Dwarka - Lord Sri Krishna's Kingdom

Dwarka:-
 

Krishna has been worshipped in Dwarka since time immortal. The four handed image of lord Krishna looks vibrant with spirit. Dwarka or Dwarawati was the city where Krishna lived as King. Naturally it is one of the four sacred Dhams of India. The legendary city of Dwarka was not made by men. after Krishna chose the site it was Vishwakarma heaven's architect who planned and built the city. Shiva and Kuvera from Kailas and Patal respectively sent their servants to execute the plan of Vishwakarma.


The name ‘Dwarka’ that came from two words – dwara (door) and ka (Brahma) – stood for ‘gateway to the spiritual union with Brahma’. Dwarka is one of the ancient cities of India with a history that dates back to the 1500 BC and is linked to the ancient Hindu texts like the Gita and Puranas. Dwarka is associated with the life of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
According to legend, Dwarka was submerged in water after the death of Lord Krishna and the demise of the Yadava Dynasty. The present-day Dwarka was the Kushasthali of the ancient times which enjoyed a proud spot along the Saurashtra coast. It is believed that Dwarka was rebuilt six times by different civilisations and the present-day Dwarka is the 7th one.

The search for the lost city of Dwarka commenced in the early 1930’s. Archeologists of the Marine Archeology Unit (MAU) discovered the immersed township of Dwarka during their explorations which were conducted in 1983 – 1990.

This submerged township was built in six sectors and its general layout corresponded to the descriptions of the golden city of Dwarka as mentioned in the ancient texts. Copper coins, foundations of boulders, old constructions, pottery samples, etc. that date back to around 1500 BC were also excavated.

Present-day Dwarka sits on the right side of the river banks of the Gomati. Dwarka is a renowned historical and religious site and has the Dwarkadheesh Temple or Jagat Temple, which was built more than 2000 years ago. The Dwarkadheesh temple of Dwarka, built as per ancient Hindu architecture, is a five storey, ornate temple that rests on 60 pillars.

Nageshwar Mahadev, Rukmini Temple, Bhalka Tirth, Gomati Ghat Temples, etc. are some other popular pilgrim spots in Dwarka. Dwarka is also the seat of Adi Shankaracharya, who established four ‘maths’ in four different parts of India. The Sharada Peetha of Dwarka is a famous research centre of Sanskrit language.

Dwarka is situated towards the western-most part of the Indian state of Gujarat. Located on the tip of the Saurashtra peninsula on the Arabian Sea, Dwarka was once referred to as the Golden City. Dwaraka has remarkable significance as per Hindu lore since the place is categorised under both the ‘Chardham’ sites and the ‘sapta-puris’ (seven sacred cities).

About Temple:-

According to Srimad Bhagwat Gita, Skanda Mahapurana, Vishnu Purana and Harivansh, Dwaraka was built of gold. Archealogists had excavated some parts of Dwaraka from the ocean. This is one of the ancient cities of India. The presiding deity, Dwarakeesh is one meter tall sculpted in stone. The temple is situated on the bank of river Gomathi. Bate Dwaraka: Also called Mool Dwaraka – original Dwaraka, this place is 32 km far from the present Dwaraka which the devotee can reach by boat. This is an Islet. People call this Ramandweep island. It is believed that Lord Krishna stayed here. There were separate rooms for Bhama, Rukmini and Radha. Gobitulab is a place where bathing facility is available. It is said that Lord Krishna offered salvation to Gopikas through this water route. The sand, Gobichandan is offered here as Prasad which devotees wear on forehead and body. Rukmini temple is 12 km from this place. There are shrines here for Lord Krishna’s mother Devaki and brother Balaraman. There is a temple for Ambaji, the Guardian deity and Mother Tulsi at the entrance of the temple. This is the only place where a shrine is seen for Madha Tulsi. After the great Mahabharata war, Kundhi, mother of the Pandavas came to the Lord and asked Him how she will have his darshan later. Lord Kanna told her that He would ever be with her. She then asked the Lord to give her some hardship so that she could call him for a help. Birth place of Mahatma Gandhi: Porbandar, where Mahatmaji was born is situated in between Dwaraka and Bate Dwaraka. This was once called Sudhamapuri, where Kuchela was born. There is a temple for him here. The episode of Kuchela offering the flakes (Aval in Tamil) to the Lord is beautifully painted in the temple. A Deepa Aradhana with 16 Arathis is followed each day in the temple and this is the main offering to the Lord. Worshipping the Lord in this temple is said to be equal to have his Trivikrama form darshan (an incarnation when he measured the three worlds in three steps of His feet).

Dating to the 12th-13th century, the Rukmini temple has beautiful carvings, specially on the pillars of the Sabha Mandapa. The temple was built in honour of Rani Rukmani, princess of Vidharba, who was to be married to Sishupala, but eloped with Lord Krishna

This small temple, 1.5km north of town, is an architectural masterpiece. Rukmini is the most important of Krishna's 16,108 wives. The temple walls are decorated with beautiful paintings depicting her pastimes with Krishna. This temple is said to date back to the 12th century.

Rukmini Temple, Rukmini Temple tour, Visit Rukmini Temple of Gujarat, Temple tour of Rukmini TempleThe story behind this temple is that one day, Durvasa Muni, who is easily angered, was invited by Lord Krishna and his wife, Rukmini, to dinner. When a person is invited to dinner, etiquette dictates that the host should not eat until the guest has been satisfied. On the way to dinner, Rukmini became thirsty and asked Krishna for help. Krishna then put his foot in the ground and the Ganges waters flowed forth from the earth while Durvasa was not looking. As Rukmini was drinking the water, however, Durvasa turned and saw her drinking without his permission. He became angry and cursed her to live apart from Lord Krishna. That is why Krishna's temple is in the town and hers is located outside the town.



History of Rukmini Temple, Dwarka:-

Rukmini Temple, Dwarka, India dates back to the 12th century. There is a story behind this temple. One day, Durvasa Muni, who was easily angered, was invited to dinner by Krishna and his wife, Rukmini. Etiquette dictates that when a person is invited to dinner, the host should refrain from eating until the guest has been satisfied. However, while Durvasa was eating, Rukmini became thirsty. She asked Krishna to help her. Krishna, to bail out his wife, put his foot in the ground. As a result, the Ganges waters streamed forth from the ground while Durvasa was not looking. As luck would have it, while Rukmini was drinking the water, Durvasa turned that way and saw her drinking without seeking his permission. This made him angry. He cursed her to live apart from Lord Krishna. That is the reason why Krishna's temple is in the city and hers is positioned outside the city.

Description of Rukmini Temple, Dwarka:-

Rukmini Temple, Dwarka, India draws many from far and wide. People who come here are spellbound by the sheer magic of this architectural masterpiece. The walls of Rukmini Temple in Dwarka are decorated with attractive paintings. These paintings depict her pastimes with Krishna. This temple has beautiful carvings, particularly on the pillars of the 'Sabha Mandapa'.

So, without any further delay, make the required arrangements to pay a visit to Rukmini Temple, Dwarka.


 Legend Of Dwarka-Submergence:-

After Krishna left the earth for Vaikunta and the major Yadava leaders were killed in disputes among themselves, Arjuna went to Dwarka to bring Krishna's grandsons and the Yadava wives to Hastinapur, to safety. After Arjuna left Dwarka, it was submerged into the sea. Following is the account given by Arjuna, found in the Mahabharata: ...imposed on it by nature. The sea rushed into the city. It coursed through the streets of the beautiful city. The sea covered up everything in the city. I saw the beautiful buildings becoming submerged one by one. In a matter of a few moments it was all over. The sea had now become as placid as a lake. There was no trace of the city. Dwaraka was just a name; just a memory. The Vishnu Purana also mentions the submersion of Dwarka, stating On the same day that Krishna departed from the earth the powerful dark-bodied Kali Age descended. The oceans rose and submerged the whole of Dwarka.

Recent archeological findings :-

The Archeological findings of a Dock Near the banks of Dwarka.

                                                  The Offshore Exploration at Dwarka!!!

The submergence of Dwarka and the cause of submergence are of historical and oceanographic interest because of historic Dwarka is likely to throw light on the Dark Age of Indian history.

The occurrence of a distinct ceramic ware known as the Red Polished Ware in layer 8 and the Lustrous Red Ware in layers 10 and 10A clearly distinguishes the early historic deposit from the Past and Historic. Layer 9 is yellowish sand and layer 10 is grayish silt, while layer 10A is pinkish sand and layer 11 almost the same without any artifact. The stemmed bowl and a miniature bowl of averted rim found in Dwarka excavation are comparable in form, fabric and treatment to those from Rangpur III. The excavation in 1979-80 pushed back the antiquity of Dwarka from 15th century AD to 15th century 'BC and suggested the destruction of a coastal settlement by sea about 3500 years ago.

The underwater structures lying off Dwarka are the remains of a jetty. It is difficult to date these structures precisely, however the binding material suggests that it may be of the late medieval period. Discovery of a large number of stone anchors suggests that Dwarka was an important port since the historical period and continued till late medieval period. Existence of a wide variety of anchors may suggest that different types and sizes of boats from different regions used to visit Dwarka harbour. The available evidence suggests that natural factors like coastal erosion are primarily responsible for the destruction of the port of ancient Dwarka

Legend behind the Idol :-

There is a legend behind the idol of Lord Dwarkadhish in the temple. Badana, an old devotee, used to come daily from Dakor to Dwarka, in order to have a glimpse of the Lord Dwarkadhish. The Lord was really appeased with her and one day, he went along with Badana to Dakor, in the form of idol. The priests at Dwarka temple got angry at Badana, who took the idol according to them. The enraged priests chased Badana to get back the idol. Badana convinced the priests to leave the idol instead of gold.

The priests agreed upon the condition and to their surprise, the idol happened to be as light as one nose-ring. This miracle was done by the Lord himself, as he knew Badana had only a nose-ring to offer. However, the Lord didn't disappoint the priests and said that they would find a replica on a particular day. The priests could not resist their inquisitiveness and excavated the recommended site quite early. They found one yet to grow idol that is presently enshrined at Dwarka.


Dwarkadish Temple:-

Dwarkadish is another name of Lord Krishna that means the 'Lord of Dwarka'. The five-storey high temple is built on seventy-two pillars. The temple spire is 78.3m (235 feet) high. From the temple dome waves an eighty-four foot long multicolored flag decorated with the symbols of the sun and moon.

Lord Krishna's grandson, Vajranabha, is said to have built the original temple of Dwarkadhish over the hari-griha (Lord Krishna's residential place). The sanctum of the temple is formed by the Jagat Mandir, or Nija Mandir, which dates back at least 2500 years. The Jagat Mandir has a tall tower and a hall of audience. There are two entrances to the temple. The main entrance (north entrance) is called 'Moksha Dwara' (Door to Salvation). This entrance leads to the main market. The south entrance is called 'Swarga Dwara' (Gate to Heaven). Outside this doorway are 56 steps that lead to the Gomati River. The audience hall has both ancient and fairly modem sculptures. The main Deity in this temple is Lord Dwarkadhish, who is on the central altar. The Deity represents the four-armed form of Vishnu called Trivikrama. There is a temple to the right of the main Deity that contains the Deity of Lord Baladevaji (Balarama), who is the older brother of Lord Krishna. The temple to the left of the main Deity contains a big Deity of Pradyumna and a small Deity of Aniruddha. They are the son and grandson of Lord Krishna. Opposite this shrine is the shrine of Purusottama (Vishnu). Next to this shrine is a shrine dedicated to Kuseswara Mahadeva (Shiva).

The shrine facing Dwarkadhish is dedicated to Devaki, the mother of Lord Krishna. Next to this shrine is a temple dedicated to Veni-madhava (Lord Vishnu). Behind the main temple in the eastern part of the temple compound are shrines of Radhikaji, Jambavati, Satyabhama and Lakshmi. There are also shrines of Saraswati and Lakshmi-Narayana.

Temple Timing:-
Morning 6.30 Mangla Arti
7.00 to 8.00 Mangla Darshan
8.00 to 9.00 Abhishek Pooja (Snan vidhi) : Darshan closed
9.00 to 9.30 Shringar Darshan
9.30 to 9.45 Snanbhog : Darshan closed
9.45 to 10.15 Shringar Darshan
10.15 to 10.30 Shringarbhog : Darshan closed
10.30 to 10.45 Shringar Arti
11.05 to 11.20 Gwal Bhog Darshan closed
11.20 to 12.00 Darshan
12.00 to 12.20 Rajbhog : Darshan closed
12.20 to 01.00 Darshan
01.00 Anosar : Darshan closed
5.00 Uthappan First Darshan
5.30 to 5.45 Uthappan Bhog Darshan closed
5.45 to 7.15 Darshan
7.15 to 7.30 Sandhya Bhog Darshan closed
7.30 to 7.45 Sandhya Arti
8.00 to 8.10 Shayanbhog Darshan closed
8.10 to 8.30 Darshan
8.30 to 8.35 Shayan Arti
8.35 to 9.00 Darshan
9.00 to 9.20 Bantabhog and Shayan : Darshan closed
9.20 to 9.30 Darshan.

    Places around Dwarka:-

    Rukmini Devi Temple:-

Rukmini Temple (Temple one of Shri Krishna's Patranis), is located 2 kms a away from Dwarka There is a myth associated with it Once Krishna and Rukmini went to "Durvasha rushi" to invite him at Dwarka. He was agreed on the condition that they (Krishna & Rukmini) have to carry the chariot instead of any animal. Krishna & Rukmini happily agreed to do so. While driving the chariot, Rukmini became thirsty.Then Krishna stopped the chariot and made water of Holy River Ganga by digging with his toe. "Durvasha" annoyed by the action and curse Rukmini to stay away from Shri Krishna Hence Rukmini temple is located 2 kms. Away from Dwarka's Jagat Mandir. It is widely believed among the devotees that the pilgrimage is incomplete if a devotee doesn't go to offer prayers at Rukmini Temple even if he worshiped the Lord at Dwarkadhish temple..


Nageshwar Mahadev Temple:-

This powerful jyotirlinga establish by lord Krishna, symbolizes protection from all poisons and those who pray to the Nageshwar therefore become poison free. It is among of 12 jyotirlingas.
Distance from Dwarka 16 kms

Gopi Talav  [ Gopi lake ]:-

The stories of Lord Krishna's childhood abound with youthful pranks and romance have a connection with this lake. As a young boy he used to dance the raas with the Gopis (young female inhabitants) in Vrindavana (or Vruj). When he moved to Dwarka, the Gopis could not bear the separation and came to visit him.

They united with their Krishna at the Gopi Talav, on the night of Sharad Purnima (full moon) and once again danced the raas with him. Legend says that, unable to part from Krishna, the Gopis offered their lives to the soil of this land and merged with their beloved. It is said that they turned into yellow clay, known as Gopi Chandan. Even today the soil of the Gopi talav is extremely smooth and yellow in color.

That is why Gopi Talav or the Gopi Tank is a small pond surrounded by sandal like yellow sand, known as Gopi Chandan. This Chandan is used by devotees of Lord Krishna to make tilak marks on their bodies. The Talav has a special significance in the Hindu mythology, as it is believed to be the place where gopis came to see Lord Krishna in Dwarka.

It is believed that Lord Krishna killed a demon named Bhaumasura and freed 16,000 princesses from his palace at this site. This site got its name as Gopi Talav after the Gopi princesses, who fell in love with Lord Krishna and wanted to marry him.

Gopi Talav is located just 20 km north of Dwarka and 5 km from the Nageshwara Jyotirlinga Temple. This sacred pond is situated on the route to Beyt Dwarka from the main town. Local transportation like buses and auto rickshaws are available from the town for visiting this site.

Gomati Ghat:-

Gomati, the originated Ganges, meets the sea at Chakra-tirtha Ghat. To take shower where the Gomati satisfies the sea is said to provide freedom. If you go out the back entrance of the Dwarkadish Temple, you can see the Gomati River. The temple is situated almost at the identify where the Gomati meets the sea.

Samudra Narayan Temple:-

The Samudra Narayana Temple (Sangam Narayana) is an magnificent temple at the confluence of the Gomati and the sea. Panchanada Tirtha includes five sweet-water water wells enclosed by sea water. At Chakra Narayana, Lord Vishnu was demonstrated as a rock noticeable with a chakra on the beach. The Gomatiji Temple has an picture of the Gomati River in it, said to have been introduced down from heaven by Vasistha Muni.

Bet Dwarka:-

30 kilometers from Dwarka lies Shankhoddar Island. Also known as Bet Dwarka or Ramandip, this island is supposed to be the place where Lord Krishna and his family lived.

Distance from Dwarka 30 kms

 Porbandar:-

Porbandar  is a coastal city in the Indian state of Gujarat, perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The famous places of porbandar are Sudama temple, Bharat mandir, Tara mandir, Kirti mandir etc.

Distance from Dwarka 100 kms

Somnath:-

The Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India is the most sacred of the twelve Jyotirlings (lingas of light) symbols of the God Shiva.

Distance from Dwarka 250 kms.

    Sasan - Gir Forest:-
            [ Junagadh ]

Internationally recognised as the only surviving habitat of the Asiatic Lion, Sasan Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around 65 km southeast city of Junagadh in Gujarat. It goes without saying that the primary attraction here is the Sasan Gir National Park itself. Among some of the distinct species of fauna residing here, in addition to the Asiatic Lions, are leopards, jungle cats, jackals, hyenas, mongoose, four-horned antelopes,etc

 Diu:-

A beautiful blend of sea, sand and sun, Diu is a God's gift to those in quest of a blessed land where the weary weight of this unintelligible world can, for a while, be lightened and the waking soul can hear the music of the nature. This tiny island of breeze, beauty and serenity situated off the southern tip of the Saurashtra (Kathiawad) peninsula of Gujarat, lapped by the Arabian Sea, is a picture of calmness with superb beaches and a fascinating history.

    Akshardham:-

Akshardham is a unique cultural complex that celebrates the past, addresses the present, and blesses the future. It upholds the universal values of Humanity and symbolizes the glory of Indian Culture. Over 2 million visitors visit annually to see the major attractions like...
One of the wonders of the world, the imposing 10 story high, intricately carved architectural masterpiece, enshrines Golden Murti (idol) of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan faith.
Akshardham is an architectural marvel of this Century. Awe-inspiring auspiciousness and amazing craftsmanship.

Hanuman Dandi Temple:-

Nearby is the Hanuman Dandi Temple, where Hanuman and his son Makardhwaj had met. People have great faith in the temple and many come here for the fulfillment of their desires. The temple priest gives a sopari (beetle nut) to the devotee, and when his wish is fulfilled, the devotee comes here with the same sopari given by the priest, now with golden platting on it, and offers it to Hanumanji. Hanuman Dandi temple is 5 km away from the main temple, and local vehicles are available.

Okha:-

30 kms from Dwarka, the tip of the western coast of India, Okha developed as major port under the Gaekwad rulers of Baroda. It is a fishing port. There is a govt guest house at Okha facing the sea.


Ambaji Temple:-

Ambaji on Arasur hill is a major Shaktipith of India, a temple of the mother Goddess Amba mata, attracting pilgrims in numbers beyond comprehension. The temple is of considerable importance to Hindus. Ambaji is set in the Arravallis. Climbing the Gabbar hill beside Ambaji is an important pilgrimage.

Palitana:-

Palitana is one of the most important pilgrim spots for Jains. The Shetrunjaya hill, with it’s 863 temple covered mountain summit, 600 meters over the town is considered by many Jains to be more important then the temple covered hills of Bihar, Gwalior, Mt Abu and Girnar. Palitana was the capital of a princely state of the Gohil Rajput clan, was known for it’s Kathiawadi horses, and has a number of palatial buildings. It is also one of the greatest tourist attractions in Gujarat for foreign tourists.
   
Palitana Shetrunjaya hill:-


The peak is a 3 ½ km climb of over 3500 steps from the town. The cluster of over 800 temples are divided into tuks.The largest and highest tuk is the Khartavasi tuk, with the 16th century Adinatha temple with images of the tirthankars, the 19th century Vallabhi temple with it’s finely clustered spires and the massive 1836 AD Motisah temple. Other important temples are the 16th century Adiswara temple in the Vimlavasi tuk, the Ramaji Gadhariya temple and the 18th century Bhulavani. Other important temples can be seen in the Sakara Premchand Tuk, Ujambi Hemabhai tuk, Sheth Hemabhai Vakatachand tuk and other enclosures.

Throughout the cluster you can see detailed carvings, beautiful idols and images, jeweled statues and intricate toranas. Sunrise behind the temples is a great sight. You can enjoy views from the summit of the hills and the river Shetrunjaya. On a clear day, the Gulf of Cambay sea coast can be seen. The summit can be visited from 7-19 hrs.

The temple covered Shetrunjaya hill, 2000 ft over Palitana town, believed to span 863 shrines in all has some really exquisite marble temples of great religious and artistic importance, containing arches, carved pillars and bejeweled idols. The temples date from 11th to the 20th century. The summit is the most revered of Jain temple complexes, surpassing those of Mt Abu, Gwalior, Girnar and Bihar. Palitana town is a good place to shop for textile related handicrafts and has a Jain kala sansta


108 Samavasan mandir:-

 The temple in the town of Palitana has 108 idols and sculptures.

Jain museum:-

 Palitana has 2 trust run Jain museums. The Shri Vishal Jain Kal,a Sansthan and the Stapitya kala graha, with cloth paintings, manuscripts, palm leaf books, book covers, ivory sculpture and paintings on ivory and figurines.

Akola-Dwarka:-

Dwarkadish Temple, Gomati Sangam Ghat, Samudra Narayana Temple, Nageshwara Jyotirlinga Temple, Somnath Temple, Shardha Peeth, Dunny Point, Dwarka Lighthouse, Gopi Talav, Hanuman Dandi Temple, Rukmini Hrid, Brahma Kund, Panch Kuai, Kachoriyu Temple, Sindhu Sadan, Gita Mandir, Beyt Dwarka, Rukshamanee mandir.


Bhalka Tirth:-

The spot where Lord Krishna was mistaken for a deer and struck by a arrow hile sleeping in a deerskin. It is said Lord Krishna was cremated at Dehotsarga at Triveni Ghat.

Close by lies Somnath with its shrine built by Soma, the Moon God. The Majestic monument as it stands today is a recent replication of the earlier construction. It is said that the original temple built by the Moon God was of gold. After it was razed to the ground it was rebuilt by Ravana in silver. When the silver temple was knocked down it was reconstructed in wood by Krishna and when this was pulled down an edifice of stone was erected by Bhimdev. Relics of the old Somnath shrine have been preserved in a museum housed in a temple. An interesting Sun Temple is also located in Somnath. Somnath is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or Shiva shrines in India.

Fairs and Festivals at Dwarka:-

Janmashtami (birthday of Lord Krishna), celebrated in the month of August/September, is a major festival of Dwarka.

How to reach:-

By Air:-
 Jamnagar, 145 kilometres away, is the nearest airport.

By Rail:-
 Dwarka is on the Western Railway line.

By Road:-
 State Transport buses, private buses and taxis and conducted tours run to Dwarka.