Vishram ghat Mathura

Located on the banks of River Yamuna, the Vishram Ghat is the most popular ghat in the city. It is situated at the centre of the ghats in Mathura, with 12 ghats each in the north and south directions. Vishram mean to take rest. It is believed that after killing his evil uncle Kansa, Lord Krishna along with Lord Balram rested here. The main shrine at this Ghat is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, dressed in great finery with a bejeweled crown on her head and garlands of fresh flowers.

Pilgrims from all over the country come to Vishram Ghat to bathe in its holy waters and complete the customary parikrama. During the rule of the Mughal emperor in the 15th Century, this place suffered from extreme restrictions. This was because of the various decrees issued by Sikandar Lodi. However, when the traditional devotees were under great distress Acharya Keshav Bhatt Kashmiri of Nimbark sect and Vallabhacharya Ji Maharaj had the restrictions at Vishram Ghat removed by the power of their commitment and devotion to the divine.

On the day of Yam dwitiya, 2^nd day after Deepavali celebration, a large number of people assemble at the Vishram Ghat to celebrate Bhai Duj, a festival known for strengthening the brother-sister bonding. On Bhai Dooj, taking a dip in the holy river is considered very auspicious for the siblings.

The evening aarti organized at this ghat, with diyas spread over the River Yamuna, combined with the chant of mantras is worth experiencing. People float oil lamps, and diyas on paan leaves into the Yamuna River. The evening aarti timing is 7 P.M., both in summer and winter.

Things to do at Vishram Ghat

1. Boat Rides: Vishram ghat is famous for its boat rides since it is at the centre of the other ghats. You can experience the joy of capturing the scenic views along the river Yamuna. During the ride, you can view the entire stretch of the river Yamuna. Different types of boats at different prices are available at the Ghat.

2. The Arti: The most beautiful aspect of all is the evening prayers and Arti that shouldn't be missed. An Arti is held every evening. Furthermore, thousands of oil lamps float down the river, which is a beautiful sight to see.

Photo Opportunity

The Ghat, boating on the river Yamuna and the evening aarati provide an excellent opportunity for photography and Video shooting.

There is a Yama-Yamuna Temple nearby.

The temple has bright new murals and ancient idols dedicated to the mythological siblings Yama and Yamuna – the God of death and the Goddess of River. The temple draws great crowd in November on Bhai Dooj, the festival of brothers and sisters, as it is believed that Yamuna grants liberation to any pair of siblings who seek blessings on this day. 

Cheer Ghat

Walk through narrow alleys surrounding old temples to reach the edge of the Yamuna River where the famous Cheer Ghat stands. Lord Krishna was known for his mischievous pranks on the gopis of Vrindavan. He would often climb atop a Kadamba Tree while gopis were taking bath, teasing them to come out of the water. Such a tree still stands in Cheer Ghat, saris swaying on its branches as a nod to the legend.