The ancient city of Mathura is one of seven places for pilgrimage. With about five thousand years of history, the place has been under the occupation of several foreign powers in the past. As a result, many significant structures may have been lost due to the destruction and rebuilding process.



Most of Mathura's religious significance come from its relationship with Lord Krishna, an avatar of the Vishnu. In this form (Krishna), Vishnu is the god of love. Many devotees will visit the Matra Kesha Dev temple which is believed to be the prison cell in which Krishna took on a human form as a baby. Others will visit the decorated Gita Mandir temple known for having the entire holy text of the  Bhagavadgita.