Roopa Kachori Wala (Vishram Bazar, Gol Pada)
Hing kachori and jalebi
विश्राम घाट
Vishram Ghat
The 'resting' ghat on the Yamuna, where Krishna rested after Kansa's end and where every Mathura parikrama begins.
GhatMathuraKrishna, Yamuna Maharani, Yama (Bhai Dooj)
The story: Krishna rests after killing Kansa
At the end of the wrestling tournament in Mathura, Krishna and Balarama killed the strongest wrestlers and then Kansa himself, who had fixed all his fear on Krishna for years (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.43 and 10.44). Tradition says that, tired after the great deed, Krishna came down to the Yamuna and rested here, which is why the place is called Vishram, 'rest'.
Another story belongs to Yama, the lord of death, and his sister Yamuna. On the second day after Diwali, Yama came to visit Yamuna and she greeted him with such love that he promised that anyone who bathes in the Yamuna on that day would be free from the fear of death. This is the root of Bhai Dooj, and Mathura's Vishram Ghat is where thousands of siblings come to bathe together.
The sound of the evening aarti, the lamps on the water and the temple bells make this the ghat to end your Mathura day. Take it in.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.43 and 10.44: wrestlers and Kansa
- Varaha Purana (Mathura Mahatmya) lists Vishranti Tirtha among Mathura's holy places
- The Yama-Yamuna Bhai Dooj story comes from the Bhavishya Purana tradition and local belief
History
- There are 25 ghats along the Yamuna in Mathura; Vishram Ghat is the central one.
- The present stonework has accumulated from the 16th to 19th centuries, with royal patrons from Jaipur, Bharatpur and Gwalior.
- The Mathura Parikrama (about 12 km walk around the city) starts and ends here, with the largest walk on Akshaya Navami/Dev Uthani Ekadashi.
What to see
- The nightly Yamuna aarti
- Boat rides on the Yamuna
- The pavilions and old temples above the ghat
- The Dwarkadhish temple, just up the lane
Key festivals
- Oct to Nov: Yama Dwitiya/Bhai Dooj: bathing at Vishram Ghat
- Oct to Nov: Akshaya Navami and Dev Uthani Ekadashi: Mathura Parikrama
- Nov: Dev Deepawali lamps
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | Open all day. Aarti about 7:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | Open all day. Aarti about 6:00 pm |
| Closed | None |
| Dress code | Modest. Use caution at the water's edge. |
| Photos and phones | Allowed at the ghat, with respect at the aarti. |
Aarti times vary with sunset. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
No parking inside the bazaar. Use Holi Gate or the Yamuna road lots.
Charge: About Rs 30 to 60. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Bazaar lanes are no-entry for cars much of the day
- Only e-rickshaws and walking inside
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop at the end of the bazaar road, then walk 5 to 8 minutes.
Walk: 5 to 8 minutes through the bazaar.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Mathura guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 2.5 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: Dusk for the aarti.
Crowds: Moderate; heavy on Bhai Dooj.
Monkeys: Yes.
Comfort
Footwear: Shoe stands at the lane head.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: Steps down to the river.
Scams to avoid
- Pandas who offer a 'full tirtha puja' for a high fee
- Boatmen who charge per person
Where to eat nearby
Dalmiya Bhojanalaya (Vishram Ghat)
Veg thalis
Brijwasi Mithai Wala (next to Tilak Dwar, Holi Gate)
Mathura peda, malpua, rabri, jalebi, badam milk, chaat and thali. Named in six independent blogs. Separate from Main Brijwasi Pede Wale near the Janmasthan
Shankar Mithai Wala (Holi Gate)
Poori-sabzi in desi ghee, sweet and salted cumin lassi in kulhad, khurchan
Gujrati Hindu Lodge (lane near Vishram Ghat)
Unlimited Gujarati veg thali
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
Can I take a boat ride?
Yes, when the water level allows. Agree the full price first.
Check locally
- Aarti time
- Boat rates
- Water level
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
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