Vishram Ghat, located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India, is the most sacred of the city’s 25 ghats and a central pilgrimage site in the Braj region. Revered as the spot where Lord Krishna rested after slaying the demon king Kansa, its name derives from “Vishram” (rest) and “Ghat” (riverbank). Known for its serene ambiance, evening Yamuna Aarti, and boat rides, it’s a must-visit for devotees and tourists seeking spiritual and cultural immersion. The ghat, lined with marble steps and historic temples, is the starting and ending point of Mathura’s traditional parikrama (circumambulation).
History Vishram Ghat’s origins are steeped in Hindu mythology, with legends stating Lord Krishna rested here post-Kansa’s defeat, though the Varāha Purāṇa attributes the name to Vasudeva’s rest. Historically a cremation ground, it evolved into a worship site, with structures built by royal patrons over centuries. In the 15th century, under Mughal ruler Sikandar Lodi’s oppressive decrees, Vaishnavite saints Keshav Bhatt Kashmiri and Vallabhacharya restored its sanctity. The ghat was further embellished during Akbar’s reign and later by the Scindias of Gwalior in the 19th century, who built a palace nearby. Recent developments include cleanliness drives and facility upgrades by Uttar Pradesh Tourism.
Location Vishram Ghat is in Vishram Bazar, Choubey Para, Mathura, approximately 4.5 km from Mathura Junction Railway Station and 2.8 km from Mathura Bus Stand. It’s 60 km from Agra Airport and 160 km from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The ghat is central to Mathura’s 25 ghats, with 12 to the north (e.g., Dashashwamedh, Ganesh) and 12 to the south (e.g., Ram, Prayag). Accessible via auto-rickshaws (Rs. 50-100), e-rickshaws, or taxis from the station, it’s a 15-minute walk from Dwarkadhish Temple through narrow lanes. Nearby sites include Krishna Janmabhoomi (2 km) and Prem Mandir (10 km).
Facilities and Amenities Available Temples and Shrines: Surrounded by significant temples like Mukut, Radha-Damodar, Murli Manohar, Neelkantheshwar, Yamuna-Krishna, Langali Hanuman, and Narasimha, plus Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s baithak.
Boat Rides: Available for Rs. 20-150/person (shared) or Rs. 500/hour (private, negotiable), offering views of ghats, Kans Quila, and Dwarkadhish Temple. Evening rides align with Aarti (6:15 PM-7:30 PM).
Aarti Ceremonies: Daily Yamuna Aarti (morning: 7:00 AM-7:15 AM summer, 6:45 AM-7:00 AM winter; evening: 7:00 PM year-round) with floating diyas and chants. Rituals: Holy dips, pind daan, and shraddha for ancestral peace; Bhai Dooj rituals attract sibling pairs. Food and Drink: Stalls sell snacks like fafda, jalebi, rabdi, and lassi (Rs. 20-100). No on-site cafeteria; nearby restaurants in Choubey Para (Rs. 100-300). Other: Basic restrooms, no Wi-Fi or cloakrooms. Parking (Rs. 20-50) is limited; cycle-rickshaws aid navigation. Souvenir shops sell religious items (Rs. 50-500).
Best Time to Visit October to March offers pleasant weather (15°C-30°C), ideal for boat rides and Aarti. Bhai Dooj (second day after Diwali, November) and Janmashtami (August-September) draw large crowds for rituals and festivities. Evening Aarti (7:00 PM) or sunrise visits (5:30 AM-7:00 AM) are best for spiritual experiences and photography.
Timings Open 24/7 for bathing and worship, with peak activity during Aarti: morning (7:00 AM-7:15 AM summer, 6:45 AM-7:00 AM winter) and evening (7:00 PM year-round). Boat rides run from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with evening slots (6:15 PM-7:30 PM) popular for Aarti views. Festivals like Bhai Dooj or Janmashtami extend ritual hours. The ghat is accessible anytime, but narrow lanes are safer during daylight.
Entry Fees, If Any Entry: Free for all visitors. Boat Rides: Rs. 20-150/person (shared), Rs. 500/hour (private, negotiable). Parking: Rs. 20-50. Photography: Free, but be respectful during rituals. Puja/Donations: Rs. 100-200 for guided rituals; beware of overcharging priests (Rs. 200 is sufficient). Cash is preferred; digital...
Read moreTitle: Exploring the Serenity of Vishram Ghat: A Spiritual Oasis in Mathura
Nestled along the banks of the revered Yamuna River, Vishram Ghat stands as a tranquil haven in the heart of Mathura, India. Renowned for its spiritual significance, this sacred site beckons pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
As one of the major ghats in Mathura, Vishram Ghat holds a special place in Hindu mythology. Legend has it that Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, rested at this very spot after defeating the tyrant Kansa, thus earning the name "Vishram," meaning "rest." This historical and religious association draws devotees who seek solace and enlightenment amidst its divine aura.
At dawn, the ghat awakens with the melodic chants of hymns and the rhythmic ringing of temple bells. Devotees gather to perform ablutions and offer prayers to the rising sun, believing that the sacred waters of the Yamuna possess purifying properties. The atmosphere brims with devotion and reverence, evoking a sense of profound spirituality.
Vishram Ghat is also renowned for its vibrant evening aarti ceremony, a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates visitors with its enchanting rituals and fervent chants. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, priests adorned in traditional attire perform intricate rituals, accompanied by the soul-stirring melodies of devotional songs. The ghat comes alive with the flickering glow of oil lamps and the fragrance of incense, creating an ambiance of mysticism and devotion.
Beyond its spiritual allure, Vishram Ghat offers a panoramic view of the Yamuna River, providing a serene setting for contemplation and introspection. Visitors can embark on boat rides along the tranquil waters, soaking in the picturesque vistas of the surrounding temples and ghats. The ghat's proximity to other significant landmarks, such as Dwarkadheesh Temple and Keshavdev Temple, further enhances its appeal as a cultural and religious hub.
In essence, Vishram Ghat encapsulates the timeless charm and spiritual essence of Mathura, inviting travelers on a transformative journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Whether seeking spiritual solace or simply immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of Indian culture, a visit to Vishram Ghat promises an unforgettable experience of serenity and...
Read moreYamuna river+ghats of mathura= best moments ever You can feel here how worship is founded everywhere Aarti Timings : Summer: Morning: 7:00 AM to 7:15 AM, Evening: 7:00 PM Winter: Morning: 6:45 AM to 7:00 AM, Evening: 7:00 PM
Boat Rides : INR 30-50 per person
Overview Hotels in Mathura Mathura Tourism Places in Mathura Vishram Ghat Mathura Uttar Pradesh #9 Among Things To Do in Mathura Get Mathura PDF Guide
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Aarti Timings : Summer: Morning: 7:00 AM to 7:15 AM, Evening: 7:00 PM Winter: Morning: 6:45 AM to 7:00 AM, Evening: 7:00 PM
Boat Rides : INR 30-50 per person
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Ghats, Mathura Overview Vishram Ghat is a revered and sacred bathing ghat located at about 4.5 kilometres from Mathura Junction on the banks of River Yamuna. It is the main ghat of Mathura and is central to 25 other ghats. Pilgrims from all over the country visit Vishram Ghat to bathe in its holy waters and perform the traditional parikrama that starts and ends here.
Vishram means rest and it is named so because Lord Krishna rested at this place after killing Kansa, the evil demon king. This is the reason why a pilgrimage to Mathura is incomplete without a visit to Vishram Ghat and the temples dotting it. There are 12 ghats to the north of Vishram Ghat and 12 ghats to the south of it positioning it in the centre. The parikrama is the circumambulation of all the chief religious places of Mathura.
Vishram Ghat displays a beautiful spectacle during evenings at the time of evening prayers and aarti. Devotees float oil lamps and diyas on paan leaves into the adjoining Yamuna River. Devotees perform other rituals such as pind pradaan and other Pooja on this ghat too, along with taking the holy dip. The ghat witnesses heavy crowd on the occasion of Bhaidooj, popularly known as Yam Dwitiya, which falls on the second day after Diwali. One of the top activities to do on Vishram Ghat is to indulge in the boat ride, which helps you soak in the serenity of the soul-soothing...
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