Kans Qila, also known as Kans Fort, is a historic fort in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, India. The defence is named after the infamous mythological demon king Kansa, who ruled over the region and is said to have imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva, the parents of Lord Krishna, in the fort.
The Kans Qila is believed to have been built during the reign of the Chandravanshi dynasty in the 2nd century BC. The Mauryan, Gupta and Mughal empires later rebuilt and renovated it. The fort is situated on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River, overlooking the town of Mathura.
The Kans Qila is constructed of red sandstone and stands around 40 feet. The fort is surrounded by high walls adorned with beautiful carvings and sculptures. The defence also features several impressive gateways, including the Hathi Darwaza, the main entrance to the fort.
The Kans Qila, visitors can explore several historic buildings, including the Kans Temple, which is dedicated to the demon king Kansa. The temple features a beautiful statue of Kansa, made of black stone and adorned with gold and silver ornaments.
The fort include the Jami Masjid, a large mosque built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, and the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, believed to be Lord Krishna's birthplace.
One of the most interesting features of the Kans Qila is its underground prison, which is said to have been the place where Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva. Visitors can explore the dungeon, which features several dark, narrow tunnels and cells.
Mathura, where Kans Qila is located, is a popular destination for tourists interested in Hindu mythology and spirituality. In addition to Kans Qila, there are several other notable places to visit in and around Mathura. Here are some of the top attractions:
This temple is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna and is one of the most visited sites in Mathura. The temple features a large courtyard, several shrines, and a prison cell where Devaki and Vasudeva were said to have been held captive by Kansa.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the oldest temples in Mathura. It features beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and a large hall where devotees gather for prayers.
This ghat is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and is believed to be where Lord Krishna rested after killing the demon Kansa. Visitors can dip in the holy river and witness the priests' evening aarti (prayer ceremony).
This sacred hill is located around 25 kilometres from Mathura and is believed to be where Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain to protect his people from a storm. Several temples surround the hill, and it is a popular spot for trekking.
This town is located around 15 kilometres from Mathura and is famous for its association with Lord Krishna. It is home to several temples and ashrams, including the famous ISKCON temple. The town is also known for its vibrant Holi celebrations.
This town is located around 50 kilometres from Mathura and is believed to be the birthplace of Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna. It features several temples dedicated to Radha and is known for its unique Lathmar Holi celebrations.