Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat

About Dwarkadhish Temple

Dwarka is one of four most holy pilgrimage sites (Chardham) of Hindu faith and is associated with Lord Krishna's life. Located on the western most tip of Saurastra (Gujarat), this giant ornate shrine is one of the most imposing five-storied structures of Hindu architecture in Gujarat on the confluence of river Gomti and Arabian sea. According to the epic Mahabharata, the city in due course was submerged by the sea.

It is held in such a high esteem as a place of Hindu pilgrimage that it is considered to be one of the four principal holy places or chardham, it is also known as Mokshapuri.

The Architecture

Also known as Jagat Mandir, the five-storey structure of the Dwarkadhish Temple is built on seventy-two pillars. The temple spire is 78.3m high. From the temple dome waves an eighty-four foot long multicolored flag decorated with the symbols of the sun Dwarkadhish Temple - Gujaratand 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, dating 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 takes one to the main market. The south entrance is called "Swarga Dwara" (Gate to Heaven). Outside this doorway are 56 steps that leads to the Gomati River.

The History

The holy town of Dwarka in Gujarat State is believed to be the legendary city of Dwarka built by Lord Sri Krishna between 3500 and 5000 years ago. The Harivansh, an appendix to the Mahabharata says that Dwarka was situated on the bank of the river Gomati where it joins the western sea.

Dwarka was submerged by the sea right after the death of Lord Krishna. This was regarded as a grandiose metaphor, part of a story filled with great myths. In the early eighties an important archaeological site was found in India, at Dwaraka, the site of the legendary city of Lord Krishna. Now, it is discovered that the whole coast of western India sank by nearly 40 feet around 1500 B.C. E.

Other Attractions Near The Dwarkadhish Temple

The other temples in Dwarka are the Trikamji temple, Kalyanrai temple, the Patrani temple, Durvas temple, etc. Sharda Pith set up by Adi Shankaracharya imparts instruction in Sanskrit. Darukvan in the region is one of the Jyotirlingas.

Getting There

Air : Nearest Airport is Jamnagar (146 Kms.)
Rail : Connects Dwarka and Jamnagar, 132 kms. away. Connecting Mumbai (945 kms.) via Rajkot (270 kms.) and Ahmedabad (453 kms.). Dwarka lies on the metre gauge link between Viramgam and Okha.
Road : State transport buses and luxury coaches are available from different parts of Gujarat.

Accommodation

Reasonable type of accommodations are available in and around this temple. There are numerous government offices and dharamshalas, which are good enough to cater to your accommodation needs.