Introduction to Dwarkadhish temple

The holy city of Dwarka is the gateway to attain salvation or Moksha and hosts another sanctified shrine of Lord Krishna. Dwarka is one of the four sacred sites of Hindus and is connected with the life of Lord Krishna. Dwarkadhish temple is situated on the western side of Saurashtra (Gujarat), this enormous ornate temple is one of the most impressive and stunning framework of Hindu architecture in Gujarat. The famed shrine that is also popular with the name of Jagat temple was just a small umbrella type edifice in the year 400 BC, which was built again and again in different years. The shrine honors Krishna and pulls thousands of devotees from various parts of country.

Location

The Dwarkadhish temple is located in Dwarka that is approximately 145 kms away from Jamnagar district, Gujarat. It is also regarded as the entrance of western India.

History

The sacred town of Dwarka Gujarat state is regarded to be the renowned city of Dwarka structured by Lord Krishna 5000 years ago. The history of this ancient holy place says that the position of the temple is same as the place where the empire of Lord Krishna was originally established. It is regarded that the original temple was constructed in 400 BC by great grandson of Krishna, Vajranabhaji. Right after the death of Lord Krishna, Dwarka was immersed by the sea. This was considered as an ostentatious metaphor, part of a story filled with great myths.

Legend

An interesting myth surrounds the statue that is placed at this temple. Badana, who was an old worshipper, he used to come regularly from Dakor to Dwarka to have a glance of Lord Dwarkadhish. The Lord was very pleased with him, so one day in the form of an idol, he went along with Badana to Dakor. The priests at Dwarka got angry on Badana and said him to give back the statue. Badana persuaded the priests to leave the statue of lord in return of gold. The priests agreed with all the conditions, by a miracle, the statue became as light as the nose ring wore by Badana.

But the deity didn’t dishearten the priests. So, he granted them with the boon that they will get a replica in Dwarka on a specific day. Unable to put a stop on their curiosity, the priests dug out at recommended place a little early, and got yet to grow statue, which is now preserved at Dwarka.

Architecture of temple

The shrine of Dwarka, also tagged as Jagat temple, is a stunning piece of architecture. Constructed completely of soft limestone on the confluence of river Gomati and Arabian sea, the Dwarkadhish temple with its gracefully carved shikhars that touches a height of 43 metre and an enormous multihued flag decked with the signs of sun and moon is an architectural enjoyment for onlookers and can be seen by travelers from as far as 10 kms.

Deemed as one of the excellent specimens of Hindu architectural work in Gujarat, the Dwarkadhish temple with its intricate design, gripping carvings and a majestic grandeur, is a five-storied shrine that has been structured on 72 pillars. The sumptuously carved conical spire of the pious place reaches to the height of 157 feet, which adds more beauty and charm to the temple. The magnificent monument also has a one-metre tall four handed black statue of Ranchhodrai, who is assumed to be the king of Dwarka.

The fascinating structure has two entryways that have intricately carved and ornately designed gates. The first entry gate is known as ‘Swarga Dwaar’ that means the doorway to heaven, while another entrance is called as ‘Moksha Dwaar’, which is the gateway to liberation and from this gate worshippers exit.

The elegant carvings on the shrine’s exterior portray daring eroticism, and an outstanding link of design. In brief, the Jagat Mandir is an architectural gem.

Other pilgrimage places to visit around Dwarkadhish temple

Nageshwara Mahadeva Temple :The temple has derived its name from the word ‘dwar’ that signifies door. Amidst the spiritual places in Dwarka, an esteemed place that receives good flow of tourists is the Nageshwara temple. The divine place dedicated to Lord Shiva and remains abuzz with devotees round the year.

Rukmini Devi Temple : Another holy place that one must visit in Dwarka is Rukmini Devi temple; it is situated 2 km away from Dwarka city. The temple is devoted to Lord Krishna’s consort-Rukmini Devi. The exterior of shrine is splendidly carved. It has a section of sculpted elephants (gajatharas) at the bottom. The conventional spire of the main temple contrasts powerfully with the hemispherical pavilion dome. The usual statues of deities, along with male and female images are seen on the outer walls of the temple.

Gomati Sangam Ghat :Gomati Sangam ghat is the hallowed site where Gomati River flows. One can reach to the ghat by climbing 56 steps from Dwarkadhish temple. The river is enclosed with 12 ghats and also tagged as descended Ganges and meets up with sea at the Chakratirtha Ghat. This ghat is renowned for Chakrakitha or Dwarkashila, which is a wheel with white porous type stones. The place where Gomati River assembles the ocean is named as Gomati Sangam.

Gomati ghat showcases numerous temples consisting Shiva temple and other smaller temples of Lord Krishna.

Getting There

By Air- The closest airport is situated in Jamnagar (146 kms).

By Road- An outstanding network of national and state highways runs in Gujarat that connects it with other cities of India.

By Rail- Dwarka has its own railway station that links it to various chief cities in India. Regular trains are available from close by cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Jamnagar.

Fast facts

• Location- Dwarka (Jamnagar District)
• Distance- 378 kms from Ahmedabad
• Devoted to- Lord Krishna
• Significance- Char Dham Yatra
• Best time to visit- October-March
• Darshan Timings- Morning 7:00 am to 12.30 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm

 

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