Mathurā

views updated Jun 08 2018

Mathurā, Mattra, or Muttra. Ancient city on the river Yamunā in Uttar-Pradesh. As the birthplace of Kṛṣṇa, it is one of the seven sacred cities of India. It is a major centre of pilgrimage, and the site for the enactment of Rāslīlā, a series of plays based on the life of Kṛṣṇa.