Overview
Dwarkadhish Temple, in Mathura near the Yamuna riverbank ghats, is dedicated to Krishna worshipped in his kingly form as Dwarkanath (or Dwarkadhish, "Lord of Dwarka"), alongside Radha as Radharani. This Mathura temple is entirely distinct from the much larger, older Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, Gujarat, one of the pan-Indian Char Dham — the two share a name and deity identity but are separate temples with independent histories, and this platform's pages should never be conflated with one another.
History
The present temple structure was built in 1814 (some sources cite 1815) by Seth Gokul Das Parikh, treasurer of the Gwalior State under the Scindia dynasty and a devoted follower of Krishna, who was moved to construct a grand temple in Mathura honouring Krishna's kingly form. The temple belongs to the Pushtimarg tradition, founded by the 16th-century saint Vallabhacharya, and is built in Rajasthani architectural style, richly decorated with carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Krishna's life.
Spiritual Significance
As one of Mathura's most visited and architecturally distinctive temples, Dwarkadhish offers pilgrims a devotional experience centred on Krishna's royal and adult identity, complementing the infant/childhood focus of nearby Krishna Janmabhoomi. Its riverside location near the Yamuna ghats also connects it to the broader tradition of ritual bathing in the Yamuna as part of a Braj pilgrimage.
Scriptures & Texts
Editorial note: Scripture references below are based on widely cited scholarly and traditional sources. Specific verse citations should be independently verified before publication.
Krishna's identity as Dwarkanath/Dwarkadhish, ruler of Dwarka, is described in the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata Purana, and the Harivamsa. Specific verse-level citation for this particular Mathura temple's own founding requires expert verification before publication.
Prayers at Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura
आरती कुंजबिहारी की
बंशी शोभित कर मधुर,नील जलद तन श्याम। अरुण अधर जनु बिम्बा फल,पिताम्बर शुभ साज॥
अधरं मधुरं वदनं मधुरं नयनं मधुरं हसितं मधुरम्।
श्री बाँकेबिहारी तेरी आरती गाऊँ
भज गोविन्दम् भज गोविन्दम्
आरती श्री वृषभानुसुता की मंजुल मूर्ति मोहन ममता की
Pilgrimage Information
When to visit: October to March offers the most comfortable weather; Janmashtami and Holi are the temple's most significant annual festivals.
Getting there: Located within Mathura city, near the Yamuna riverbank ghats, easily reached by road from anywhere in the city and commonly combined with a visit to Krishna Janmabhoomi, a short distance away.
Family Suitability
Well suited to families of all ages, given the easy access and lack of any trekking requirement.
Accommodation
Mathura offers a wide range of accommodation, from budget ashrams to mid-range hotels, reflecting its status as a major pilgrimage city.
Local Services
Full local services are available throughout Mathura — food, medical facilities, and good mobile connectivity.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
- Combine the visit with the nearby Yamuna riverbank ghats and Krishna Janmabhoomi.
- Take time to appreciate the Rajasthani-style carvings and paintings within the temple.
- Dress modestly, as at any active Hindu temple.
Don’t
- Don't confuse this temple with the much larger, older Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, Gujarat, they are entirely separate sites.
Nearby Sacred Locations
- Krishna Janmabhoomi
Nearby temple marking Krishna's traditional birthplace.
- Vishram Ghat
Prominent Yamuna riverbank ghat in Mathura, near the temple.
- Braj Krishna Temples (overview)
This platform's overview of the wider Braj temple cluster.
- Dwarka
The much larger, older Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat, part of the pan-Indian Char Dham of India — a separate site.
Preservation
As one of Mathura's well-established heritage temples, Dwarkadhish benefits from ongoing conservation attention appropriate to its 19th-century architecture and riverside setting.
Giving Back
Support the temple through its own local trust donation channels, and use local Mathura-based guides and accommodation.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-07-10. Scaffolding content: This page was seeded with well-known public information for development purposes and is pending full editorial review before publication.