Narendra Modi is the only PM to visit Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi: Chief Priest Recalls Historic Moment

August 16, 2025

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura in 2023 continues to inspire devotees. On the occasion of Janmashtami, the temple’s chief priest, Ram Avtar Awasthi, fondly recalled the historic visit, highlighting its deep cultural and spiritual significance.

Prayers and Cultural Celebrations
During his Mathura visit last year, PM Modi not only offered prayers at the sacred site but also attended the Mirabai Janmotsav, organised to celebrate the birth anniversary of the poet-saint and ardent devotee of Lord Krishna.

Chief Priest Recalls Devotion
Sharing his memories in a video posted on the social media platform Modi Story on X, Awasthi stressed the uniqueness of the occasion.

“For the first time, a Prime Minister has visited Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Mathura – and that is Narendra Modi,” he said.

He described how PM Modi’s reverence moved even the priests present.

“When PM Modi arrived, his face brimmed with love and devotion for the Lord. As soon as he entered the temple, he bowed at the feet of Thakurji, touched the stairs, and even the threshold of the sanctum sanctorum. Seeing his humility, even the priests became emotional,” Awasthi added.

Astonishment at Ritual Knowledge
The priest noted Modi’s familiarity with age-old rituals.

“It was astonishing to see that he knew so many mantras. His devotion and faith were evident at every step. It felt as though this was a living picture of his unwavering commitment to culture and spirituality,” he said.

He even compared the Prime Minister’s devotion to that of Lord Krishna’s father.”When PM Modi was offering prayers, it seemed as if Nand Baba himself was worshipping. We priests were merely assisting him in the rituals,” he stated.

Cultural Pride in Mathura
During the visit, Modi was received by BJP MP and actor-turned-politician Hema Malini, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath felicitated him at the temple premises. The event was celebrated as a moment of cultural pride for the devotees and for Mathura.

Significance of Janmashtami
Janmashtami, also called Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This year commemorates the 5,252nd anniversary of his birth, observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). The festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the upholding of dharma.

For countless devotees, Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita remain a beacon of truth, devotion, and righteousness. PM Modi’s 2023 visit, recalled with deep sentiment by the chief priest, reinforced the spiritual and cultural values that continue to unite India with its traditions.