Major Locations of Dhanuyatra

Mathura Nagari

King Kansa’s reign.

Mathura Nagari

(Municipality Area)

King Kansa’s reign. City Tour. Atrocities against sages and ascetics. Putting Devaki & vasudev behind bars and killing their new born one after another.

Raj Darbar

Experience the grandeur of the royal court at Darbar, Hatpada.

Raj Darbar

(Hata pada)

The administrative activities of King Kansa. After dethroning his father, Ugrasena, ascending to the throne. Consultation with ministers, hosting invited guests, punishing the guilty, and keeping track of the good and bad news of Mathura city.

Rangamahal

Discover the vibrant colors of Rangamahal.

Rangamahal

(Nishamani School Ground)

Arrangements for dance and music performances by invited dance troupes for King Kansa's entertainment. A space where local folk artists from tributary states could blend into the dances and songs, losing themselves in the company of liquor and camaraderie.

Nanda Darbar

Explore the serene Nanda Mandap.

Nanda Darbar – Nanda Mandap

(Near Ambapalli Samaleshwari Temple, Dhanu Yatra Mandap)

The royal duties of King Nanda, discussions with Queen Yashoda about Gopapura, concerns over Krishna and Balarama’s mischievous activities and their safety, the celebration of Nanda Utsav, and various cultural programs.

Karagara/Jail

Near Baragarh Sambaleshwari temple / Tali pada.

Karagara/Jail

(Near Baragarh Sambaleshwari temple / Tali pada)

Hearing the prophecy, King Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva in this jail. Here, the scenes of Devaki's children being killed were enacted.

Madhuban Tota

Khajuratikra’s Adi Mata Temple.

Madhuban Tota

(Khajuratikra’s Adi Mata Temple)

The Adimata Temple of Khajura Tikra is popularly known as Madhuban Tota. Here, Sri Krishna and Balaram, on their journey from Gopapura to Mathura, would spend the night resting. Adimata would prepare and serve them delicious meals, including rice dishes, khichdi, pithas, and other delicacies.

Amratota

Located at Govindpali, Radha Madhava Bhagavat Tungi.

Amratota

(Govindpali, Radha Madhava Bhagavat Tungi)

Radha Madhava Bhagavat Tungi located at Govindpali transforms into a hermitage where muni-rishi worship. The muni-rishi, while drinking the nectar of Sri Krishna's name, travel with King Kansa’s soldiers, narrating his oppressive and cruel deeds.

King Kansa’s Rudrabhishek

Sales Tax office Shiv Temple.

King Kansa’s Rudrabhishek

(Sales Tax office Shiv Temple)

Here, King Kansa worships Lord Shiva to seek blessings and perform rudrabhishek to please him.

Nanda Palace

Inside Ambapalli Village.

Nanda Palace

(Inside Ambapalli Village)

The arrival of Vasudeva, swapping the eighth child of Devaki into Yashoda’s lap, and taking the divine girl (Yogmaya) back to Mathura. Celebrations like Baby Krishna’s Doli Khela (cradle ceremony).

Meeting of Krishna – Balaram with Sudama Mali

Khajura Tikra Higher Primary School Premises.

Meeting of Krishna – Balaram with Sudama Mali

(Khajura Tikra Higher Primary School Premises)

A significant meeting between Krishna, Balaram, and Sudama Mali, showcasing their friendship and the values of humility and devotion.

River Jamuna (River Jeera)

Significant events in Krishna's childhood.

River Jamuna (River Jeera)

(Between Gopapura and Mathura)

Jamuna River, a river located between Gopapura and Mathura, holds significant importance in the childhood of Lord Krishna, as many pivotal events occurred here.

Gopapura (Ambapalli Village)

Childhood pastimes of Shri Krishna.

Gopapura (Ambapalli Village)

(Ambapalli Village)

All childhood pastimes of Shri Krishna, including the playful mischiefs with the Gopis, the killing of Shankhachuda, and many more.

Vrindavan Padiya

Childhood pastimes of Krishna and Balarama.

Vrindavan Padiya

(Vrindavan)

The childhood pastimes (leelas) of Krishna and Balarama, including grazing cattle and playing with the cowherd boys.

Jamalarjuna Bhajan – Benubaba Math

The freeing of Nalakuber and Manigreev.

Jamalarjuna Bhajan – Benubaba Math

(Ambapalli)

Nalakuber and Manigreev, two powerful demons, turned into gigantic Jamalajun trees. While they were bound in a tangle of ants and ropes, Lord Krishna arrived, broke the two trees, and freed the two demons. This scene is often depicted in images and stories.

Kaliya Dalana

Pond near Jeera River – Fakira Bandha.

Kaliya Dalana

(Pond near Jeera River)

The scenes of Devaki's children being killed were enacted here.

Gopapura Bedi

Killing place of Putana & other demons.

Gopapura Bedi

(Ambapalli)

When the Dhanuyatra began in 1947, under the leadership of the late Neelamani Pujari, it was known as the San Bedi. Over time, this Bedi became known as the Gopapur Bedi.

Nabakeli - Maan Bandh

A beautiful scene in Krishna's pastimes.

Nabakeli - Maan Bandh

(Krishna's Pastimes)

This is a beautiful scene. In Krishna's pastimes, the scene where Radha crosses the river on Krishna's boat is known as Navakeli. When Radha goes to sell curd in Mathura, Krishna, through his divine play, creates a path for Radha to cross. During this time, he sings a song while leaving the path, and god, upon hearing his words, sits with him in the boat. Together, they cross the Jamuna River.

Ambapali Square

The final scene of Gopapura.

Ambapali Square

(Ambapali)

The final scene of Gopapura takes place at the main square of Ambapali. When Krishna and Balarama are about to bid farewell with Akroora, Mother Yashoda, along with the gopis, tries to stop them from leaving, pleading with Akroora not to take Krishna and Balarama away. The emotional farewell moment deeply touches the hearts of the spectators, filling their eyes with tears.

Baragarh Kali Temple – Saving Kubuja

Prominent goddess temples of Bargarh city.

Baragarh Kali Temple – Saving Kubuja

(Bargarh City)

Celebrated annually with devotion and grandeur in a grand ceremony.