Shree Dwarikadhish Temple Mathura

The Dwarkadhish Temple has earned nationwide fame for its intricate architecture and captivating paintings. It is one of the oldest and largest temples in Mathura - one of the top pilgrim places in India. Though relatively new, being constructed in 1814, the temple holds great reverence. Dedicated to Lord Dwarkadheesh, a manifestation of Lord Krishna known as Dwarkanath, the temple features an impressive black marble idol. The complex is adorned with beautiful ceiling paintings depicting various aspects of His life.

Managed by followers of the Vaishnava sect, initiated by Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, the Dwarkadhish Temple is a lively centre with engaging activities throughout the year. Particularly during the Shravan months, the idol is placed on a Hindola, a type of swing set. The temple comes alive during important festivals such as Holi, Diwali, and Janmashtami. Nestled near the ghats of the River Yamuna, the temple and its surroundings buzz with various interesting activities. Every day, thousands of devotees flock here to offer their prayers and seek blessings.

Main Attractions of Dwarkadhish Temple

Ascending the steep steps into the grand temple, the first sight that greets you is a series of five exquisitely carved pillars. These pillars divide the courtyard into three segments: the right lane for women, the far left for men, and the centre lane, only accessible to those with VIP passes. In this central path, a large box awaits devotees to drop their offerings for the Lord.

Towards the front of the yard lies the garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum, housing the sacred idol. When the Darshan is temporarily closed, a curtain is drawn over the entrance. While awaiting the unveiling, one can immerse themselves in the beauty of the paintings adorning the walls and ceiling of the courtyard. These artworks depict various scenes, including the birth of Krishna and his mesmerising Raas Dance. Alongside the main idol, other sculptures of Hindu deities grace the temple, and a small tulsi plant, beloved by the Lord, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees.

Dwarkadhish Temple – Opening, Closing and Aarti Timings

Dwarkadhish Temple in Mathura is one of the most visited temples and attracts Lord Krishna devotees. Dwarkadhish Temple opening time is 6:00 am in the summer and closing time is 7:30 pm. Dwarkadhish temple closing time is winter is 7:00 pm.

Best Time to Visit Dwarkadhish Temple in Mathura

Visit one of the most famous temples of Mathura- Dwarkadheesh temple throught out the year. Best time considered is from September to March as festivals and pleasant weather brim out the ambience of temple.

Things to do at the Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura

• Visit during Krishna birth festival- Janmasthami to witness the excitement and zeal of devotees. Take part in borth celebration where priests give bathe to Lord Krishan child form in water, honey, curd. Milk and then cradle in palna(crib).

• Attend Jhulan Yatra, Hindola Utsav which leaves worshippers spellbound. Decorations, music, dance and bhajans are performed by locals and even devotees came from different part of country.

• Feel the vibe of Krishna Sanctum at the time of Shringar Aarti. In this morning time, priests dress up the Krishna deity in colourful dresses, garlands, flowers, and fragrances. The decorum looks opulent with Krishna and his favourite queens together. Chanting and parikrama of temple will make your day beautiful.

• Take a walk to Vishram Ghat and witness the Yamuna Aarti which is organized before the first darshan- 6 AM in the morning and after the last darshan time of 7:30 PM.

• Explore the cultural hub near Dwarkadhish Temple and indulge in shopping of clothes, sweets and must enjoy local street food of Mathura.

The Architecture of Dwarkadhish Temple

Constructed in 1814 by the spirited devotee Seth Gokul Das Parikh, the Dwarkadhish Temple gained fame quickly for its remarkable architecture and paintings. The temple complex occupies a vast area, and the main structure is a splendid example of Rajasthani style, with an entrance featuring a set of steep steps leading to the main courtyard. At the heart of the yard, three rows of intricately carved pillars uphold a ceiling adorned with paintings that narrate the life story of Lord Krishna.

Legends Associated with Dwarikadhish Temple

Legend has it that Krishna built the city of Dwarka on a piece of land reclaimed from the sea. In a Mahabharata tale, the sage Durvasa made a unique request when he visited Krishna and Rukmini. He wanted them to pull his chariot-like horses to their palace, and surprisingly, Krishna and Rukmini agreed, enduring the sage's peculiar behaviour. As they carried him, Rukmini got tired and thirsty, asking Krishna for water. Responding to her request, Krishna used his powers to make a hole, bringing the river Ganga to the area.

In local tradition, it is said that this incident led to a curse by Durvasa, confining Rukmini to that spot. The temple where Rukmini's shrine is located is believed to be the very place where she stood. In the epic, finding no fault with the divine couple, Durvasa blessed Krishna with invincibility everywhere except the soles of his feet. He declared that Rukmini would be the primary among the deity's spouses and his eternal companion in the next world.

Distance of Dwarkadhish Temple from Railway Station

Mathura is one of the oldest and most revered pilgrimage sites in India. Devotees from corners of countries and foreign countries come to Mathura and Vrindavan to get a dip in bhakti of Shree Krishna. For a complete Mathura Vrindavan tour, you can contact us. Explore our Mathura Vrindavan travel itineraries to get all-inclusive tour package with meal, accommodation, transportation, and sightseeing guide. We provide Mathura tour from Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Lucknow, Gurgaon and many other cities.