On the Mathura-Vrindavan route, outside of Mathura, is Birla Mandir, also known as Gita Mandir. Birla Mandirs are well-known for their opulent designs and architecture all across India and are notable monuments wherever they are built. Jugal Kishore Birla constructed this magnificent temple, one of Mathura’s most well-known temples.
He was motivated to construct the shrine by his love for Laxmi Narayana, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and the Bhagwat Gita, his enduring song. Its main room is covered in every verse of the Gita, which is why it is known as the Gita Temple.
Inspiring and charming are the representations of Arjuna riding in a chariot with his buddy and mentor, Krishna. But if you pay attention to its architecture, you’ll notice an odd blending of Hindu and Western designs. This well-known temple in Mathura stands out noticeably for being constructed from red sandstone.
This temple’s two magnificent marble constructions are its main draws. Hanuman Temple and the Gita Stambh (Pillar) are the two. Red sandstone was used in the construction of the Gita Stambh, commonly referred to as the Victory Tower. The entire sacred text of the Bhagavad Gita, the world’s unending source of knowledge, is written on it.
Each letter in the verses is clearly visible, and the writing is precise and clean. Coming across it is an inspiring experience. Other tourist-drawing statues in the Birla/Gita Mandir include those of Lord Krishna with Lakshmi Narayan, Ram, and Sita.
The temple’s interior features Krishna’s chariot as well as beautiful paintings of numerous gods and goddesses on its marbled walls. The beautiful gardens that surround the temple provide the ideal outdoor spaces for introspection and self-loss in the service of God. They enhance the inside of the temple’s beauty as well.
You arrive at the well-known statue of Arjun standing behind Lord Krishna as the charioteer in the garden.
In most cases, photography and videography inside the Gita Temple are allowed, but it’s always best to verify with the temple authorities beforehand.
For the convenience of visitors, several facilities are available at the Gita Temple. There is a shoe storage facility, clean drinking water, and washroom facilities. For international visitors, English-speaking guides are often available.
Mathura, being an ancient city, has several other attractions near the Gita Temple. Some notable places include the Dwarkadheesh Temple, the Vishram Ghat (a sacred bathing spot on the Yamuna River), and the Government Museum Mathura, which houses artifacts of the Mathura School of Art.
No, there is no entry fee for visiting the Gita Temple. It is open to everyone, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
The Gita Temple is generally open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day. However, the temple’s timings may vary on special occasions and religious festivals. The best time to visit the Gita Temple is during the morning or evening Aarti, when the atmosphere is spiritually charged.
Mathura is well-connected by road, rail, and air networks. It has its railway station with trains from major cities across India.
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