Mathura Sightseeing - Vishram Ghat

Mathura, a city of temples and shrines flocked by thousands of devotees all year through, is also the birthplace of Shri Krishna. The town of Mathura has several Ghats lining the city- one worth visiting definitely is the Vishram Ghat- it is the most important ghat on the banks of Yamuna River in Mathura. According to Hindu mythology, it was here that Lord Krishna rested after a long battle fought to kill his evil uncle Kamsa. The name of the ghat is derived from this particular incidence, with the word 'vishram'literally translating to 'rest'.

Dotted with attractive temples and some of Mathura's most significant shrines, the Vishram Ghat is home to the Mukut Temple, Radha-Damodar, Murli Manohar, Neelkantheshwar, Yamuna-Krishna, Langali Hanuman and Narasimha temples. Another attraction is the baithak of the famous Vaishnava Saint, Shri Chaitanya, which is also near by.

The aarti held at the Vishram Ghat each evening is an event you do not want to miss because of the spectacular sight of the little oil lamps sparkling as they float on the water, apart from the soulful prayers.

A must visit while in Mathura is the Kunds, which are placed very near the Vishram Ghat. Legend has it that there were 159 earliest kunds in all, of which only four survive and can be found. There is the graceful Shiv Tal, the more eminent Potara Kund, linked closely with Lord Krishna, besides the Balbhadra and Saraswati kunds.

Vishram Ghat is also the start and end point of the'parikrama', which is a procession that combines all the important religious spots in Mathura. With several of Ghats and places of religious importance near the Vishram Ghat, it is a popular haunt with all the devotees. A visit to this auspicious and revered place is a must on a trip to Mathura.