The temple of Dwarka is referred to as Dwarkadhish Temple or Jagat Mandir. It stands with all majesty on the Gomti creek in Gujarat’s holy city Dwarka. The temple is visited by scores of pilgrims each day as on the Maha Parikrama pilgrimage circuit. Another name for the magnificent Dwarkadhish Temple is the ‘Trilok Sundar’ temple. The temple belongs to Lord Krishna and enshrines the idol of lord Krishna in his kingly avatar. Myths hold that Lord Krishna had ruled over Dwarka for many years after having departed from Mathura and this Dwarkadhish Temple was set up by Vajranabha, grandson of lord Krishna in honor of his grandfather who was the king of Dwarka at that time. Thus, the temple dates back to the Dwapara Yuga as per the mythical records, and has an age of over 2500 years.

The temple’s architecture is glorious indeed and would leave one awe-struck at its beauty and magnificence. By seeing the temple’s imposing structure, one would come to feel that it has risen from the great Arabian Sea. What seems most striking is the Shikhara of the temple. Ornate and majestic in beauty, the Shikhara rises to a height of about 43 meters, defining the skyline most impressively. The Shikhara is adorned by a mammoth flag crafted out of the cloth of length 52 yards. As the flag waves in the air daringly one would indeed feel the glory and royal splendor of the king of Dwarka even from a distance of 10 km. In other words, you could visualize the temple Shikhara and the flag even when you are 10 km away from it.

Soft limestone has been used for constructing this temple and the various temple parts include a sanctum, vestibule plus hall, rectangular and coming with porches on its three sides. The temple consists of 2 gateways with religiously significant nomenclature. The entrance gate is referred to as ‘Swarga Dwar’ while the exit gate is referred to as Moksha Dwar’. The implication is that when pilgrims step into the temple through Swarga Dwar, they enter God’s realm which is no less than ‘Heaven’, and when they exit through Moksha Dwar they have already attained the much sought-after moksha or salvation by a Darshan of the deity. As you enter the temple and pay a Darshan to the deity you’ll feel yourself one with God and divinity. So, don’t wait to get that lofty spiritual experience.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Gujarat

Attractions in the City

Dwarkadhish Temple or the Jagat Mandir

Dwarkadhish Temple

This temple was created with sand and limestone on the northern bank of the Gomati by Vajranabh, the great-grandson 2500 years from now. There are two gateways namely, Swarga Dwar for entry and Moksha Dwar for the exit. On a day, the flag on the temple’s tower is hoisted five times symbolizing the welcome gesture to anybody who enters the temple. The main temple consists of 5 stories, a hall that is supported by 60 columns, and a conical spire as high as 157 feet. Apart from Lord Krishna, there are many other Hindu deities for worship. Behind the temple, you can enjoy the confluence view of the Gomati with the sea. You can also see the Sharada Peetha, one of the four Maths by Shankaracharya.

Rukmini Devi Temple

This is the temple of Shree Krishna’s wife, Rukmini, who is regarded as the reincarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the Devi of wealth and prosperity. The temple is a structural masterwork sculpted in the 12th century at a distance of 1.5 km north of Dwarka. In the temple, there are attractive paintings of the historic events of Rukmini with Lord Krishna. There is a story behind this temple. One day, Shree Krishna and his wife invited Durvasa Muni, who can be easily aroused to anger, to dinner. One of the etiquettes is that until the guest is satisfied, the host should not eat or drink. But, in between the dinner, Rukmini felt thirsty and with her husband’s help, drank some water. As she was drinking, the Muni turned around to see this and became angry. He cursed her that she would live away from Lord Krishna. This is the reason why her temple is not in the city with that Krishna’s temple.

Gomati Ghat Temples

Gomati, the descended Ganges, enters the Arabian Sea at the Chakra-Tirtha Ghat. It is at this point that Hindus take bath for obtaining liberation (a belief). Next, is the Samudra Narayana Temple (Sangam Narayana) located at the confluence? There is a Panchanada Tirtha that encompasses five wells of sweet water around which there is seawater. At the place of Chakra Narayana, Lord Vishnu was met aphorized as a stone symbolized a chakra. There is also the Gomati Ji Temple which has a picture of the Gomati River, which is believed to be brought down by Vasistha Muni from heaven.

Nageshvara Jyotirlinga

It has one of the 12 Jyotirlinga in an underground chamber situated 10 km away from Dwarka.

Gopi-Talav

It is a pond 20 km north of Dwarka where Lord Krishna used to meet the Gopis when they came from Dwarka.

Bhalka Tirth

It is the place where Lord Krishna was assumed to be a deer and was hence, stuck by an arrow. A popular fact is that Lord Krishna was buried at Dehotsarga at the Triveni Ghat.

Days of Attraction

The festival of Janmashtami which marks the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with full excitement and joy in August/September. The other preferable period to visit this city is from October to March.

Reaching the Place

  • By Air: Jamnagar is the nearest airport which is 145 kms away.
  • By Rail: Dwarka has its station on the Western Railway of India.
  • By Road: State transport buses, private buses, and taxis are available.