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Mathura City Map

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City Introduction

Mathura has an ancient history and also believed to be the homeland and birthplace of Lord Krishna who was born in Yadu dynasty. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the city is mentioned in the oldest Indian epic, The Ramayana. In the epic, the Ikshwaku prince Shatrughna slays a demon called Lavanasura and claims the land. Afterwards, the place came to be known as Madhuvan, then Madhupura and later Mathura.

Religious heritage

Mathura is a holy city for Hinduism and is considered the heart of Brij Bhoomi, the land of Lord Krishna. The twin-city to Mathura is Vrindavan. There are many places of historic and religious importance in Mathura and its neighboring towns. Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex is an important group of temples built around which is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The temple complex contains Keshav Deva temple, Garbha Griha shrine, Bhagavata Bhavan and the Rangabhoomi where the final battle between Krishna and Kamsa took place. The Dwarkadheesh Temple is one of the largest temple in Mathura. Vishram Ghat at the bank of river Yamuna is said to be the place where Krishna had rested after killing Kamsa. Other notable Hindu religious sites and heritage locations includes Shri Shweat Varah Temple , the Gita Mandir, Govind Dev temple, Iskcon temple, Kusum Sarovar, Naam yog Sadhna Mandir, Peepleshwar Mahadeo Temple and Yum Yamuna Temple. The Mathura Museum is notable for archaeological artifacts, especially those from the Kushan and Gupta empires. It has sculptures associated with Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Festivals

Janmashtami is grandly celebrated every year in Mathura . Every year a large number of devotees celebrate Janmashtami in Mathura,  in Keshav Deva temple and Dwarkadheesh temple. People generally observe a fast and break it at midnight when Lord Krishna was  born. Devotional songs, dance performances, bhog and aartis are observed across Mathura-Vrindavan.

Demographics

The 2011 census of India estimates the population of Mathura to be 441,894, a decadal growth rate of 22.53 percent from 2001 census of India. Males account for 54% (268,445) and females for 46% (173,449) of this population. Sex ratio of Mathura is 858 females per 1000 males, which has increased from 840 in 2001. However, national sex ratio is 940. Population density in 2011 has increased from 621 per square km in 2001 to 761 per square km. Mathura has an average literacy rate of 72.65 per cent which has increased from 61.46 percent in 2001 but still lower than the national average of 74.04 percent. Male and female literacy rate are 84.39 and 58.93 per cent respectively. 15.61 percent of Mathura’s population is under 6 years of age. This figure was 19.56 percent in 2001 census.

Transportation

Rail

Mathura Junction railway station is situated on the major Delhi-Mumbai train route. Both Central Railway and Western Railway routes pass through Mathura. Trains from NCR (north-central railway) to ER (eastern railway) also pass from the Mathura junction railway station. Mathura Cantt railway station is a major route for Eastern and Central railway.

Road

Mathura is connected by road to the rest of Uttar Pradesh and India. NH-19 (NH-2 as per old numbering system) which is having connectivity from Delhi to Kolkata and diversion for Chennai also passes from Mathura. Yamuna expressway Greater-Noida to Agra (165 km 6 lane access controlled express highway) also passes from here so there is connectivity to Noida and Agra and Lucknow.

Air

Currently the city has no airport, nearest airport is Agra (about 60 km away) and Delhi Airport (about 160 km away) with major national and international air routes. Under-construction Jewar Airport in Greater Noida will be approximately 75 km away from Mathura and is expected to be country’s largest airport when fully operational. Land has been earmarked, and construction is in progress near the Yamuna Expressway, with plans to open in the next five years with regular flights to major national and international air routes in future.

Strategic Importance

Headquarters of the 1 Corps of Indian Army is established in Mathura. It hosts Strike Infantry units, air defence units, armoured divisions, engineer brigades, artillery Units, and classified units of Strategic Forces Command. The 1 Corps is primarily responsible for the western borders of India. In 2007 during Exercise Ashwamedha, all the armoured, artillery, and infantry divisions performed a simulation of an overall NBC (nuclear-chemical-biological) environment. The aim was to show operational ability in high intensity, short duration and ‘sudden’ battles.

Industries

Mathura Refinery located in the city is one of the biggest oil refineries of Asia with 8.0 million tonnes per year refining capacity. This oil refinery of the Indian Oil Corporation is a highly technologically advanced oil refinery and provides local employment opportunities.