Krishna Janmasthan Sewa Sansthan Bhojnalaya (Katra Keshav Dev)
Unlimited sattvic thali: aloo-mangodi, lauki, dal, roti, rice, kheer. The Rs 100 price in the source is old
भूतेश्वर महादेव
Bhuteshwar Mahadev
Mathura's guardian Shiva (Kshetrapal), traditionally visited before Krishna's Janmabhoomi.
TempleMathuraShiva as Bhuteshwar, Mathura's protector
The story: Shiva guards the city of Krishna
Mathura's holy geography says four Shiva forms guard the city: Bhuteshwar, Pipaleshwar, Gokarneshwar and Rangeshwar. Bhuteshwar is the chief. Yatris of old would take his permission first before visiting the city of Krishna.
Shiva loves Krishna and is called the best of Vaishnavas (Srimad Bhagavatam 12.13.16). The idea of Shiva as the protector of the dham is told in the Mathura Mahatmya of the Varaha Purana, as locals tell it.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 12.13.16
- Varaha Purana (Mathura Mahatmya)
- The four guardians list is local tradition
History
- An ancient Shiva site; the present temple is of the 19th century or later. Check locally.
What to see
- The linga and the main hall
- A small underground chamber (check locally)
Key festivals
- Feb to Mar: Maha Shivaratri
- Jul to Aug: Shravan Mondays
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | About 5:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | About 5:30 am to 12:00 pm, and 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm |
| Closed | Afternoon |
| Dress code | Modest. |
| Photos and phones | Not in the sanctum. Check locally. |
Indicative. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Near the Janmabhoomi, Katra side.
Charge: As the Janmabhoomi lot. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Festival restrictions as for the Janmabhoomi
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop near the Katra approach.
Walk: 5 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Mathura guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 3.3 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 13 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 165 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Morning, before Janmabhoomi.
Crowds: Light.
Monkeys: Possible.
Comfort
Footwear: At the gate.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: Steps.
Scams to avoid
- Few
Where to eat nearby
Oma Pehalwan Kachori Wala (Goverdhan Road, Krishna Nagar, near Potra Kund)
Heeng dal kachori, bedhai with thin 'dubki' aloo, jalebi fried in ghee
Main Brijwasi Pede Wale (walking distance of Krishna Janmasthan)
Poori-sabzi, bedhai, kachori and peda in the morning. Sells out early. Not the same shop as Brijwasi at Holi Gate
Girraj Ji Chat Bhandar (opposite the Janmabhoomi)
Aloo tikki, pani puri, dahi bhalla, papdi
Gosai Pede Wale (near Prayag Ghat, Shubham Road, close to the Janmabhoomi)
Peda in several styles (pakka, lal, naram). The founding date of 1832 is the shop's own claim
This list comes from desk research in published guides and listings. We have not visited these places for this guide. Walk and drive times are rough, and opening hours, prices and onion/garlic policy can change, so check locally before you go.
Common questions
Why visit Bhuteshwar first?
Tradition says the guardian Shiva grants permission to the pilgrim of Mathura.
Check locally
- Timings
- Date of present temple
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
Book a cab for Bhuteshwar Mahadev