The Dwarkadhish temple in Dwarka, Gujarat, is dedicated to Lord Krishna as the king of Dwarka. Located where the Gomti river meets the Arabian Sea, it is one of the most important pilgrim centres in western India.
This article is based on religious beliefs and traditions. Democratic Bharat Live does not claim to verify them.
Significance
According to belief, Lord Krishna left Mathura and built the city of Dwarka on the western coast, ruling it as its king. Dwarka is one of the four dhams associated with Adi Shankaracharya, along with Badrinath, Puri and Rameswaram. It is also one of the seven sacred cities, the Sapta Puri. Adi Shankaracharya set up the Dwarka Sharada Peetham here.
The temple
The temple, also called Jagat Mandir, is built of limestone and sandstone and rises over five storeys, with a tall carved shikhara. A large flag with symbols of the sun and moon flies on top and is changed several times a day in a special ritual. Devotees sponsor these flags, and bookings are made well in advance.
The temple has two gates: Moksha Dwar, the main entrance, and Swarga Dwar, which leads to steps down to the Gomti river.
Darshan
- The temple is open in the morning and evening, with a break in the afternoon. Check timings with the temple administration.
- Janmashtami is the biggest festival, when huge crowds gather.
- Dress modestly. Mobile phones and cameras may not be allowed inside.
Also Read: Kamakhya Temple Guwahati: History, Ambubachi Mela, Darshan and Visitor Guide | Kashi Vishwanath Temple Guide: History, the Dham Corridor, Aarti Timings and Online Booking
Bet Dwarka
Bet Dwarka is an island near Okha, about 30 km from Dwarka, believed to be the residence of Lord Krishna. It has a temple of Dwarkadhish and other shrines. Since February 2024, the Sudarshan Setu, a cable stayed bridge, connects Okha to Bet Dwarka, so pilgrims no longer depend only on boats.
Other places nearby
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, about 17 km away
- Rukmini Devi temple, about 2 km from the town
- Gomti Ghat for a holy dip
- Dwarka lighthouse and beaches
How to reach
- **Rail:** Dwarka railway station is on the Ahmedabad to Okha line.
- **Air:** the nearest airports are Jamnagar, about 130 km away, and Porbandar, about 100 km.
- **Road:** state buses and taxis connect Dwarka to Jamnagar, Rajkot and Ahmedabad.
Bottom line
A trip to Dwarka can cover the Dwarkadhish temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and Bet Dwarka over the Sudarshan Setu in two days.
Source / स्रोत: Gujarat Tourism, Incredible India
