy river Yamuna and offer your prayers of her in form of milk and pedas.

2. Before the first darshan of the day (6:00 AM) and after the last darshan (7:30 PM) you can go to the Vishram ghat and enjoy the Yamuna aarti.

3. Dwarkadhish temple is situated in the cultural hub of Mathura city. Around the temple are various small shops selling bangles, clothes and eatables. These shops make shopping here a real treat.

How To Reach Dwarkadheesh Temple, Mathura

The temple is around 3.5 km from Mathura Junction Railway station. For there, you can easily take an auto rickshaw or cycle rickshaw to reach the temple. It would take an average of 15-20 commute time.