Sri Krishan Shodhpeeth (Research Center) Library, Mathura

Origin

Mathura is a town and district headquarter in the Uttar Pradesh (UP) state of India. It is an ancient town dating back to Mahabharta period. It is here that Lord Krishna was born in a prison house. His parent were imprisoned by his maternal uncle Kansa because it was prophecied that Kansa will be killed by his own sister's child. So, Kansa being the ruler at that time imprisoned his sister along with her husband. Eight children were born and Kansa killed them one by one. Lord Krishna the eighth child was saved by his father with divine help. Krishna was incarnation of Lord Vishnu (The Lord of creation) and was born with divine purpose.

The prison where Krishna was born still exist there. Thousands of people come here from all around the world to visit this place.

The library was established in the year 1975. It is being managed by Sri Krishan Janam Sathan Sewa Sansthan, Mathura. The library is a reference library and is much frequented by research scholars. It has valubale collections on Hinduism and ancient Indian schools of philosophy.

The Temple management board is also managing an institute called Geeta-Ramayan-Patarvihar, Vidyalya (Geeta-Ramayan Correspondence Institute). Correspondonce courses on distance education pattern are being offered to anybody interested. The courses are run from the library itself. Interested candidates may contact at the address given below for more details.

Building

The library has a big reading hall with librarian's desk on one side. The library collection is stacked in three rooms equipped with double storey metal almirahs. The rooms are kept closed to minimise the moister damage to the old and fragile manuscripts. However, an card catalogue is available for users to find the documents they need. Once located they are helped by the library staff in finding the documents.

Location

Mathura is located on national highway 2 and is about 150 Kms from the national capital New Delhi and is about 390 Kms from state capital Lucknow.

The library is located inside the premises of the Sri Krishan Janam Sathan Mandir (Lord Krishana Birth Palace ). The Temple is the main place of attraction in the ancient city of Mathura as it is where Lord Krishna was born.

The library is located on the Ist floor of the main temple building called Bhagwat Bawan. It houses the main temple on a giant altar. On the right flank is the library on the Ist floor.

Staff

Collection

The library is a research center and is well equipped with many rare and valuable manuscripts on and about Lord Krishna, Sri Bhagwat Geeta and Hindu Religion & Philosophy. It has rich collection of 50,000+ books and is a valuable resource center for researchers on Hindu Religion and Philosophy.

The library subscribes to 10 newspapers in English & Hindi and 50 magazines.

Membership

The library is a reference library and it doesn't offer regular membership. However, those who approach with some specific information needs are allowed and helped by the library staff with all the resources available. Such users are provided access to the rare resources under the supervision of the library staff and if required they are allowed to get a photocopy of the resources.

Important: The Temple premises are always under one of the highest levels of security cover, so if you want to visit the library that lies within the premises you have to leave all your belongings outside at the clock room (including gadgets like mobile phones and pendrives etc.) and should be ready for thorough frisking at the main gate by security personnel. So, always go prepared.

Information Technology

The library is still working manually and digitization and automation is yet to start.

Working Hours

The library remains open from 10 am to 6 pm on all days of the week throughout the year.

Contact

Sri Krishna Sodhpeeth Library,
Sri Krishna Janam Sathan,
Mathura (UP)-251001.
INDIA.
Phone: +91 565 242 3888 (Ext. 209)
E-mail: sp5652424763@bsnl.in