Mathura

Mathura is a city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in the Braj region. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Mathura district and lies roughly 50 to 60 kilometers north of Agra and about 150 kilometers south of Delhi. The city is one of Hinduism's seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) and is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Krishna, the god venerated as an avatar of Vishnu.

Braided with religious significance, Mathura is home to the Krishna Janmasthan temple complex, which marks the site believed to be Krishna's birthplace, as well as other historic temples. The nearby town of Vrindavan is closely associated with Krishna's childhood pastimes and is a major pilgrimage destination.

Historically, Mathura has been inhabited since ancient times and has yielded artifacts from the early and classical periods. The Mathura Museum houses a renowned collection of sculptures from the Mathura school of art, which flourished from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE and helped shape early Indian sculpture. The city has long functioned as a religious center and trading hub within the Braj region.

Today Mathura combines religious tourism with urban commerce, handicrafts, and education. Annual fairs and festivals, especially Krishna Janmashtami and Braj Holi, attract pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad, sustaining a local economy rooted in temples, markets, and cultural heritage.