Dwarkadhish Temple- A Spiritual and Unforgettable Journey
Sep 19, 2024
Temple
Spiritual site
A religious destination in Gujarat, one of the sacred Char Dham is located on the Gomti river coast. which is the meeting point of the River and Sea, It’s also one of the Sapta-Puri cities in India. Shree Dwarkadhish Temple is made up of stones and sand. The main shrine tower of the building measures fifty-three meters. Seventy-two pillars support the temple. Its shikhara, the tallest structure, measuring about 78 meters (approximately 256 feet) in height, Temple proudly flies a large flag that temple priests change several times a day, which is called dhwajarohan, flag changes in the early morning and the evening.
The temple has two main gates, one is called Swargadwar which is the south gate of the temple and the other one is called Moksha Dwar, the north gate. After 52 steps inside the corridor, we are in front of the main complex where the lord Krishna statue made from black marble is placed. ‘Garuda stambha’, the black stone pedestal on which the idol of Lord Dwarkadhish is encased. The idol royally denotes Krishna with weapons such as mace diety, conch, lotus and Sudarshan Chakra discus.
There are other shrines inside the temple including Rukmini Devi, Radha and Balarama along with various other forms of Krishna. Dwarkadhish Temple Gujarat idolises lord Krishna famous with the name of Dwarkadhish who is believed to be a ruler as well as a guardian of Dwarka city. Dwarka Tourism is full of these types of spiritual places, one should visit Dwarka once in life.
Dwarkadhish Temple History
Dwarkadhish Temple History is very much associated with myths and legends. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna shifted from Mathura to build the city of Dwarka after the constant fierce fight with Jarasandha, who was the king of Magadha. It was described as a magnificent city known as Dwarka, and it was believed to have sunk into the sea many times. The present temple is estimated to be about 2000 years old however the older temple is said to have been constructed in 400 B.C by Vajranabh, grandson of lord Krishna.
The construction of the temple has been renewed and reconstructed many times throughout the centuries. The foundation of the structure is believed to have been laid during the Mauryan regime, however, several royalties like the Chalukyas and the Solankis contributed their part to it. The temple was however repaired in the 15th – 16th century after being destroyed in Muslim invasions by Mahmud Begada in 1472.
Significance and Rituals
This temple is one of the four most revered sacred sites of India or ‘Char Dham’ others are Rameswaram, Badrinath, and Puri. Believers go to the temple to worship the Lord Krishna and also to engage in different prayers and other events.
Daily Puja: Five times a day, prayer is offered to the deity while chanting and singing hymns and devotional songs.
Abhishekam: A bath performed with decorations like coins, ornament, flowers and other similar items.
Janmashtami: The temple also conducts a celebration on the festival of Janam Ashtami which is the birth anniversary of lord Krishna.
Mythological Views
The historical and mythological significance of Dwarka is rooted in Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana narrations. It is believed that after the Kurukshetra War, Lord Krishna left for Dwarka. There are many references stating that Dwarka was submerged in the sea after the exit of Krishna and the Yadavas from the earth. Archaeology and history have proven some of these myths true by discovering an ancient city hidden underwater.
Another tale associated with Dwarkadhish Temple is that when Lord Krishna wanted to leave his mortal frame, he proceeded to Somnath. Subsequently, a hunter saw his feet and thought that it was deer ears and shot him. At the same time, the entire city of Dwarka got flooded with water.
In the other story, the part of mythology suggests that Dwarka city was the ruling capital of Lord Krishna during his adult life and he married Rukmini. After killing his maternal uncle Kamsa or Kansa, Lord Krishna shifted Yadava Clans from Braj or Mathura to Dwarka, for this, they sought permission from the sea god, he took some space and established his city of Dwarka there.
The third myth: The temple of Dwarkadhish was constructed in one night and that too by the Vishwakarma – the God of all creations. According to legend, Devbhoomi Dwarka is in its seventh reincarnation today. Earlier, Dwarka city was submerged six times in the sea.
Gomti Ghat and Surrounding Attractions
Gomti Ghat which is next to the temple, where River Gomti merges with the Arabian Sea. It is said that a bath at this place gives you purification and it is believed that it wash away all your sins. There are several other small temples and Shrines along the river which makes the river bank a holy place for worship.
Other tourist spots include the Rukmini Devi Temple, which is the temple of Krishna’s wife, and the Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple on a hill that provides a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea. Another nearby island, accessible by boat is the Bet Dwarka Island which is also an important pilgrimage site related to the childhood of Lord Krishna. Book Dwarka tour packages to visit all these attractions.
Accommodation
There are various hotels and guesthouses available around Shree Dwarkadhish Temple.
Dwarkadhish temple timings
Dwarkadhish temple timings are 6:30 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9:30 pm.
Best Time to Visit
Winters - October to February.
It is the best Ideal season for travellers and temple visits.
Temperature ranges from 15 to 25 degrees. Makes it a pleasant weather for temple visitors
Monsoon – July to September.
Moderate rainfall in this duration enhances the region's beauty.
Usually, temples remain open during this season.
Summers – March to June.
You can visit the temple during this period but avoid excessive heat,
Preferable to visit in the early morning or evening
Conclusion
It’s a sacred lord krishna temple and one of the Char Dham locations linked to our mythological texts. The temple has a lord Krishna statue made from black marble with other gods and deities. There are some other tourist spots that devotees or travellers can explore like Rukmini Devi temple, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev temple, and Bet Dwarka island which is only accessible by boat ride. It’s the best spiritual place and pilgrimage site. One must visit this place and experience the mesmerizing beauty of this place, whether the lord Krishna statue or the bet Dwarka island everything here is beautiful and speechless.
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