Gokul Tours - Land of Krishna

Krishna, the popular incarnation of Vishnu, is believed to have been born in Mathura. Every square foot of Mathura-Vrindavan is wrapped in timeless devotion to Lord Krishna, the evergreen hero of Hinduism, the lover of Radha, the cowherd-prince and the re-incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Mathura without Lord Krishna is like Bethlehem without Christ.

This area, popularly known as Brij Bhoomi, is a major pilgrimage place for Hindus and this area is closely linked with many episodes in Krishna early life. The region is richly interwoven with the legend of Krishna, kept alive today by millions of devotees who look upon him as the most endearing incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and by specific locations associated with the legend. Mathura region is also important for its festivals in which Lord Krishna forms the principal theme and are distinct to the area. Holi, Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami, Kans Vadh, Yam Dwitiya and Hariyali Teej are some which revolve around Lord Krishna and his most famous consort, Radha.

Nearby is Vrindavan, 15 km away, is also integral to the legend of Krishna. This is where Lord Krishna played his flute and sported with the gopis. The town was later immortalized in the poems of Mirabai, a princess of medieval India who became an ardent devotee of Krishna. Vrindavan is one of the most important religious centres of Hindu.

Gokul
The most celebrated of Shri Krishna's abode, Gokul attained importance during the time of Vallabhacharya (1479-1531) when it became a major centre of the Bhakti cult. The three oldest temples in the place are those dedicated to Gokulnath, Madan Mohan and Vitthalnath, said to have been built around 1511.

The celebration of Janmashtami in August is unparalleled for its gaiety and melas are constant attraction here. Other festivities celebrated with traditional fervour include the Janmotsav in Bhadon, the Annakut festival and Trinavat Mela held on the fourth day of the dark half of Kartik month. Important sites worth visiting in Gokul include the Gokulnath Temple, Raja Thakur Temple, Gopal Lalji Temple and the Morwala Temple.

Mahavan
Around 18 km from Mathura, lying on the left bank of the River Yamuna, is the large shrine of Mathuranath. It is famed for its Chaurasi Khambha (eighty four pillars). The palace of Rohini, the mother of Baldeo is now the Chhathi-Palana Temple. Other important shrines include, the Shymlalji Temple, the Yogmaya Temple, Tranairatri Temple and the Mahamall Rai Ji's palace.

Govardhan
Govardhan – a famous place of Hindu pilgrimage, Govardhan is located on a narrow sandstone hill known as Giriraj which is about 8 km in length. The young Lord Krishna is said to have held Giriraj up on the tip of a finger for 7 days and nights to shield the people of Braj from the deluge of rain sent down by Lord Indra.

Govardhan is set along the edge of a large masonry tank known as the Mansi Ganga, which is believed to have been brought into existence by the operation of the divine will. Its enclosues were built by Raja Bhagwan Das of Amer in 1637 and embellished by Raja Man Singh, who built a long flight of steps leading up, from the end of the tank.

Towards the south is the beautiful chhatri of Raja Surajmal of Bhartpur.