Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Mathura

Mathura is the traditional birthplace of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu and one of the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. The Sri Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex stands on the site believed to have been the prison of Krishna's maternal uncle Kamsa, where Krishna was born around 5,000 years ago in the dwapara yuga according to Hindu tradition. The present complex contains three structures: the Garbha Griha (the cell-like sanctum marking the exact birthplace), the Bhagavata Bhavan (a modern temple housing the principal idols of Krishna, Radha, Yashoda, and Lakshmi-Narayan), and the Keshav Dev Temple. The site has a long history of demolition and reconstruction — the 17th-century Keshava Deva temple was demolished by Aurangzeb in 1670 and the Shahi Eidgah Mosque built immediately adjacent, a continuing point of legal dispute. Mathura is paired with Vrindavan (12 km away) — the village where Krishna spent his childhood — for the full Braj-Bhoomi pilgrimage. Janmashtami (Krishna's birthday, Aug-Sep) is the largest festival.