Shri Krishna Janmasthan, Mathura
Katra Keshav Dev, Mathura · Lord Krishna (birthplace shrine, Keshavdev, and Radha-Krishna in the Bhagavata Bhavan)
The prison cell where Krishna is believed to have been born, inside a large temple complex at the heart of Mathura.
The Janmasthan complex at Katra Keshav Dev in Mathura marks the spot where, according to the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna was born in King Kamsa's prison. The complex has three main shrines: the Garbha Griha (the prison-cell birthplace), the Keshavdev temple, and the large Bhagavata Bhavan with its Radha-Krishna shrine. It stands right next to the Shahi Idgah mosque, and the relationship between the two sites is the subject of court cases. Security is tight: phones and electronic items are not allowed inside.
Timings
- Garbha Griha (birthplace) darshan: 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM (official)
- Keshavdev, Bhagavata Bhavan, Yogmaya & Giriraj – summer (approx. mid-April to late November): 5:00 AM – 12:00 noon and 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM (official)
- Keshavdev, Bhagavata Bhavan, Yogmaya & Giriraj – winter (approx. late November to early April): 5:30 AM – 12:00 noon and 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM (official)
Darshan types and costs
- General darshan – Free
- Live darshan – Free
Sevas and costs
- Mangla Aarti – Free (Daily, 6:30 AM)
- Abhishek – Gopal Sahasranam Path – ₹2,100 (By booking)
- Balbhog & Rajbhog Sewa – ₹5,100 (Daily (9:00 AM Bal Bhog, 11:00 AM Rajbhog))
- Phalbhog & Shayanbhog Sewa – ₹5,100 (Daily (afternoon fruit offering and night meal))
- Charan Sewa – ₹251 (Any day)
- Navgrah Puja – ₹251 (By booking)
- Rudrabhishek with Mahamrityunjay Path – ₹3,100 (Mondays)
- Poshak (deity clothing) Sewa – Garbha Griha ₹5,100; Giriraj ₹5,100; Yogmaya ₹11,000; Durga ₹11,000; Jagannath ₹11,000; Keshavdev ₹21,000; Ramji ₹21,000; Radha Krishna (special poshak) ₹21,000 (By booking)
- Phool Bangla (flower decoration) – ₹21,000 (Shri Radha Krishna Mandir); ₹11,000 (other temples) (By booking (mainly summer))
- Gau Sewa (1 day) – ₹11,000 (Any day)
- Annakshetra Langar Sewa – ₹41,000 (full day); ₹21,000 (one midday meal) (Any day)
How to book darshan
Darshan is free and needs no booking. Sewas and pujas can be paid online on the Sansthan's website or at its office at Katra Keshav Dev.
Dress code
Modest clothing; no strict dress code.
Best time to visit
October–March. Janmashtami (August–September) is the biggest event but very crowded; Holi season (February–March) is festive across Braj.
How to reach
- air: Agra airport about 60 km; Delhi IGI about 160 km.
- rail: Mathura Junction, about 3 km, on the main Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Chennai lines.
- road: About 3 hours from Delhi via the Yamuna Expressway; 1 hour from Agra.
Festivals
- Janmashtami – Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami (August–September)
- Nandotsav – Day after Janmashtami
- Lathmar Holi programme – Phalguna (February–March)
- Sharad Purnima – Ashwin full moon (October)
- Annakut (Govardhan Puja) – Day after Diwali
- Ghata Darshan – Shravan (July–August)
- Maha Shivratri – Phalguna (February–March)