Mathura, Uttar Pradesh · 27.5049°, 77.6700°
The prison-cell birthplace of Krishna in Mathura — one of the seven moksha cities — where the Keshavadeva temple was destroyed repeatedly, last by Aurangzeb in 1670, and rebuilt in the 20th century beside the Shahi Idgah. The Garbha Griha shrine marks the cell of Devaki; Janmashtami at midnight here is the axis of the Braj year.
In Kamsa's dungeon at midnight, chains fell, doors opened, and Vasudeva carried the newborn across a parting Yamuna, the serpent Shesha shielding him from the storm — the child exchanged for Yogamaya, who slipped from the tyrant's grasp to announce his doom.
Mathura Junction ~2 km; Braj circuit with Vrindavan, Gokul, Govardhan, Barsana.
coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-26 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Modern