The Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir, is an architectural marvel in the Chalukya style, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Its origins can be traced back to the Kingdom of Dwaraka in the Mahabharata. The main shrine, a five-storied structure made of limestone and sand, is truly grand and awe-inspiring. This ancient temple, over 2200 years old, is believed to have been built by Vajranabha, using the land reclaimed from the sea by Lord Krishna.
Inside the temple, visitors can witness intricate sculptural detailing, a testament to the craftsmanship of the ancestral dynasties that once ruled the region. The temple's centerpiece is the magnificent black idol of Lord Krishna. Additionally, there are several other shrines within the temple premises dedicated to Subhadra, Balarama and Revathy, Vasudeva, Rukmini, and many other deities.
Devotees are expected to purify themselves by taking a dip in the holy Gomti river before entering the temple through the Swarg Dwar. One of the most special occasions in the temple's calendar is the eve of Janmashtami when thousands of devotees gather to chant prayers and perform rituals. During this time, the shrine becomes a vibrant and colorful hive of devotion, with an atmosphere that ultimately transforms into inner silence and sanctity.
The Tale of Lord Dwarkadhish's Idol
In ancient times, there lived a devoted soul named Badana, who journeyed to the temple of Lord Dwarkadhish in Dakor every single day. Touched by her unwavering love and dedication, Lord Dwarkadhish decided to accompany her back to Dakor. When the temple's priest discovered that the idol was missing, he became furious and chased after Badana to reclaim it.
However, Badana, with her profound faith and wit, managed to persuade the priest by offering gold in exchange for the idol. To everyone's astonishment, when they weighed the idol, it seemed to weigh no more than a nose ring. It was a divine miracle! The Lord had made it clear that all he desired was the love and devotion of his devotees, not material wealth.
Furthermore, Lord Dwarkadhish assured the priests that they would eventually find a replica of the idol. To this day, the temple in Dwarka enshrines a magnificent idol, a testament to the divine presence and the legend of its sacred journey.
The Legend of Rukmini's Shrine
The captivating city of Dwarka was said to have been constructed by Lord Krishna on a piece of land reclaimed from the vast sea. During one eventful visit, the renowned sage Durvasa came to the dwelling of Lord Krishna and his beloved wife, Rukmini. Eager to showcase their splendid palace to the sage, they embarked on the journey.
As they traversed, Rukmini, feeling weary, requested water. In response, Krishna, displaying his divine powers, brought the holy river Ganga to their location by creating a mythical well. However, instead of being impressed, the sage was incensed by this display of power and cursed Rukmini to remain at that very spot forever.
Today, that very place stands as a shrine within the temple, immortalizing the moment of divine grace and reminding all who visit of the eternal bond between Lord Krishna and his devoted wife, Rukmini.
Gujarat
Jamnagar
The temple's history is filled with excitement and legend. According to tradition, it is said to have been constructed by Vajranabha, the grandson of Lord Krishna, atop Hari-Griha, earning it the name Dwarkadhish, meaning Lord Krishna, the ruler of Dwarka. This sacred temple holds significant importance for Hindus and is counted among the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, alongside Rameshwaram, Badrinath, and Puri. Its prominence grew further when Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century theologian, and philosopher, visited the site and established the Sharda Peeth here. Notably, the Dwarkadhish temple is recognized as the 108th Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu in the world, a status glorified in the Divya Prabandha texts. This adds to its spiritual significance and draws countless devotees from far and wide to experience its divine aura.
The captivating temple boasts a splendid construction, fashioned from limestone and sand. Its majestic five-story tower stands tall, supported by an array of 72 pillars, while a beautifully intricate spire adorns its pinnacle, soaring to an impressive height of 78.3 meters. The temple's exquisite Shikhar, reaching 42 meters high, is adorned with a majestic flag made of 52 yards of cloth. This flag, bearing symbols of the sun and moon, symbolizes Lord Krishna's eternal dominion over the temple, lasting as long as the celestial bodies themselves endure. Such grandeur is further amplified by the presence of two magnificent gateways: the Swarg Dwar, where pilgrims enter to embark on their spiritual journey, and the Moksha Dwar, through which they exit, carrying the blessings of divine grace. Inside the temple, there is a vestibule, a sanctum, and a rectangular hall with porches gracefully adorning its flanks. Notably, just outside the southern doorway of the temple, a flight of 56 steps leads to the serene banks of the holy Gomti river, adding to the temple's aura of spiritual significance.
Dwarka has various restaurants that serve local cuisine like, fafda, gathiya, Khaman Dhokla, Khandvi, Thepala, Khakhra, Hahdwoh, etc.
Gujarati is widely spoken in Dwarka but tourists can communicate with locals in English and Hindi.
Tourists can travel internally in Dwarka by chartering rickshaws or taxis as convenient.
Dwarka can be visited throughout the year but to avoid hot weather conditions tourists can visit around November to March.
