Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Birth place of Hindu god Krishna in Mathura, India}}
{{short description|Birth place of Hindu god Krishna in Mathura, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
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| name                  = Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex
| name                  = Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex
| image                = Mathura Temple-Mathura-India0002.JPG
| image                = Mathura Temple-Mathura-India0002.JPG
| image_upright        =
| alt                  = Katra Keshav Dev Temple
| alt                  = Katra Keshav Dev Temple
| caption              = Keshavdeva Temple
| caption              = Front view of Keshavdeva Temple
| map_type              = India Uttar Pradesh
| map_type              = India Uttar Pradesh
| map_size              =
| map_alt              =
| map_relief            =
| map_caption          = Location in Uttar Pradesh
| map_caption          = Location in Uttar Pradesh
| coordinates          = {{coord|27.504748|77.669754|type:landmark_region:IN-UP|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates          = {{coord|27.504748|77.669754|type:landmark_region:IN-UP|display=inline,title}}
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| locale                = Mallapura
| locale                = Mallapura
| location              = [[Mathura]]
| location              = [[Mathura]]
| deity                = [[Krishna|Keshavdeva]]
| deity                = {{bulleted list|[[Krishna|Keshavdeva]] (Keshavdeva temple)|[[Radha Krishna]] (Bhagvata Bhavan)}}
| rite                  =
| tradition            = [[Vaishnavism]]
| sect                  =
| tradition            = [[Vaishnava]]
| festival              = [[Krishna Janmashtami]]
| festival              = [[Krishna Janmashtami]]
| sector                =
| municipality          =
| district              = [[Mathura district]]
| district              = [[Mathura district]]
| territory            =
| prefecture            =
| state                = [[Uttar Pradesh]]
| state                = [[Uttar Pradesh]]
| province              =
| region                = [[Braj]]
| region                = Hindu
| country              = India
| country              = India
| administration        =
| consecration_year    = 1958 CE (modern temple)
| consecration_year    = 1958 CE (modern temple)
| functional_status    = Active
| functional_status    = Active
| heritage_designation  =
| ownership            =
| governing_body        =
| leadership            =
| patron                =
| website              =
| architect            =
| architecture_type    =
| architecture_style    =
| founded_by            =
| creator              =
| funded_by            = [[Dalmia Group|Dalmia]] and [[Birla family]]
| funded_by            = [[Dalmia Group|Dalmia]] and [[Birla family]]
| general_contractor    =
| established          =
| groundbreaking        = 1953 (modern temple)
| groundbreaking        = 1953 (modern temple)
| year_completed        = 1982
| year_completed        = 1982
| construction_cost    =
| date_destroyed        =
| facade_direction      =
| capacity              =
| length                =
| width                =
| width_nave            =
| interior_area        =
| height_max            =
| dome_quantity        =
| dome_height_outer    =
| dome_height_inner    =
| dome_dia_outer        =
| dome_dia_inner        =
| spire_quantity        =
| spire_height          =
| site_area            =
| temple_quantity      = Three
| temple_quantity      = Three
| monument_quantity    =
| shrine_quantity      =
| inscriptions          =
| materials            =
| elevation_m          = <!-- or | elevation_ft = -->
| elevation_footnotes  =
| added                =
| refnum                =
| footnotes            =
}}
}}
The '''Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex''' is a group of [[Hindu temple]]s in Mallapura, [[Mathura]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], India. These temples are built at the location where the Hindu deity [[Krishna]] is believed to be born, and is adjacent to the Shahi Eidgah mosque built by [[Aurangzeb]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Tattvāloka|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PTUKAQAAMAAJ|volume=30|year=2007|publisher=Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Educational Trust|page=20}}</ref><ref name="Vemsani" /><ref name="Scr" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="TH1" /><ref name="Growse" /><ref name="Ahmad1963" />


The place has held religious significance since the 6th century BC.<ref name="Entwistle1987" /> The temples were destroyed multiple times throughout history, most recently by the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] emperor Aurangzeb in 1670. He built the Eidgah mosque there which still stands.<ref name="Scr" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="TH1" /><ref name="Truschke2018" /><ref name="Entwistle1987" /> In 20th century, the new temple complex adjacent the mosque was built with the financial help from industrialists containing the Keshavdeva temple, the Garbha Griha temple at the birthplace and the Bhagavata Bhavan.<ref name="Scr">{{cite web|last=Yamunan|first=Sruthisagar|title=In Mathura, the Ayodhya playbook is being deployed again to claim Hindu rights over Idgah mosque|url=https://scroll.in/article/974389/in-mathura-the-ayodhya-playbook-is-being-deployed-again-to-claim-hindu-rights-over-idgah-mosque|access-date=2020-12-04|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref>
'''Krishna Janmasthan Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]] situated in [[Mathura]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]. There are three main temples inside the premises -- ''Keshavdev'' ''temple'' which is dedicated to [[Krishna]], ''Garbh Griha'' where Krishna is believed to be born in [[Dvapara Yuga|Dvapar Yuga]] and ''Bhagvata Bhavan'' where presiding deities are [[Radha Krishna]].<ref name=":4">{{cite book|title=Tattvāloka|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PTUKAQAAMAAJ|volume=30|year=2007|publisher=Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Educational Trust|page=20}}</ref><ref name="Vemsani" /><ref name="Scr" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="TH1">{{Cite news|date=2020-10-16|title=Mathura court admits plea to remove mosque adjacent Krishna Janmabhoomi|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mathura-court-admits-plea-to-remove-mosque-adjacent-krishna-janmabhoomi/article32875442.ece|access-date=2020-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017094154/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mathura-court-admits-plea-to-remove-mosque-adjacent-krishna-janmabhoomi/article32875442.ece|archive-date=2020-10-17|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name="Growse" /><ref name="Ahmad1963" />
 
The place has held religious significance since at least the 6th century BCE with findings of religious artifacts in excavations.<ref name="Entwistle1987" /> The temples were destroyed multiple times throughout history, most recently by the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] emperor [[Aurangzeb]] in 1670. He built the Shahi Eidgah mosque there, which still stands.<ref name="Scr" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="TH1" /><ref name="Truschke2018" /><ref name="Entwistle1987" /> In the 20th century, the new temple complex adjacent to mosque was built with the financial help from industrialists.<ref name="Scr">{{cite web|last=Yamunan|first=Sruthisagar|title=In Mathura, the Ayodhya playbook is being deployed again to claim Hindu rights over Idgah mosque|url=https://scroll.in/article/974389/in-mathura-the-ayodhya-playbook-is-being-deployed-again-to-claim-hindu-rights-over-idgah-mosque|access-date=2020-12-04|website=Scroll.in|date=30 September 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
{{Vaishnavism}}
{{Hinduism small}}


==History==
==History==
[[File:Ogee Arches and Balconies Containing Human Figures - Rear View - Circa 2nd Century BCE - Katra Keshav Dev - ACCN 00-M1 - Government Museum - Mathura 2013-02-24 6100.JPG|thumb|Ogee arches and balconies containing human figures, rear view, circa 2nd century BCE, found from archeological excavation of Katra Keshavdeva. Now in [[Government Museum, Mathura]].|260x260px]]
[[File:Ogee Arches and Balconies Containing Human Figures - Rear View - Circa 2nd Century BCE - Katra Keshav Dev - ACCN 00-M1 - Government Museum - Mathura 2013-02-24 6100.JPG|thumb|Ogee arches and balconies containing human figures, rear view, circa 2nd century BCE, found from archeological excavation of Katra Keshavdeva. Now in [[Government Museum, Mathura]].|260x260px|left]]
[[File:The Idgah, Mathura 1949.jpg|thumb|The Shahi Eidgah in 1949 which was constructed on the raised plinth of the original temple destroyed by Aurangzeb|260x260px]]
[[File:The Idgah, Mathura 1949 (cropped).jpg|thumb|The Shahi Eidgah in 1949 which was constructed on the raised plinth of the original temple destroyed by Aurangzeb|260x260px|left]]


=== Ancient and Classical Period ===
=== Ancient and Classical Period ===
According to Hindu traditions, Krishna was born to [[Devaki]] and [[Vasudeva]] in a prison cell where they were confined by his maternal uncle [[Kamsa|Kansa]], a king of [[Mathura]], due to prophecy of his death by the child of Devaki.<ref name="Anand1992" /><ref name="Bakker1990" /> According to tradition, a temple dedicated to Krishna was built the birthplace by his great grandson [[Vajra (king)|Vajranabh]].<ref name="Anand1992">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EsvSwdUgQYcC&pg=PA29|title=Krishna, the Living God of Braj|author=D. Anand|publisher=Abhinav Publications|year=1992|isbn=978-81-7017-280-2|pages=29, 125}}</ref><ref name="Vemsani" /> The present site known as Krishna Janmasthan ({{literal translation|birthplace of Krishna}}) was known as Katra ({{literal translation|market place}}) Keshavdeva.<ref name="Entwistle1987" /> The archaeological excavations of the site had revealed pottery and terracotta from 6th century BC.<ref name="Entwistle1987" /> It also produced some [[Jain]] sculptures as well as a large [[Buddhist]] complex including Yasha Vihara, a monastery, belonging to [[Gupta dynasty|Gupta period]] ({{circa|400}}).<ref name="Entwistle1987">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2YoRAQAAIAAJ|title=Braj: Centre of Krishna pilgrimage|author=A. W. Entwistle|date=1 January 1987|publisher=E. Forsten|isbn=9789069800165|pages=125, 319–320}}</ref>  The Vaishnava temple may have erected on the place as early as the first century.<ref name="Entwistle1987" /> Some late 8th century inscriptions mentions donations to the site by the [[Rashtrakuta dynasty|Rashtrakutas]].<ref name="Anand1992" /><ref name="Scr" /><ref name=":2">{{cite web|title=Petition Asks for Removal of Idgah Mosque From 'Krishna's Birthplace' in Mathura|url=https://thewire.in/law/mathura-mosque-lord-krishna-temple|access-date=2020-12-04|website=The Wire}}</ref><ref name="TH1" />
According to Hindu traditions, Krishna was born to [[Devaki]] and [[Vasudeva]] in a prison cell where they were confined by his maternal uncle [[Kamsa]], a king of [[Mathura]], due to prophecy of his death by the child of Devaki.<ref name="Anand1992" /><ref name="Bakker1990" /> According to tradition, a temple dedicated to Krishna was built the birthplace by his great-grandson [[Vajra (king)|Vajranabh]].<ref name="Vemsani" /><ref name="Anand1992">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EsvSwdUgQYcC&pg=PA29|title=Krishna, the Living God of Braj|author=D. Anand|publisher=Abhinav Publications|year=1992|isbn=978-81-7017-280-2|pages=29, 125}}</ref> The present site known as Krishna Janmasthan ({{literal translation|birthplace of Krishna}}) was known as Katra ({{literal translation|market place}}) Keshavdeva.<ref name="Entwistle1987" /> The archaeological excavations of the site had revealed pottery and terracotta from 6th century BCE.<ref name="Entwistle1987" /> It also produced some [[Jain]] sculptures as well as a large [[Buddhist]] complex including Yasha Vihara.<ref name="Entwistle1987">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2YoRAQAAIAAJ|title=Braj: Centre of Krishna pilgrimage|author=A. W. Entwistle|date=1 January 1987|publisher=E. Forsten|isbn=9789069800165|pages=125, 319–320}}</ref>  The Vaishnava temple may have erected on the place as early as the first century.<ref name="Entwistle1987" /> A whole new magnificent temple complex was rebuilt at the place by Gupta Emperor [[Chandragupta II]] in 400CE.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> A late 8th century inscriptions also mentions donations to the site by the [[Rashtrakuta dynasty|Rashtrakutas]].<ref name="Scr" /><ref name=":2">{{cite web|title=Petition Asks for Removal of Idgah Mosque From 'Krishna's Birthplace' in Mathura|url=https://thewire.in/law/mathura-mosque-lord-krishna-temple|access-date=2020-12-04|website=The Wire}}</ref><ref name="TH1" /><ref name="Anand1992" />


=== Medieval Period ===
=== Medieval Period ===
In 1017 or 1018, [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] attacked and plundered [[Brindaban|Mahaban]]. Ghazni's scribe, though not accompanying him on the expedition, Al Utbi describes in his ''Tarikh-i-Yamini'' neighbouring holy town which is identified as Mathura.<ref name="Scr" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="TH1" /> He wrote, "In the centre of the city there was a huge and magnificent temple, which the people believed wasn’t built by men but by the angels... Any description of the temple, either in words or in pictures, would fall short and fail to convey its beauty." Mahmud of Ghazni wrote, "if any one wished to construct a building equal to it, he would not be able to do so without spending a hundred million dinars, and the work would occupy two hundred years, even though the most able and experienced workmen were employed."<ref name="Scr" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="TH1">{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2020-10-16|title=Mathura court admits plea to remove mosque adjacent Krishna Janmabhoomi|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mathura-court-admits-plea-to-remove-mosque-adjacent-krishna-janmabhoomi/article32875442.ece|access-date=2020-12-04|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He ordered to burn all the temples and demolish them. He plundered gold and silver idols and carried away a load of hundred camels.<ref name="Growse">{{cite book|author=F. S. Growse|title=Mathura-Brindaban-The Mystical Land Of Lord Krishna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=md2nxLByaQ4C&pg=PA50|publisher=Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd.|isbn=978-81-7182-443-4|pages=50–51, 52, 55}}</ref><ref name="Ahmad1963">{{cite book|author=Fazl Ahmad|title=Heroes of Islam Series: Mahmood of Ghazni|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9oVTAAAAYAAJ|year=1963|publisher=Sh. Muhammad Ashraf|page=70}}</ref> A stone inscription in Sanskrit found from the site mentions that in [[Vikrama Samvat]] 1207 (1150) a person named Jajja who may have been a vassal of [[Gahadavala]] king built a Vishnu temple which was 'brilliantly white and touching the clouds'.<ref name="Bakker1990">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=McwUAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA6|title=The History of Sacred Places in India As Reflected in Traditional Literature: Papers on Pilgrimage in South Asia|author=Hans Bakker|publisher=BRILL|year=1990|isbn=90-04-09318-4|pages=6–7, 9}}</ref><ref name="Entwistle1987" />
In 1017 or 1018, [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] attacked and plundered [[Brindaban|Mahaban]]. He ordered to burn all the temples and demolish them. He plundered gold and silver statues and carried away a load of hundred camels.<ref name="Growse">{{cite book|author=F. S. Growse|title=Mathura-Brindaban-The Mystical Land Of Lord Krishna|date=31 January 2024 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=md2nxLByaQ4C&pg=PA50|publisher=Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd.|isbn=978-81-7182-443-4|pages=50–51, 52, 55}}</ref><ref name="Ahmad1963">{{cite book|author=Fazl Ahmad|title=Heroes of Islam Series: Mahmood of Ghazni|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9oVTAAAAYAAJ|year=1963|publisher=Sh. Muhammad Ashraf|page=70}}</ref> A stone inscription in Sanskrit found from the site mentions that in [[Vikram Samvat]] 1207 (1150) a person named Jajja who may have been a vassal of [[Gahadavala]] king built a Vishnu temple which was 'brilliantly white and touching the clouds'.<ref name="Entwistle1987" /><ref name="Bakker1990">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=McwUAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA6|title=The History of Sacred Places in India As Reflected in Traditional Literature: Papers on Pilgrimage in South Asia|author=Hans Bakker|publisher=BRILL|year=1990|isbn=90-04-09318-4|pages=6–7, 9}}</ref>


=== Mughal Period ===
=== Mughal Period ===
 
[[Vaishnava]] saints [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]] and [[Vallabhacharya]] visited Mathura in early 16th century.<ref name="Scr" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="Bakker1990" /><ref name="Knapp">{{cite book|author=Stephen Knapp|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fw_ODQAAQBAJ&pg=PT5|title=Krishna Deities and Their Miracles|date=January 1, 2021|publisher=Prabhat Prakashan|page=5}}</ref> Abdullah, in the reign of [[Mughal Empire|Mughal emperor]] [[Jehangir]], mentions in ''[[Tarikh-i-Dawudi|Tarikh-i-Daudi]]'' the destruction of Mathura and its temples by [[Delhi Sultanate|Delhi Sultan]] [[Sikandar Lodi]] in 16th century. Lodi had prohibited Hindus from bathing in the river and shaving of heads on the banks as well.<ref name="Growse" /><ref name="Bakker1990" /> In the reign of Jehangir, in 1618, [[Vir Singh Deo|Raja Veer Singh Deva]] Bundela of [[Orchha State|Orchha]] had built a temple at the cost of thirty-three lakhs.<ref name="Growse" /><ref name="Truschke2018" /><ref name="Jafri2009">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2c9312fKPqgC&pg=PA299|title=Transformations in Indian History|author=Saiyid Zaheer Husain Jafri|date=1 January 2009|publisher=Anamika Publishers & Distributors|isbn=978-81-7975-261-6|pages=299–303|access-date=7 July 2012}}</ref> A French traveller [[Jean-Baptiste Tavernier|Tavernier]] visited Mathura in 1650 and had described the octagonal temple built in red sandstone.<ref name="Jafri2009" /><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/travelsinindia00tavegoog|title=Travels in India|last1=Tavernier|first1=Jean-Baptiste|last2=Ball|first2=V. (Valentine)|date=1889|publisher=London, New York, Macmillan and co.|others=University of Michigan|pages=240–241}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6_htAAAAMAAJ|title=The Quarterly Review of Historical Studies|publisher=Institute of Historical Studies.|year=1983|volume=22|page=50}}</ref> Italian traveller [[Niccolao Manucci]] who worked in Mughal court has also described the temple.<ref name=":3" /> Mughal prince [[Dara Shukoh|Dara Shikoh]] had patronised the temple and donated a railing to the temple.<ref name="Truschke2018" /> The railing was removed by Mathura governor Abdun Nabi Khan on the order of Mughal emperor [[Aurangzeb]] and he built the Jama mosque on the ruins of the Hindu temples. During the Jat rebellion in Mathura, Abdul Nabi Khan was killed in 1669.<ref name="Mehta1986">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-TsMl0vSc0gC&pg=PA499|title=Advanced Study in the History of Medieval India|author=Jl Mehta|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd|year=1986|isbn=978-81-207-1015-3|pages=499–500}}</ref> Aurangzeb attacked Mathura and destroyed that Keshavdeva temple in 1670 and built the Shahi Eidgah in its place.<ref name="Entwistle1987" /><ref name="Truschke2018">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AGwlDgAAQBAJ&pg=PT95|title=Aurangzeb: The Man and the Myth|author=Audrey Truschke|date=1 February 2018|publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited|isbn=978-0-14-343967-7|pages=95–96}}</ref>
[[Vaishnava]] saints [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]] and [[Vallabhacharya]] visited Mathura in early 16th century.<ref name="Knapp">{{cite book|author=Stephen Knapp|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fw_ODQAAQBAJ&pg=PT5|title=Krishna Deities and Their Miracles|date=January 0101|publisher=Prabhat Prakashan|page=5}}</ref><ref name="Bakker1990" /><ref name="Scr" /><ref name=":2" /> Abdullah, in the reign of [[Mughal Empire|Mughal emperor]] [[Jehangir]], mentions in ''Tarikh-i-Daudi'' the destruction of Mathura and its temples by [[Delhi Sultanate|Delhi Sultan]] [[Sikandar Lodi]] in 16th century. Lodi had prohibited Hindus from bathing in the river and shaving of heads on the banks as well.<ref name="Growse" /><ref name="Bakker1990" /> In the reign of Jehangir, in 1618, [[Vir Singh Deo|Raja Veer Singh Deva]] Bundela of [[Orchha State|Orchha]] had built a temple at the cost of thirty-three lakhs.<ref name="Growse" /><ref name="Truschke2018" /><ref name="Jafri2009">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2c9312fKPqgC&pg=PA299|title=Transformations in Indian History|author=Saiyid Zaheer Husain Jafri|date=1 January 2009|publisher=Anamika Publishers & Distributors|isbn=978-81-7975-261-6|pages=299–303|access-date=7 July 2012}}</ref> A French traveller [[Jean-Baptiste Tavernier|Tavernier]] visited Mathura in 1650 and had described the octagonal temple built in red sand stone.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/travelsinindia00tavegoog|title=Travels in India|last1=Tavernier|first1=Jean-Baptiste|last2=Ball|first2=V. (Valentine)|date=1889|publisher=London, New York, Macmillan and co.|others=University of Michigan|pages=240–241}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6_htAAAAMAAJ|title=The Quarterly Review of Historical Studies|publisher=Institute of Historical Studies.|year=1983|volume=22|page=50}}</ref><ref name="Jafri2009" /> Italian traveller [[Niccolao Manucci]] who worked in Mughal court has also described the temple.<ref name=":3" /> Mughal prince [[Dara Shukoh|Dara Shikoh]] had patronised the temple and donated a railing to the temple.<ref name="Truschke2018" /> The railing was removed by Mathura governor Abdun Nabi Khan on the order of Mughal emperor [[Aurangzeb]] and he built the Jama mosque on the ruins of the Hindu temples. During the Jat rebellion in Mathura, Abdul Nabi Khan was killed in 1669.<ref name="Mehta1986">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-TsMl0vSc0gC&pg=PA499|title=Advanced Study in the History of Medieval India|author=Jl Mehta|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd|year=1986|isbn=978-81-207-1015-3|pages=499–500}}</ref> Aurangzeb attacked Mathura and destroyed that Keshavdeva temple in 1670 and built the Shahi Eidgah in its place.<ref name="Truschke2018">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AGwlDgAAQBAJ&pg=PT95|title=Aurangzeb: The Man and the Myth|author=Audrey Truschke|date=1 February 2018|publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited|isbn=978-0-14-343967-7|pages=95–96}}</ref><ref name="Entwistle1987" />


=== Modern Period ===
=== Modern Period ===
Mathura came under British control in 1804. The [[East India Company]]  auctioned the land of Katra and it was purchased by Raja Patnimal, a wealthy banker<ref name="SinghMishra2005">{{cite book|author1=Nagendra Kr Singh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0TBTVPax4E8C&pg=PA397|title=Encyclopaedia of Oriental Philosophy and Religion: Hinduism : J-R|author2=A. P. Mishra|publisher=Global Vision Publishing House|year=2005|isbn=978-81-8220-073-9|page=397}}</ref> of [[Banaras]].<ref name="Anand1992" /><ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=History|url=http://shrikrishnajanmasthan.net/history.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904230906/http://shrikrishnajanmasthan.net/history.html|archive-date=4 September 2015|access-date=2018-07-31|website=shrikrishnajanmasthan.net}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|last=Ghimire|first=Yubaraj|date=15 June 1993|title=Shahi Idgah adjacent to Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple at Mathura to be VHP's next target|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19930615-shahi-idgah-adjacent-to-krishna-janmabhoomi-temple-at-mathura-to-be-vhp-next-target-811195-1993-06-15|access-date=2018-07-31|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> Raja Patnimal wanted to build the temple but could not do so. His descendants inherited the land of Katra. His descendant Rai Krishna Das was challenged, for the ownership of 13.37 acres of land on which the shrine and the Shahi Eidgah is situated, in two civil suits by the Muslims of Mathura but the [[Allahabad High Court]] ruled in favour of Raj Krishna Das in both suits in 1935.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> [[Kailash Nath Katju]] and Madanmohan Chaturvedi had helped in these lawsuits. Politician and educationist [[Madan Mohan Malaviya]] acquired the land from Raj Krishna Das on 7 February 1944 at the cost of Rs. 13000 with financial help of Industrialist [[Jugal Kishore Birla]].<ref name="Anand1992" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Following death of Malaviya, Jugal Kishore Birla formed a trust named Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust, later registered as the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan, on 21 February 1951 and acquired the land.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Jugal Kishore Birla entrusted the construction of the new temple with another industrialist and philanthropist [[Jaidayal Dalmia]]. The construction of the temple complex was started in October 1953 with leveling of lands and completed in February 1982. His eldest son [[Vishnu Hari Dalmia]] succeeded him and served on the Trust until his death. His grandson Anurag Dalmia is Joint Managing Trustee on the Trust.<ref name="Anand1992" /><ref name=":0" /> The construction was funded by other business families including [[Ramnath Goenka]].<ref name="Anand1992" />
Mathura came under British control in 1804. The [[East India Company]]  auctioned the {{convert|13.37|acre|ha|order=flip}} of land of Katra and it was purchased by Raja Patnimal, a wealthy banker of [[Varanasi|Banaras.]]<ref name="Anand1992" /><ref name="SinghMishra2005">{{cite book|author1=Nagendra Kr Singh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0TBTVPax4E8C&pg=PA397|title=Encyclopaedia of Oriental Philosophy and Religion: Hinduism : J-R|author2=A. P. Mishra|publisher=Global Vision Publishing House|year=2005|isbn=978-81-8220-073-9|page=397}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=History|url=http://shrikrishnajanmasthan.net/history.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904230906/http://shrikrishnajanmasthan.net/history.html|archive-date=4 September 2015|access-date=2018-07-31|website=shrikrishnajanmasthan.net}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|last=Ghimire|first=Yubaraj|date=15 June 1993|title=Shahi Idgah adjacent to Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple at Mathura to be VHP's next target|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19930615-shahi-idgah-adjacent-to-krishna-janmabhoomi-temple-at-mathura-to-be-vhp-next-target-811195-1993-06-15|access-date=2018-07-31|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> Raja Patnimal wanted to build the temple but could not do so. His descendants inherited the land of Katra and still maintained the full {{convert|13.37|acre|ha|order=flip}} without splitting it up. His descendant Rai Krishna Das was challenged, for the ownership of {{convert|13.37|acre|ha|order=flip}} of land on which the shrine and the Shahi Eidgah is situated, in two civil suits by the Muslims of Mathura but the [[Allahabad High Court]] ruled in favour of Raj Krishna Das in both suits in 1935.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> [[Kailash Nath Katju]] and Madanmohan Chaturvedi had helped in these lawsuits. Politician and educationist [[Madan Mohan Malaviya]] acquired the land from Raj Krishna Das on 7 February 1944 at the cost of Rs. 13000 with financial help of Industrialist [[Jugal Kishore Birla]].<ref name="Anand1992" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Following the death of Malaviya, Jugal Kishore Birla formed a trust named Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust, later registered as the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan, on 21 February 1951 and acquired the full {{convert|13.37|acre|ha|order=flip}} of land.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Jugal Kishore Birla entrusted the construction of the new temple with another industrialist and philanthropist [[Jaidayal Dalmia]]. The construction of the temple complex was started in October 1953 with leveling of lands and completed in February 1982. His eldest son [[Vishnu Hari Dalmia]] succeeded him and served on the Trust until his death. His grandson Anurag Dalmia is Joint Managing Trustee on the Trust.<ref name="Anand1992" /><ref name=":0" /> The construction was funded by other business families including [[Ramnath Goenka]].<ref name="Anand1992" />


In 1968, the Shree Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh and the Shahi Eidgah committee reached a compromise agreement which granted the temple land to the Trust and the management of the Shahi Eidgah to the Eidgah committee as well no legal claim of the Shree Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh on the Shahi Eidgah.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite book|last=Gopal|first=Sarvepalli|title=Anatomy of a Confrontation: Ayodhya and the Rise of Communal Politics in India|date=1993-10-15|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=9781856490504|pages=95–97|language=en|chapter=Note 3|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=47AARF595dUC&q=shahi+idgah+mathura&pg=PA95}}</ref> [[Indian National Congress]] leader [[Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar]] was the first chairman of the Shree Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh which signed the compromise agreement and his legal authority to sign agreement is contested. He was succeeded by [[M. A. Ayyangar]], followed by Akhandananda Saraswati and Ramdev Maharaj. Nrityagopaldas is the present chairman.<ref name=":0" /> Following the [[Demolition of the Babri Masjid|demolition of the Babri Mosque]] in 1992, Manohar Lal Sharma, a resident of [[Vrindavan]], has filed a petition in the Mathura District Court challenging the 1968 agreement as well as a petition to quash the Places of Religious Worship Act of 1991 which preserves the status quo as on 15 August 1947 for all places of worship.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Dhavan|first=Rajeev|date=11 July 2003|title=Ayodhya solutions|url=https://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2003/07/11/stories/2003071101071000.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030912142933/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2003/07/11/stories/2003071101071000.htm|archive-date=12 September 2003|access-date=2018-07-31|website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
In 1968, the Shree Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh and the Shahi Eidgah committee reached a compromise agreement which granted the temple land to the Trust and the management of the Shahi Eidgah to the Eidgah committee as well no legal claim of the Shree Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh on the Shahi Eidgah.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|last=Gopal|first=Sarvepalli|title=Anatomy of a Confrontation: Ayodhya and the Rise of Communal Politics in India|date=1993-10-15|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=9781856490504|pages=95–97|language=en|chapter=Note 3|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=47AARF595dUC&q=shahi+idgah+mathura&pg=PA95}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> [[Indian National Congress]] leader [[Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar]] was the first chairman of the Shree Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh which signed the compromise agreement and his legal authority to sign agreement is contested. He was succeeded by [[M. A. Ayyangar]], followed by Akhandananda Saraswati and Ramdev Maharaj. Nrityagopaldas is the present chairman.<ref name=":0" /> Following the [[Demolition of the Babri Masjid|demolition of the Babri Mosque]] in 1992, Manohar Lal Sharma, a resident of [[Vrindavan]], has filed a petition in the Mathura District Court challenging the 1968 agreement as well as a petition to quash the Places of Religious Worship Act of 1991 which preserves the status quo as on 15 August 1947 for all places of worship.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|last=Dhavan|first=Rajeev|date=11 July 2003|title=Ayodhya solutions|url=https://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2003/07/11/stories/2003071101071000.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030912142933/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2003/07/11/stories/2003071101071000.htm|archive-date=12 September 2003|access-date=2018-07-31|website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref name=":1" />


[[File:Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi birth site 1949.jpg|thumb|The site celebrated as the birthplace of Krishna who, as tradition goes, was born in a prison and the prison is said to have existed on the plot marked by a stone plate. To the right of it is the Shahi Eidgah. The image is taken in 1949 before the modern temple complex was built.|260x260px]]
[[File:Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi birth site 1949.jpg|thumb|The site celebrated as the birthplace of Krishna who, as tradition goes, was born in a prison and the prison is said to have existed on the plot marked by a stone plate. To the right of it is the Shahi Eidgah. The image is taken in 1949 before the modern temple complex was built.|left]]
[[File:Krishnajanmabhoomi 1988A.jpg|thumb|Garbha Griha shrine (left) behind the Eidgah (centre) and entrance of the Keshavdeva temple (right), 1988.|260x260px]]
[[File:Krishnajanmabhoomi 1988A.jpg|thumb|Garbha Griha shrine (left) behind the Eidgah (centre) and entrance of the Keshavdeva temple (right), 1988.|260x260px]]


<mapframe latitude="27.5049999" longitude="77.6699999" zoom="16" width="260" height="300" align="right" text="Location of temples and nearby water tank.">
<mapframe latitude="27.5049999" longitude="77.6699999" zoom="16" width="260" height="300" align="right" text="Location of temples and nearby water tank.">
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==Temples and monuments==
==Temples and monuments==
 
[[File:Mathura India (2).JPG|thumb|upright|Entrance of the Krishna Janambhoomi temple complex]]
The temple complex contains Keshavdeva temple, Garbha Griha shrine and Bhagavata Bhavan.<ref name="Vemsani">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4fw2DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA140|title=Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names|last=Vemsani|first=Lavanya|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2016|isbn=978-1-61069-211-3|pages=140–141}}</ref>
The temple complex contains Keshavdeva temple, Garbha Griha shrine and Bhagavata Bhavan.<ref name="Vemsani">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4fw2DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA140|title=Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names|last=Vemsani|first=Lavanya|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2016|isbn=978-1-61069-211-3|pages=140–141}}</ref>


===Keshavdeva Temple===
===Keshavdeva Temple===
The Keshavdeva Temple was built by [[Ramkrishna Dalmia]] in memory of his mother Jadiadevi Dalmia. The construction of the temple started on 29 June 1957 and inaugurated on 6 September 1958 by [[Hanuman Prasad Poddar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shrikrishnajanmasthan.net/temples_keshav.html|title=Keshavdeva|website=shrikrishnajanmasthan.net|access-date=2018-07-31}}</ref> It is located south of the Shahi Eidgah.
The Keshavdeva Temple was built by Ramkrishna Dalmia in memory of his mother Jadiadevi Dalmia. The construction of the temple started on 29 June 1957 and inaugurated on 6 September 1958 by [[Hanuman Prasad Poddar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shrikrishnajanmasthan.net/temples_keshav.html|title=Keshavdeva|website=shrikrishnajanmasthan.net|access-date=2018-07-31}}</ref> It is located south of the [[Shahi Eidgah Mosque]].


===Garbha Griha shrine===
===Garbha Griha shrine===
It is said that Shahi Eidgah was constructed on the ''sabhamandapa'' (assembly hall) of the original temple and the ''garbha griha'' (sanctum sactorum) was left. It is considered as the place of the prison cell where Krishna is believed to have born. A marble pavilion and an underground prison cell were built on the place with spacious [[veranda]]. There is shrine near it dedicated to eight-handed goddess [[Adi Parashakti#Yog Maya|Yogmaya]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shrikrishnajanmasthan.net/temples_garbha.htm|title=Garbha Griha|website=shrikrishnajanmasthan.net|access-date=2018-07-31}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name="Vemsani" /> It is located against the rear wall of the Shahi Eidgah.<ref name="Anand1992" />
It is said that Shahi Eidgah was constructed on the ''sabhamandapa'' (assembly hall) of the original temple and the ''garbha griha'' (sanctum sactorum) was left. It is considered as the place of the prison cell where Krishna is believed to have been born. A marble pavilion and an underground prison cell were built on the place with spacious [[veranda]]. There is shrine near it dedicated to eight-handed goddess [[Adi Parashakti#Yog Maya|Yogmaya]].<ref name="Vemsani" /><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://shrikrishnajanmasthan.net/temples_garbha.htm|title=Garbha Griha|website=shrikrishnajanmasthan.net|access-date=2018-07-31}}</ref> It is located against the rear wall of the Shahi Eidgah.<ref name="Anand1992" />


===Bhagavata Bhavan===
===Bhagavata Bhavan===
The construction of the temple dedicated to ''[[Bhagavata Purana|Shrimad Bhagavata]]'' was started on 11 February 1965 and the installation ceremony of the deities were held on 12 February 1982. It includes five shrines: the main shrine having six-feet tall couple of [[Radha]] and Krishna; the shrine of [[Balarama]], [[Subhadra]] and [[Jagannath]]a on right; the temple of [[Rama]], [[Lakshmana]] and [[Sita]] on left; Garuda Stambha (pillar) and [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]] in front of Jagannatha shrine and [[Hanuman]] in front of Ram shrine; the temple of [[Durga]] and the temple with [[Lingam|Shivalinga]]. The ceiling, walls and pillars of the assembly hall are adorned with [[fresco]]es depicting life events of Krishna and his associates and devotees. The text of ''[[Bhagavad Gita]]'' engraved on copper-plates adorn the walls of the ''[[parikrama]]'' (circumambulation) of the main temple.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shrikrishnajanmasthan.net/temples_bhagvata.htm|title=Bhagvata Bhavan|website=shrikrishnajanmasthan.net|access-date=2018-07-31}}</ref><ref name="Vemsani" /><ref name="Anand1992" /> There are statues of Malaviya and Birla in the complex.<ref name="Anand1992" />
The construction of the temple dedicated to ''[[Bhagavata Purana|Shrimad Bhagavata]]'' was started on 11 February 1965 and the installation ceremony of the deities were held on 12 February 1982. It includes five shrines: the main shrine having a {{convert|6|ft|cm|order=flip}} tall couple of [[Radha]] and Krishna; the shrine of [[Balarama]], [[Subhadra]] and [[Jagannath]]a on right; the temple of [[Rama]], [[Lakshmana]] and [[Sita]] on left; Garuda Stambha (pillar) and [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]] in front of Jagannatha shrine and [[Hanuman]] in front of Ram shrine; the temple of [[Durga]] and the temple with [[Lingam|Shivalinga]]. The ceiling, walls and pillars of the assembly hall are adorned with [[fresco]]es depicting life events of Krishna and his associates and devotees. The text of ''[[Bhagavad Gita]]'' engraved on copper-plates adorn the walls of the ''[[parikrama]]'' (circumambulation) of the main temple.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shrikrishnajanmasthan.net/temples_bhagvata.htm|title=Bhagvata Bhavan|website=shrikrishnajanmasthan.net|access-date=2018-07-31}}</ref><ref name="Vemsani" /><ref name="Anand1992" /> There are statues of Malaviya and Birla in the complex. Other construction includes the [[Ayurveda]] Bhavan, International Guest House, shops, library and open space for performances.<ref name="Anand1992" />
 
Other constructions include the [[Ayurveda]] Bhavan, International Guest House, shops, library and open space for performances.<ref name="Anand1992" />


=== Potra Kund ===
=== Potra Kund ===
There is a large and deep stepped water tank, Potra Kund or Pavitra Kund, in south-east of the Janmasthan temple which is said to have been used for the first bath of child Krishna after his birth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uptourism.gov.in/pages/top/explore/top-explore-mathura---vrindavan/krishna-janmasthan-temple|title=Krishna Janmasthan Temple|website=UP Tourism|language=en|access-date=2018-07-31}}</ref><ref name="Vemsani" /> The steps of the tank were built by [[Mahadji Scindia]] in 1782. They were restored by his descendants in 1850.<ref name="Anand1992" /><gallery mode="packed">
There is a large and deep stepped water tank, Potra Kund or Pavitra Kund, in south-east of the Janmasthan temple which is said to have been used for the first bath of child Krishna after his birth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uptourism.gov.in/pages/top/explore/top-explore-mathura---vrindavan/krishna-janmasthan-temple|title=Krishna Janmasthan Temple|website=UP Tourism|language=en|access-date=2018-07-31|archive-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721172017/http://www.uptourism.gov.in/pages/top/explore/top-explore-mathura---vrindavan/krishna-janmasthan-temple|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Vemsani" /> The steps of the tank were built by [[Mahadji Scindia]] in 1782. They were restored by his descendants in 1850.<ref name="Anand1992"/>
File:Mathura India (2).JPG|Entrance of the temple complex
[[File:Mathura(krishnakund).JPG|thumb|upright|Potra Kund]]
File:Mathura(krishnakund).JPG|Potra Kund  
</gallery>


== Culture ==
== Culture ==
 
The temple is one of the most visited temples in India. [[Krishna Janmashtami]], [[Radhashtami]], [[Diwali]] and [[Holi]] are the major festivals celebrated at this temple and entire [[Braj]] region.<ref name="Vemsani" />
The temple is one of the most visited temple of India. [[Krishna Janmashtami|Janmashtami]], [[Diwali]] and [[Holi]] are the major festival celebrated at the temple.<ref name="Vemsani" />


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{Vaishnavism}}
*[[Nandmahar Dham]]
{{Hinduism small}}
*[[Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura]]


*[[Nandmahar Dham]]
* [[Ram Janmabhoomi]], Rama's birthplace
* [[Janakpur Dham]], Sita's birthplace in Nepal
* [[Punaura Dham]], Sita's birthplace in India
* [[Kundinapuri]], Rukmini's birthplace
* [[Kaundinyapur]], near Nagpur and associated with Rukmini's birthplace Kundinapuri
* [[Raval, Uttar Pradesh]], Radha's birthplace
* [[Parikrama]]
* [[Yatra]]


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Krishna temples]]
[[Category:Krishna temples]]
[[Category:1958 establishments in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:1958 establishments in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Hindu temples sacked in the Muslim period in the Indian subcontinent]]
[[Category:Mosques converted from Hindu temples]]
[[Category:Divya Desams]]
[[Category:Former Hindu temples in India]]

Latest revision as of 15:35, 17 February 2026


Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictMathura district
RegionBraj
Deity
FestivalKrishna Janmashtami
1958 CE (modern temple)
StatusActive
Location
LocationMathura
StateUttar Pradesh
CountryIndia
Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex is located in Uttar Pradesh
Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex
Location in Uttar Pradesh
Coordinates27°30′17″N 77°40′11″E / 27.504748°N 77.669754°E / 27.504748; 77.669754
Architecture
Funded byDalmia and Birla family
Groundbreaking1953 (modern temple)
Completed1982
TempleThree

Krishna Janmasthan Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India. There are three main temples inside the premises -- Keshavdev temple which is dedicated to Krishna, Garbh Griha where Krishna is believed to be born in Dvapar Yuga and Bhagvata Bhavan where presiding deities are Radha Krishna.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

The place has held religious significance since at least the 6th century BCE with findings of religious artifacts in excavations.[8] The temples were destroyed multiple times throughout history, most recently by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1670. He built the Shahi Eidgah mosque there, which still stands.[3][4][5][9][8] In the 20th century, the new temple complex adjacent to mosque was built with the financial help from industrialists.[3]

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Closeup of Vishnu, seated in the lotus position on a lotus. From depiction of the poet Jayadeva bowing to Vishnu, Gouache on paper Pahari, The very picture of devotion, bare-bodied, head bowed, legs crossed and hands folded, Jayadeva stands at left, with the implements of worship placed before the lotus-seat of Vishnu who sits there, blessing the poet.
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History[edit | edit source]

Ogee arches and balconies containing human figures, rear view, circa 2nd century BCE, found from archeological excavation of Katra Keshavdeva. Now in Government Museum, Mathura.
The Shahi Eidgah in 1949 which was constructed on the raised plinth of the original temple destroyed by Aurangzeb

Ancient and Classical Period[edit | edit source]

According to Hindu traditions, Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison cell where they were confined by his maternal uncle Kamsa, a king of Mathura, due to prophecy of his death by the child of Devaki.[10][11] According to tradition, a temple dedicated to Krishna was built the birthplace by his great-grandson Vajranabh.[2][10] The present site known as Krishna Janmasthan (lit. 'birthplace of Krishna') was known as Katra (lit. 'market place') Keshavdeva.[8] The archaeological excavations of the site had revealed pottery and terracotta from 6th century BCE.[8] It also produced some Jain sculptures as well as a large Buddhist complex including Yasha Vihara.[8] The Vaishnava temple may have erected on the place as early as the first century.[8] A whole new magnificent temple complex was rebuilt at the place by Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II in 400CE.[1][12][13] A late 8th century inscriptions also mentions donations to the site by the Rashtrakutas.[3][4][5][10]

Medieval Period[edit | edit source]

In 1017 or 1018, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and plundered Mahaban. He ordered to burn all the temples and demolish them. He plundered gold and silver statues and carried away a load of hundred camels.[6][7] A stone inscription in Sanskrit found from the site mentions that in Vikram Samvat 1207 (1150) a person named Jajja who may have been a vassal of Gahadavala king built a Vishnu temple which was 'brilliantly white and touching the clouds'.[8][11]

Mughal Period[edit | edit source]

Vaishnava saints Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Vallabhacharya visited Mathura in early 16th century.[3][4][11][14] Abdullah, in the reign of Mughal emperor Jehangir, mentions in Tarikh-i-Daudi the destruction of Mathura and its temples by Delhi Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 16th century. Lodi had prohibited Hindus from bathing in the river and shaving of heads on the banks as well.[6][11] In the reign of Jehangir, in 1618, Raja Veer Singh Deva Bundela of Orchha had built a temple at the cost of thirty-three lakhs.[6][9][15] A French traveller Tavernier visited Mathura in 1650 and had described the octagonal temple built in red sandstone.[15][16][17] Italian traveller Niccolao Manucci who worked in Mughal court has also described the temple.[17] Mughal prince Dara Shikoh had patronised the temple and donated a railing to the temple.[9] The railing was removed by Mathura governor Abdun Nabi Khan on the order of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and he built the Jama mosque on the ruins of the Hindu temples. During the Jat rebellion in Mathura, Abdul Nabi Khan was killed in 1669.[18] Aurangzeb attacked Mathura and destroyed that Keshavdeva temple in 1670 and built the Shahi Eidgah in its place.[8][9]

Modern Period[edit | edit source]

Mathura came under British control in 1804. The East India Company auctioned the 5.41 hectares (13.37 acres) of land of Katra and it was purchased by Raja Patnimal, a wealthy banker of Banaras.[10][19][20][21] Raja Patnimal wanted to build the temple but could not do so. His descendants inherited the land of Katra and still maintained the full 5.41 hectares (13.37 acres) without splitting it up. His descendant Rai Krishna Das was challenged, for the ownership of 5.41 hectares (13.37 acres) of land on which the shrine and the Shahi Eidgah is situated, in two civil suits by the Muslims of Mathura but the Allahabad High Court ruled in favour of Raj Krishna Das in both suits in 1935.[20][21] Kailash Nath Katju and Madanmohan Chaturvedi had helped in these lawsuits. Politician and educationist Madan Mohan Malaviya acquired the land from Raj Krishna Das on 7 February 1944 at the cost of Rs. 13000 with financial help of Industrialist Jugal Kishore Birla.[10][20][21] Following the death of Malaviya, Jugal Kishore Birla formed a trust named Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust, later registered as the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan, on 21 February 1951 and acquired the full 5.41 hectares (13.37 acres) of land.[20][21] Jugal Kishore Birla entrusted the construction of the new temple with another industrialist and philanthropist Jaidayal Dalmia. The construction of the temple complex was started in October 1953 with leveling of lands and completed in February 1982. His eldest son Vishnu Hari Dalmia succeeded him and served on the Trust until his death. His grandson Anurag Dalmia is Joint Managing Trustee on the Trust.[10][20] The construction was funded by other business families including Ramnath Goenka.[10]

In 1968, the Shree Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh and the Shahi Eidgah committee reached a compromise agreement which granted the temple land to the Trust and the management of the Shahi Eidgah to the Eidgah committee as well no legal claim of the Shree Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh on the Shahi Eidgah.[12][21] Indian National Congress leader Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar was the first chairman of the Shree Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh which signed the compromise agreement and his legal authority to sign agreement is contested. He was succeeded by M. A. Ayyangar, followed by Akhandananda Saraswati and Ramdev Maharaj. Nrityagopaldas is the present chairman.[20] Following the demolition of the Babri Mosque in 1992, Manohar Lal Sharma, a resident of Vrindavan, has filed a petition in the Mathura District Court challenging the 1968 agreement as well as a petition to quash the Places of Religious Worship Act of 1991 which preserves the status quo as on 15 August 1947 for all places of worship.[13][21]

The site celebrated as the birthplace of Krishna who, as tradition goes, was born in a prison and the prison is said to have existed on the plot marked by a stone plate. To the right of it is the Shahi Eidgah. The image is taken in 1949 before the modern temple complex was built.
Garbha Griha shrine (left) behind the Eidgah (centre) and entrance of the Keshavdeva temple (right), 1988.
Map
Location of temples and nearby water tank.

Temples and monuments[edit | edit source]

Entrance of the Krishna Janambhoomi temple complex

The temple complex contains Keshavdeva temple, Garbha Griha shrine and Bhagavata Bhavan.[2]

Keshavdeva Temple[edit | edit source]

The Keshavdeva Temple was built by Ramkrishna Dalmia in memory of his mother Jadiadevi Dalmia. The construction of the temple started on 29 June 1957 and inaugurated on 6 September 1958 by Hanuman Prasad Poddar.[22] It is located south of the Shahi Eidgah Mosque.

Garbha Griha shrine[edit | edit source]

It is said that Shahi Eidgah was constructed on the sabhamandapa (assembly hall) of the original temple and the garbha griha (sanctum sactorum) was left. It is considered as the place of the prison cell where Krishna is believed to have been born. A marble pavilion and an underground prison cell were built on the place with spacious veranda. There is shrine near it dedicated to eight-handed goddess Yogmaya.[2][20][23] It is located against the rear wall of the Shahi Eidgah.[10]

Bhagavata Bhavan[edit | edit source]

The construction of the temple dedicated to Shrimad Bhagavata was started on 11 February 1965 and the installation ceremony of the deities were held on 12 February 1982. It includes five shrines: the main shrine having a 180 centimetres (6 ft) tall couple of Radha and Krishna; the shrine of Balarama, Subhadra and Jagannatha on right; the temple of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita on left; Garuda Stambha (pillar) and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in front of Jagannatha shrine and Hanuman in front of Ram shrine; the temple of Durga and the temple with Shivalinga. The ceiling, walls and pillars of the assembly hall are adorned with frescoes depicting life events of Krishna and his associates and devotees. The text of Bhagavad Gita engraved on copper-plates adorn the walls of the parikrama (circumambulation) of the main temple.[24][2][10] There are statues of Malaviya and Birla in the complex. Other construction includes the Ayurveda Bhavan, International Guest House, shops, library and open space for performances.[10]

Potra Kund[edit | edit source]

There is a large and deep stepped water tank, Potra Kund or Pavitra Kund, in south-east of the Janmasthan temple which is said to have been used for the first bath of child Krishna after his birth.[25][2] The steps of the tank were built by Mahadji Scindia in 1782. They were restored by his descendants in 1850.[10]

Potra Kund

Culture[edit | edit source]

The temple is one of the most visited temples in India. Krishna Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Diwali and Holi are the major festivals celebrated at this temple and entire Braj region.[2]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Tattvāloka. Vol. 30. Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Educational Trust. 2007. p. 20.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Vemsani, Lavanya (2016). Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names. ABC-CLIO. pp. 140–141. ISBN 978-1-61069-211-3.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Yamunan, Sruthisagar (30 September 2020). "In Mathura, the Ayodhya playbook is being deployed again to claim Hindu rights over Idgah mosque". Scroll.in. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Petition Asks for Removal of Idgah Mosque From 'Krishna's Birthplace' in Mathura". The Wire. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Mathura court admits plea to remove mosque adjacent Krishna Janmabhoomi". The Hindu. 16 October 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 F. S. Growse (31 January 2024). Mathura-Brindaban-The Mystical Land Of Lord Krishna. Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd. pp. 50–51, 52, 55. ISBN 978-81-7182-443-4.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Fazl Ahmad (1963). Heroes of Islam Series: Mahmood of Ghazni. Sh. Muhammad Ashraf. p. 70.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 A. W. Entwistle (1 January 1987). Braj: Centre of Krishna pilgrimage. E. Forsten. pp. 125, 319–320. ISBN 9789069800165.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Audrey Truschke (1 February 2018). Aurangzeb: The Man and the Myth. Penguin Random House India Private Limited. pp. 95–96. ISBN 978-0-14-343967-7.
  10. ↑ 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 D. Anand (1992). Krishna, the Living God of Braj. Abhinav Publications. pp. 29, 125. ISBN 978-81-7017-280-2.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Hans Bakker (1990). The History of Sacred Places in India As Reflected in Traditional Literature: Papers on Pilgrimage in South Asia. BRILL. pp. 6–7, 9. ISBN 90-04-09318-4.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Gopal, Sarvepalli (15 October 1993). "Note 3". Anatomy of a Confrontation: Ayodhya and the Rise of Communal Politics in India. Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 95–97. ISBN 9781856490504.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Dhavan, Rajeev (11 July 2003). "Ayodhya solutions". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 12 September 2003. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  14. ↑ Stephen Knapp (1 January 2021). Krishna Deities and Their Miracles. Prabhat Prakashan. p. 5.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Saiyid Zaheer Husain Jafri (1 January 2009). Transformations in Indian History. Anamika Publishers & Distributors. pp. 299–303. ISBN 978-81-7975-261-6. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  16. ↑ Tavernier, Jean-Baptiste; Ball, V. (Valentine) (1889). Travels in India. University of Michigan. London, New York, Macmillan and co. pp. 240–241.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 The Quarterly Review of Historical Studies. Vol. 22. Institute of Historical Studies. 1983. p. 50.
  18. ↑ Jl Mehta (1986). Advanced Study in the History of Medieval India. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. pp. 499–500. ISBN 978-81-207-1015-3.
  19. ↑ Nagendra Kr Singh; A. P. Mishra (2005). Encyclopaedia of Oriental Philosophy and Religion: Hinduism : J-R. Global Vision Publishing House. p. 397. ISBN 978-81-8220-073-9.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 "History". shrikrishnajanmasthan.net. Archived from the original on 4 September 2015. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 Ghimire, Yubaraj (15 June 1993). "Shahi Idgah adjacent to Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple at Mathura to be VHP's next target". India Today. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  22. ↑ "Keshavdeva". shrikrishnajanmasthan.net. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  23. ↑ "Garbha Griha". shrikrishnajanmasthan.net. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  24. ↑ "Bhagvata Bhavan". shrikrishnajanmasthan.net. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  25. ↑ "Krishna Janmasthan Temple". UP Tourism. Archived from the original on 21 July 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.

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