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Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura
The Dwarkadhish Temple is Mathura's second great Krishna temple, built in 1814 deep in the old bazaar lanes above Vishram Ghat. Entry is free. Darshan opens in short slots morning and evening, on a schedule that shifts with the season, so time your visit around the opening windows. Phones, leather and bags stay outside.
The second-most-important Krishna temple in Mathura, built in 1814 by the Mathura treasurer Seth Gokul Das Parikh. Unlike Janmasthan, it sits deep inside the old bazaar lanes and carries a very different energy: bright, musical, almost theatrical. The main darshan windows open in short tight slots through the day and kirtan rolls almost non-stop.
It's right above Vishram Ghat, so pilgrims combine the two. Leave phones and leather outside; queues are short outside of festival days.
Tickets
Before you go
Bags at cloak room
Modest dressDarshan timings and entry
- Entry: free; no ticket is needed for general darshan.
- Darshan: the main darshan windows open in short, tight slots through the day, in the morning and again in the evening. Between them the doors to the deity are closed.
- Season: the temple runs a summer schedule from Ram Navami to Devprabodhini Ekadashi (late autumn) and a winter one for the rest of the year.
For the 2026 summer schedule, valid until Devprabodhini Ekadashi in November, the temple administration announced these evening darshans (Amar Ujala, 27 March 2026). The visit card above has no darshan hours; these are the newer published times:
- Utthapan: 16:00–16:20
- Bhog: 16:45–17:05
- Sandhya aarti: 17:20–17:40
- Shayan: 18:30–19:30
The morning slots were not changed and are not published online, so ask at the temple or your guesthouse for the day's windows and arrive a little before one opens. After Devprabodhini Ekadashi the winter schedule applies; check it locally. Outside festival days the queues are short.
✅ Rules and etiquette
- Shoes off before entering.
- Phones, leather and bags stay outside; bags go to the cloak room.
- No photographing the deity or the sanctum.
- Modest dress: shoulders and knees covered.
History and atmosphere
The present temple was built in 1814 by Seth Gokul Das Parikh, treasurer of Gwalior State, with support from Daulatrao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior. It belongs to the Pushtimarg, the devotional tradition founded by Vallabhacharya; the deity here is Krishna as Dwarkadhish, the Lord of Dwarka, together with Radha.
Unlike the Krishna Janmasthan complex, the temple sits deep inside the old bazaar and carries a very different energy: bright, musical, almost theatrical. Kirtan rolls almost non-stop.
Festivals and when to go
The temple's best-known celebration is the Hindola festival in the month of Shravan (July–August): for about thirteen days the deities are placed on decorated swings. Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Holi and Diwali are also celebrated, and on those days expect long queues and packed lanes. For a calmer visit choose an ordinary weekday. The temple stands right above Vishram Ghat, so pilgrims usually combine the two.
❓ FAQ
What are the timings for Dwarkadhish Darshan?
Darshan opens in short slots morning and evening. On the 2026 summer schedule (Ram Navami to Devprabodhini Ekadashi) the evening slots run from 16:00 to the Shayan darshan at 18:30–19:30. Entry is free.
Is there an entry fee at Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura?
No. Entry and general darshan are free.
Why is Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura famous?
It is one of Mathura's main Krishna temples, a Pushtimarg shrine of 1814 known for its lively kirtan and the Hindola swing festival in Shravan.
Was Krishna born in Dwarka or Mathura?
By tradition Krishna was born in Mathura and later ruled from Dwarka; Dwarkadhish means Lord of Dwarka.
Can I take my phone inside?
No. Phones, leather and bags stay outside, and photographing the deity or sanctum is not allowed.