In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, close to the Yamuna River, stands the Dwarkadhish Temple, a holy place dedicated to Lord Krishna as the ruler of Dwarka. Loved by many, this temple welcomes numerous devotees who gather to worship and show their heartfelt devotion to Krishna. This blog tells the temple’s story, its tales, its build, why it matters for worship, and what you need to know before you visit.
History of Dwarkadhish Temple
The Dwarkadhish Temple was constructed in 1814 by Seth Gokuldas Parikh, a wealthy merchant and devotee of Krishna. Mathura, tied to Krishna’s young days in old tales and scriptures like the Bhagavata Purana, is a holy town. They say Seth Gokuldas built the temple to honor Krishna as the ruler of Dwarka, a city he founded in old stories. The temple was set up to celebrate Krishna’s divine kingship. In Mathura’s busy streets, priests and devotees keep the temple going, making it a main spot for Krishna worship. Its story, born from faith and devotion, makes it special in the Braj land. Since it was built, it has been a place where people come to honor Krishna’s glory, holding its place in Mathura’s heart.
Legends of Dwarkadhish Temple
The temple is linked with stories about Krishna and local traditions. The main story tells of Krishna leaving Mathura to become the king of Dwarka, ruling with wisdom and kindness. This temple honors Krishna in his royal form as Dwarkadhish, the lord of Dwarka. The temple is a holy place where devotees sense a strong bond with Krishna’s divine presence. The idol, adorned in royal attire, is said to bring strength and blessings to all who come to worship. Some say true devotion awakens Krishna’s highest power, as described in sacred texts.
Architecture of Dwarkadhish Temple
The temple has a simple North Indian look. Built with red sandstone, it’s a solid place with carved gates and a tall spire. The main room holds the idol of Dwarkadhish, in bright cloth and jewels, standing as a kingly figure. The idol’s calm face draws those who come to pray.
The temple’s yard is open, with carved pillars and a tiled floor. The busy streets around it give a holy feel, filled with chants and steps. Inside, it has plain carvings of Krishna’s life, but keeps prayer first. A small area outside the temple offers visitors a quiet place to sit and listen to priests singing bhajans, providing a calm setting for prayer. The temple’s simple design reflects Mathura’s sacred atmosphere, where Krishna’s stories are a living part of the community. Carvings of flowers decorate the gates and pillars, showcasing traditional North Indian artistry. The idol, placed on a raised platform at the center, draws worshippers with its royal appearance, symbolizing Krishna’s glory.
Religious Significance
For followers of Krishna, the Dwarkadhish Temple is a vital place that honors both his role as a king and his loving nature. The darshan, with clear views of the idol, is a special way, joined by chants and bells. Daily aartis, at 6:30 AM and 7:00 PM, bring songs, bells, and incense, making a holy space. Festivals like Janmashtami, in August or September, and Holi, in March, fill the temple with songs, dances, and offerings of flowers and sweets. Janmashtami celebrates Krishna’s birth with big crowds, singing late into the night. Holi brings colors and joy, as people recall Krishna’s play in Vrindavan. The temple’s place in Mathura’s holy life joins devotees in faith and love for Krishna, making it a key spot for spiritual connection in the Braj land.
Visiting Information for Dwarkadhish Temple
How to Get There
The temple is in Mathura, 10 kilometers from Vrindavan, reachable from big cities. Ways to get there are:
By Air: Agra’s Kheria Airport, 60 kilometers away, is closest. Or, Delhi’s airport, 150 kilometers away, joins big cities. Taxis or buses from Agra or Delhi take 1 or 3 hours to Mathura.
By Rail: Mathura Junction, 3 kilometers away, links to Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Auto-rickshaws or taxis from the station take 10 minutes to the temple.
By Road: Mathura is 150 kilometers from Delhi and 60 kilometers from Agra on NH 44. From Mathura’s center, auto-rickshaws or taxis take 5–10 minutes. Parking is limited near the temple, so use public transport.
Temple Hours
The temple opens daily, 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Darshan times are steady, with clear views of the idol. Hours stretch for Janmashtami and Holi. Ask temple workers for festival times.
Best Time to Visit
October to March has cool weather, 10°C to 25°C, good for Mathura. Janmashtami and Holi are full of life but busy. Summers, April to June, hit 40°C, so go early. Rainy months, July to September, can make paths wet, so step with care.
Rules for Visitors
Wear good clothes: men need shirts and trousers or dhotis; women should wear sarees or churidar with a dupatta. No jeans or sleeveless tops.
Take off shoes before going in; a storage spot is there, with a small fee (₹2–5 per pair).
No photos inside the temple; outside photos need priest permission.
Offerings like flowers or sweets are okay; talk to priests for special prayers.
No smoking, spitting, or alcohol. Eat prasad in the temple.
Bring water and a hat for crowded areas. Watch crowds at festivals.
Nearby Places
Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple: A Krishna temple, 1 kilometer away, known for his birthplace.
Prem Mandir: A Krishna temple, 10 kilometers away in Vrindavan, known for its beauty and lights.
Banke Bihari Temple: A Krishna temple, 10 kilometers away, known for its unique darshan.
Yamuna River Ghat: A holy bathing spot, 1 kilometer away, linked to Krishna’s life.
Final Words
The Dwarkadhish Temple in Mathura dedicated to honoring Lord Krishna’s royal nature with great devotion allows visitors to experience the deep spiritual heritage of India. A visit here brings one closer to Krishna’s divine majesty and the holy history of Mathura, leaving a lasting feeling of awe and reverence.
