The most renowned Ghat on the banks of river Yamuna is the Vishram Ghat. It’s a bath place as well as a worship place. According to the legends, the tired Lord Krishna, after killing his demon maternal uncle Kansa took rest at this place. The literal meaning of ‘Vishram’ is to to take ‘rest’ and ‘Ghat’ refers to ‘ place’. Thus the name Vishram Ghat came into existence after lord Krishna took rest here.

The importance of Vishram Ghat in Mathura is very well explained in Hindu mythological books for its sacred and religious connection in lord Krishna’s life. Vishram Ghat is positioned amidst the 25 Ghats of Mathura, 12 Ghats lying to the north of it and 12 ghats lie on the southern side. The 12 Ghats on the northern side are Ganesh Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat with its Neelakantheshwar Temple, Saraswati Sangam Ghat, Chakratirtha Ghat, Krishnaganga Ghat, Somatirth or Swami Ghat, Ghantagharan Ghat, Dharapattan Ghat, Vaikuntha Ghat, Navtirtha or Varahkshetra Ghat, Asikunda ghat and Manikarnika Ghat. To the south, there are 11 Ghats – the Guptatirth Ghat, Prayag Ghat marked by the Veni Madhav Temple, Shyam Ghat, Ram Ghat, Kankhal Ghat, the site of the Janmashtami and Jhula festivals, Dhruva ghat, Saptrishi Ghat, Mokshatirth Ghat, Surya Ghat, Ravan Koti Ghat and Buddha Ghat.

Rituals that appeal:

The arti is held at the Ghat every morning and evening. The river Yamuna is worshipped here as it is considered to be the living goddess by the Hindus. The View of the Ghat is spectacular in the evening. A Grand aarti is organized every evening with big diyas and oil lamps. After that devotees from across the world lit the oil lamps and diyas on leaves of paan and make them float on the water of river Yamuna. The reflection of the lit lamps on the floating river set the placid water as sparkling with myriad iridescent lights and provides a mesmerizing view to the devotees.

What to do at Vishram Ghat:

Devotees take religious bath and holy dips in the river Yamuna. Various rituals like pinḍ pradaan and other poojas are also performed at this Ghat. Heavy crowd is witnessed at the Ghat on the occasion of Bhaidooj popularly known as Yam Dwitiya which falls on the second day after Diwali, brother sister duo takes a holy dip in the Yamuna river at Vishram Ghat.