Mathura and Vrindavan – Festival of Janmashtami
Plan your Janmashtami with us. In this holy month of Janmashtami – the birth of Lord Krishna, Gozocabs brings to you the opportunity to travel to Mathura and Vrindavan which are the most significant places of pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Krishna. Krishna was born in Mathura and spent his childhood in Vrindavan.
In the city of Mathura, celebrations start over a month before the day of birth of Lord Krishna. Two most important aspects of the Janmashtami festival celebrated here are Jhulanotsav and Ghatas. Rasleelas are performed by various groups especially by 10-13 year old kids. Also Jankis are made, which are clay modeled figures on display wherein scenes depicting various stages of Krishna’s life are showcased all over the city of Mathura. Krishna was born at midnight so the celebrations lead up to that time after which various pujas and rituals take place in the temples. The main event is held at the actual location of Krishna’s birth which is now converted into a big Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. The idol is kept in a room called Garbha Griha, it is given a ritualistic bath with milk and curd, dressed up in traditional clothes and placed in the cradle. The cradle is then rocked while the devotees chant prayers and sing hymns. It is a popular belief that any wish made while the cradle is rocked, comes true on the day of Janmashtami. As the devotees welcome the lord, the lord is presented with panchamrit and Chappan bhog (56 dishes). This is then distributed among the devotees who break their fast with this.
MATHURA: The city of Mathura is located in the western part of Uttar Pradesh. Mathura being the birthplace of Lord Krishna depicts the eternal devotion towards the Lord. According to the legends, Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell in Mathura. There are innumerable number of holy sites in this city. Each of the ghat speaks of Krishna and the trees of the undying love between Krishna and Radha. The major sites located in Mathura are: Dwarkadhis Temple, Kesavadeva, Temple, Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir, Kusum Sarovar and Radha Kund.
VRINDAVAN: Vrindavan also known as the ”City of Temples” houses over 4000 temples devoted to lord Krishna. Vrindavan is a small town but a major place for pilgrims, located around 15 km away from Mathura. Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood in this city. There are several stories of his mischief with the local people of the city and his raslila with the gopis. The main temples one must watch out for: Madan Mohan Temple, Govind Dev Temple, Radha Gopinath Temple, Jugal Kishore Temple and Banke Bihari Temple.
You can book a Gozocab from Delhi-Mathura, Vrindavan or Agra-Mathura, Vrindavan. Downlaod the Gozo app from Google Playstore and book a cab online or call us at +91 90518 77000.
