Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Dwarkadhish Temple

At a distance of 4 Km from Mathura Junction Railway Station, Dwarkadheesh Temple is a Hindu temple located near the banks of river Yamuna, close to Vishram Ghat and Gatashram Tila in the holy city of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The main deity of the temple is Lord Dwarkadheesh, a form of Lord Krishna. This temple is also famous by other names like Jagat Mandir or Nija Mandir. It is one of the oldest and largest temples in Mathura, and among the most visited pilgrimage sites near Delhi.

History of Dwarkadhish Temple

The Dwarkadheesh Temple in Mathura was established in 1814 by Seth Gokul Das Parikh, who served as the treasurer for the Gwalior State under the Scindia dynasty. A devoted follower of Lord Krishna, he constructed this shrine to honor the deity. The principal deity worshipped at the temple is Lord Dwarkadheesh, a manifestation of Lord Krishna, the ruler of Dwarka, accompanied by his divine consort, goddess Radha, revered in the form of Radharani. This temple is part of the Pushtimarg tradition. Currently, the Dwarkadhish temple is overseen by adherents of the Vaishnava sect, which was founded by Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya.

Architecture of Dwarkadhish Temple

The Dwarkadhish Temple located in Mathura showcases a combination of Rajasthani and local architectural styles, featuring intricate carvings, decorative pillars, and a central courtyard. The main building includes a beautifully carved entryway characteristic of Rajasthani architecture. From this point, a series of steep steps ascend to the central courtyard. In the center of the yard, three rows of elaborately carved pillars support a breathtaking painted ceiling that narrates the life story of Lord Krishna. The entire courtyard is divided into three distinct sections by five rows of magnificently carved pillars. The main shrine houses images of Lord Krishna alongside his beloved Radha. The idol of Lord Dwarkadheesh, crafted from lustrous black stone, stands approximately 2.25 feet tall. This idol features four hands, each holding a mace, a Sudarshana Chakra, a conch, and a lotus flower. In addition to the depiction of Radha-Krishna, the shrine also contains images of various other Hindu deities. Nearby, one can find the temples of Krishna Varaha and Shwetha Varaha.

Festivals of Dwarkadhish Temple

The main festival of the Sri Dwarkadhish Temple is known as the Hindola festival, which spans 13 days and is celebrated each year during the month of Shravana, typically occurring in July or August. Throughout this festival, the Dwarkadhish temple is exquisitely adorned in thematic colors. The idols of Dwarkadhish and Radharani are taken from their sanctum and placed in a beautifully decorated Jhoola (swing), embellished with gold and silver ornaments for a special darshan. In addition to the Hindola festival, the temple also commemorates Janmashtami, Radhastami, Holi, and Diwali with immense enthusiasm.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Dwarkadhish Temple

Dwarkadhish Temple in Mathura has a dress code that mandates visitors to don modest and traditional clothing. Men are expected to wear long pants, or dhotis along with shirts or kurtas, whereas women should opt for sarees, salwar kameez, or other forms of Indian attire that adequately cover the shoulders and knees. It is advisable to refrain from wearing Western garments such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.

Generally, non-Hindus are allowed to visit Dwarkadhish Temple in Mathura. However, there may be restrictions on accessing certain areas or participating in specific rituals.

Dwarkadhish Temple Timings

Monday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM & 4:30 PM - 7 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM & 4:30 PM - 7 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM & 4:30 PM - 7 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM & 4:30 PM - 7 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM & 4:30 PM - 7 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM & 4:30 PM - 7 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM - 11 AM & 4:30 PM - 7 PM

Dwarkadhish Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan is Available at Rs. 200
VIP Darshan is Available at Rs. 500

Best Time to Visit Dwarkadhish Temple

The best time to visit Dwarkadhish Temple in Mathura is from October to March. During this period, the climate is pleasant, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the temple and participate in the festivities. For individuals wishing to experience the temple at its most spiritually enriching, it is recommended to schedule your visit during the Janmashtami festival, which commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna and generally takes place in August or September. The temple and the city become vibrant with intricate decorations, lively processions, and cultural displays. Another favorable occasion to visit the temple is Holi, the festival of colors, which typically happens in March. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the town experiences a surge of tourists during these festivals, so one should be ready for the bustling crowds. Mathura endures extremely hot summers and heavy monsoons, rendering those months less suitable for travel and exploration.

How to Reach Dwarkadhish Temple

Agra Airport is the closest airport, which is 60 Km away from Mathura. Mathura Junction Railway Station is a major rail head with regular train services to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Vizag, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Trivandrum, Shirdi, Jammu Tawi, Chennai, Hubli, Goa, Patna, Lucknow, Bangalore and Chhattisgarh. Mathura is also well connected by road with Agra, Jaipur, Lucknow, Delhi, Indore and Allahabad. One can reach Dwarkadhish Temple by hiring a cab, or an auto-rickshaw from all parts of Mathura.