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HISTORICITY
Many celebrated monarchs ruled Mathura from time to time after the
Maurya emperors. During the time of Kanishka, Mathura acquired the
status of a rival capital and enjoyed imperial patronage in the
realms of fine arts. The Sungas and Guptas that followed glorified
the city with many buildings and it enjoyed imperial patronage. Many
philanthropists and Matadhipathis, besides princes have been
building hundreds of shrines over the sites, associated with
Krishna's palaces, and places held dear to him. The belief that he
was the incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu gave impetus to the orthodox
Hindus to display their sadbhakthi through the
construction of gigantic temples with imposing towers, bathing ghats
with strong embankments and Dharmasalas for lodging the ever
increasing influx of the pilgrims. Moreover, with Vaishnavism
reaching the zenith, illustrious pravaktas and affluent bhaktas
established their schools and strove to uplift the common people
through service activities, with Mathura as principal kendra
Buildings of several types sprang from every sacred spot, and
in consequence the city is crowded more with shrines and Dharmasalas
than dwelling and commercial establishments. And so, very site dear
to Yadavas in general, and Krishna in particular is now seen with a
monument, emitting spiritual aroma, and is casting an irresistible
attraction for theists and tourists. Devout Hindus visit each spot
with utmost veneration and offer pujas, and donations too for
charitable purposes in certain temples.
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