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Gita Mandir, Mathura
Krishna & the Bhagavad Gita · Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
The Gita Mandir at Mathura, also called the Birla Temple, is a graceful shrine to Krishna in the city of his birth, built by the Birla family and opened in 1946. Its great pillar, the Gita Stambha, carries the whole of the Bhagavad Gita carved in stone, and its painted halls retell the life of the lord — a temple where the song of Krishna is set down for all to read.
The Gita carved in stone
The temple’s heart is the Gita Stambha, a tall pillar on which the eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita are inscribed in full, so that the lord’s teaching to Arjuna stands written in stone for the pilgrim to circle and read. The sanctum holds Lakshmi-Narayan and Krishna, worshipped in the city where Krishna was born.
A Birla temple of Mathura
Built by the industrialist Birla family, who raised many such temples across India, the Gita Mandir was opened in 1946 in white and ochre stone, its walls bright with paintings of the epics and the deeds of Krishna. Set on the edge of Mathura, it joins the round of the city’s many shrines along the Yamuna.
In the city of Krishna’s birth
Mathura, the birthplace of Krishna, is one of the seven holy cities of India, and the Gita Mandir adds to its devotional landscape a place given wholly to the lord’s great teaching. Gita Jayanti and Janmashtami are the chief festivals, when the verses of the Gita and the birth of the lord are honoured together.
How to reach the temple
- By road: the Gita Mandir is on the Mathura–Vrindavan road, on the edge of Mathura.
- By train: Mathura Junction is a few kilometres away.
- By air: Agra airport is about 60 km; Delhi is the larger hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gita Mandir, Mathura?
It is a temple to Krishna in his birth-city of Mathura, also called the Birla Temple, opened in 1946, famed for a pillar inscribed with the whole Bhagavad Gita.
What is the Gita Stambha?
The Gita Stambha is a tall pillar in the temple on which all eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita are carved in full, so the lord’s teaching stands written in stone.
Who built the temple?
It was built by the industrialist Birla family, who raised many temples across India, and opened in 1946.
Which deities are worshipped here?
The sanctum holds Lakshmi-Narayan and Krishna, in the city where Krishna was born.
What are the main festivals?
Gita Jayanti, the day the Gita was spoken, and Janmashtami, the birth of Krishna, are the chief festivals.
How do I reach the Gita Mandir?
It is on the Mathura–Vrindavan road on the edge of Mathura; Mathura Junction is a few kilometres away and Delhi the larger airport.
॥ जय श्री कृष्ण ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Krishna (with Lakshmi-Narayan) |
| Special | Gita Stambha — pillar with the whole Bhagavad Gita |
| Built | 1946, by the Birla family |
| Setting | Mathura, the birth-city of Krishna |
| River | Yamuna |
| Main Festival | Gita Jayanti, Janmashtami |