Vishram Ghat, Mathura - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Vishram Ghat

At a distance of 4.5 Km from Mathura Junction Railway Station, Vishram Ghat is a sacred bathing ghat situated on the banks of river Yamuna in Mathura. Vishram Ghat is the main ghat of Mathura and is central to 25 other ghats. The Vishram Ghat is one of the most important ghats as the traditional parikrama starts and ends at this place. The parikrama is the circumambulation of all the major religious and cultural places of Mathura, among the most prominent places to visit near Delhi.

History & Mythology of Vishram Ghat

According to the legend, Lord Krishna is said to have rested at this place after killing Kansa and the name Vishram Ghat is in reference to this as it means 'ghat of rest.' However, the Varaha Purana states that it was Vasudeva who rested at this site, and the ghat is named in his honor.

During the 15th Century, under the rule of the Mughal emperor, this location experienced significant injustice and discrimination due to various decrees issued by Sikandar Lodi. Nevertheless, when Hindus faced considerable distress from Sikandar Lodi's opposition, Acharya Keshav Bhatt Kashmiri of the Nimbark sect and Vallabhacharya Ji Maharaj successfully had the restrictions at Vishram Ghat lifted through their unwavering commitment and devotion to the divine.

Architecture of Vishram Ghat

The Vishram Ghat is made up of marble stone and has a large stone arch. On one side of the Vishram Ghat, there are 12 Ghats, while the opposite side contains an additional 11. The Vishram Ghat is adorned with exquisite temples and some of Mathura's most significant shrines, including Mukut Temple, Radha-Damodar, Murali Manohar, Neelkantheshwar, Yamuna-Krishna, Langali Hanuman, and Narasimha temples.

Vishram Ghat provides an immersive spiritual experience for both spiritual seekers and devotees. Visitors can access the sacred waters of the Yamuna for bathing or conducting religious ceremonies. The evening aarti is a crucial ritual that should not be overlooked at Vishram Ghat. The stunning display of rituals and the floating oil lamps gliding along the Yamuna River create a magical evening atmosphere.

Additionally, Vishram Ghat is renowned for its boat rides, as it is centrally located among the other ghats. These boat trips offer a magnificent view of the ghats and shrines, bestowing onlookers with the tranquil ambiance of Mathura. Various types of boats are available at different price points at the Ghat.

Festivals of Vishram Ghat

Vishram Ghat attracts large numbers of devotees during the Bhai Dooj festival, an occasion celebrated for enhancing the bond between brothers and sisters. On this festive day, a significant crowd assembles on the second day of Diwali to take a dip in the holy river, as it is believed that Yamuna bestows liberation upon any pair of siblings who seek her blessings on this day. Another major festival celebrated at this ghat is Yamuna Chhath, which occurs in April or May and is dedicated to the sacred river Yamuna. In the evening, thousands of devotees gather along the riverbanks, offering flowers, diyas (earthen lamps), and prayers to Yamuna Devi, who is profoundly associated with the leelas of Lord Krishna. The evening aarti at Vishram Ghat is also a captivating sight to behold.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Vishram Ghat

Although Vishram Ghat in Mathura does not enforce a formal dress code, it is advisable to dress modestly while walking and exploring the site. Men are encouraged to wear dhoti, or long trousers with shirts, while women should consider donning Sarees, Salwar Kameez, or other attire that adequately covers their shoulders and legs. It is recommended to avoid Western clothing such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.

Non-Hindus are permitted to enter the Vishram Ghat in Mathura, irrespective of their religious affiliation.

Vishram Ghat Timings

Monday: 24 Hours, Aarti: 7 PM in summer & 6.45 PM in winter
Tuesday: 24 Hours, Aarti: 7 PM in summer & 6.45 PM in winter
Wednesday: 24 Hours, Aarti: 7 PM in summer & 6.45 PM in winter
Thursday: 24 Hours, Aarti: 7 PM in summer & 6.45 PM in winter
Friday: 24 Hours, Aarti: 7 PM in summer & 6.45 PM in winter
Saturday: 24 Hours, Aarti: 7 PM in summer & 6.45 PM in winter
Sunday: 24 Hours, Aarti: 7 PM in summer & 6.45 PM in winter

Vishram Ghat Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Vishram Ghat

The best time to visit Ghat in Mathura is from October to March. During this period, the climate is pleasant, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the ghat and participate in the festivities. For individuals wishing to experience the ghat at its most spiritually enriching, it is recommended to schedule your visit during the Bhai Dooj festival, and Yamuna Chhat. Besides, the evening aarti organized at this ghat, with diyas spread over the River Yamuna, combined with the chant of mantras is worth experiencing. Mathura endures extremely hot summers and heavy monsoons, rendering those months less suitable for travel and exploration.

How to Reach Vishram Ghat

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 Vishram Ghat by hiring a cab, or an auto-rickshaw from all parts of Mathura.