UPSSSC Test 16

Mathura and Vrindavan, twin pilgrimage towns situated on the banks of the Yamuna in western Uttar Pradesh, hold a place of supreme importance in the Vaishnava tradition and attract millions of devotees from India and abroad throughout the year. Mathura is revered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and is considered one of the seven sacred cities, or Saptapuri, in Hinduism. The Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex in Mathura marks the traditional site of Krishna's birth and draws enormous crowds during major festivals including Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. Janmashtami in Mathura and Vrindavan is celebrated with exceptional fervour, with the towns coming alive with cultural programmes, religious processions, and elaborate temple decorations. Vrindavan, located a short distance from Mathura, is associated with the childhood and youth of Lord Krishna and is home to thousands of temples dedicated to him and his companion Radha. The Banke Bihari Temple, the ISKCON temple, the Radha Vallabh temple, and the Prem Mandir are among the most visited religious structures in Vrindavan. The region collectively referred to as Braj or Braj Bhoomi encompasses a sacred landscape of forests, hillocks, and water bodies associated with episodes from Krishna's life. The state government has been investing in the development of tourism infrastructure in Mathura and Vrindavan through beautification of ghats, road widening, heritage conservation, and improvement of civic amenities. The Braj Teertha Vikas Parishad was established to coordinate development activities in the region. The government has also been working to address the problem of aging infrastructure and inadequate sanitation facilities, which have historically detracted from the visitor experience. Pilgrimage tourism in Mathura-Vrindavan generates significant economic activity for local businesses, hotels, priests, flower sellers, and craftspeople who serve the steady stream of devotees.