Dwarka, also spelled Dvarka, Dwaraka, and Dvaraka, is a city and a municipality located in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat state in India. Dwarka, also known as Dwarawati in Sanskrit literature is rated as one of the seven most ancient cities in the country.
Dwarka is the land of “Lord Krishna”. There are so many temples of Lord Krishna. It was the capital in the time of Lord Krishna’s dynasty. It is well known for its Dwarkadhish Temple. Other places are Nageshwar Jyothirlinga Temple, Gurudwara, Rukmini Devi Temple, Shri Krishna Temple etc.
Dwarkadheesh Temple (Dwarka) : The main temple at Dwarka, situated on Gomti creek, is known as jagatmandir (universal shrine) or triloksundar (the most beautiful in all the three worlds). Originally believed to be built by Vajranabh, the great grandson of Lord Krishna, more than 2500 years ago, it is a glorious structure seeming to rise from the waters of the Arabian Sea. Its exquisitely carved shikhar, reaching 43 m high and the huge flag made from 52 yards of cloth, can be seen from as far away as 10 km. The grandeur of the temple is enhanced by the flight of 56 steps leading to the rear side of the edifice on the side of the river Gomti. The temple is built of soft limestone and consists of a sanctum, vestibule and a rectangular hall with porches on three sides. There are two gateways: swargadwar (gate to the heavens), where pilgrims enter, and moksha dwar (gate to liberation), where pilgrims exit.
The lower part of the Dwarkadhish temple is from the 16th century and the soaring steeple with its numerous clusters of small towers is from the 19th century. The main part of the temple has five storeys, reaching to a height of over 100 feet. The exquisite carvings on its exterior display daring eroticism, a multi-layered mythic intensity and extraordinary continuity of design. In contrast, the interior of the temple is striking in its simplicity, with the only exception being the elaborate ornamentation around the shrine to the idol of Dwarkadhish. ((Morning 7.00 to Afternoon 12.30 and Evening 5.00 to 9.30))
Bet Dwarka (Dwarka) : Bet dwarka, the spot where lord Krishna and his wife rukmani Devi spent their years of togetherness and preached the world, popular for the temple of dwarka with the utmost spiritual touch and sacred surrounding, and known as shankkhodar for lord Vishnu is believed to have demolished the shankhasura demon, has most of the temples and shrines along with a mesmerizing sea-shore to entertain its visitors. This ancient island is situated 30 kms away from the dwarka town. It being an island, one can reach to it through water ways which is a sheer thrill and fun-filled experience. Capturing the temporarily migrated and rarely seen birds while boating is a pure bliss.
Address: Beyt, Gujarat 361345
Timing: 6.00 AM to 12.30 PM / 5.00 PM to 9.00 PM
Rukmini Hrid (Dwarka) : Rukminihrid, also popular as ‘bhrigutirth’ holds a significant importance with the seven ponds that are believed to be of those kinds that can free humans from their sins with a single holy dip into it and can uplift the mankind from the matters of birth and death. The popular rukmini temple is believed to have been constructed here at distance from the main dwarka temple of lord Krishna for the reasons of being cursed immortal separation from Krishna by the sage durwasa for disrespecting him while having dinner. The seven ponds altogether make rukminihrid most popular amongst the visitors for its importance at spiritual level.
Address: Dwarka to Byet Dwrka Road
Timing: 6.00 AM to 9.00 PM
Nageshwar Temple (Dwarka) : Situated in the outskirts of Dwaraka, Nageshwar Temple or Nagnath Temple is one of the prominent Shiva shrines in India and this temple represents the removal of evil forces from earth. As one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, this shrine houses a curious myth about its origin.
Shiv Purana, narrate the tale about the temple and it says that Shiva started to reside here in the form of Jyothirlinga after killing the demon by name Daruka. The place got its name from the demon Daruka who had appealed to the god before his death that the place be named after him. Hence the name Naagnath.
In this temple the Shivalinga faces towards the south and the Gomugam is on the east. Giant statue of Lord Shiva allures the devotees with its aesthetic appeal. On the eve of Shivaratri, the temple premises witnesses huge turnout of devotee and which virtually changes the entire ambiance into a place of festivities.
Timing: 6.00 AM to 9.00 PM
Geeta Mandir (Dwarka) : A marvelous and spectacular shrine on the western part of the city, the Gita Mandir tries to project the values of the sacred book Bhagavad Gita. This marble structure is a marvel in terms of artistic expressions and at the same time it imparts a saintly feeling to all those delve in to its holy premises.
Built in the year 1970 by the leading business tycoons, the Birlas, the temple stand proudly as a standing ovation to the richness and elegance to the much revered scripture, Gita. Highly carved walls and embellished ceilings of the temple are inscribed with the prominent hymns of Bhagavad Gita. Another alluring feature of the temple is that any voice heard in hall will be echoed, which spells out a distinct feeling.
Timing: 6.00 AM to 9.00 PM
Gomti Ghat (Dwarka) : As per the Holy Scriptures, River Gomati is none other than the sacred Ganges, which descended from heaven. As the reservoir of various myths this river hosts so many shrines and ghats where the devotees often do various rituals. Of all the holy spots beside the river, Gomati kund happens to be the most sought after destination of the religious minded since it was here that the lord himself had served the hot tempered Durvasa. The popular belief is that a mere visit to this saintly place would liberate the devotee from all their sins.
Not only the religious significance of Gomati kund makes it a celebrated spot, where people throngs in. It is here in this majestic spot that the river merges with the Arabian Sea. The saline but crystalline water is highly tempting and one would not be able to leave the place with out a dip in it.
Timing: 5.00 AM to 9.00 PM
