Where Lord Krishna established his earthly kingdom
A great devout centre with much mythological relevance, Dwarka is the epitome of spiritual enlight
enment. To the devotee, Dwarka is synonymous with Lord Krishna and this sleepy locale has gained high accolades as the gateway to the much cherished salvation. As per the Scriptures, Dwarka is one of the holy spots that bestow deliverance since it was here that Lord Krishna had established his earthly kingdom.
A bevy of lovely temples that display flamboyant structural designs and marvelous architecture are the signature destinations in Dwarka. These lovely shrines reveal the city’s feted association with Lord Krishna and indeed a visit to these holy spots would be an invigorating experience to all. Legend has it that after the death of Krishna, Dwarka city submerged in the water, devastating the entire Yadava clan. Recent excavations have proved the existence of well-planned cities on the shores of the river Gomati, which testifies this legendary belief.
Apart from the tranquil ambiance of the holy shrines, Dwarka offers some of the appealing beaches, where the glittering waters and the warm weather tempts the beholder with its inherent charm.
Shopping is an inevitable pastime in this historic city. A variety of shops that supply excellent Gujarati artifacts on a comparatively good price would be the sweet reminders of your trip.
Steeped in the richness of a mythological and legendary past, today’s Dwarka is a fast emerging city that expands it horizons in almost every field. In Dwarka, one can expect the freshness and serenity of a devout location and the sizzles of a typical Indian city. Dwarka would be a nice destination for the enthusiastic ones and those who treasure the magnificence of a holy place.
TOURIST Attractions
Dwarkadeesh Temple: A temple belonging to the Chalukya style of art, Dwarakadeesh temple possesses a long history of 2500 years. As the name suggests the presiding deity is none other than Lord Krishna. It is indeed a monument with superb artistic expressions. A five storied main shrine supported by 60 roof columns is the main attraction of this grand structure. Lord Krishna in his black idol appears so beautiful and appealing that the devotee feels the presence of the Lord before him.
Other shrines are dedicated to Sathybhama Devi, Subhadra, Balarama and Revathy, Jambavathi Devi, Vasudeva, Rukmini Devi and Devaki. Rich carvings and complicated structural designs of the temple amuse each visitor with its elegant appeal.
Gita Mandir: A marvelous and spectacular shrine on the western part of the city, the Gita Mandir tries to project the values of the sacred book Bhagavad Gita. This marble structure is a marvel in terms of artistic expression and at the same time it imparts a serenity to all those who delve into its holy premises.
Gomati Ghat: As per the Scriptures, River Gomati is none other than the sacred Ganges, which descended from heaven. As the reservoir of various myths this river hosts so many shrines and ghats where the devotees often do various rituals. Of all the holy spots beside the river, Gomati Kund happens to be the most sought after destination of the religious minded since it was here that the Lord himself had served the hot tempered Durvasa. The popular belief is that a mere visit to this saintly place would liberate the devotee from all their sins.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: Situated in the outskirts of Dwaraka, Nageshwar Temple or Nagnath Temple is one of the prominent Shiva shrines in India and this temple represents the removal of evil forces from earth. As one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, this shrine houses a curious myth about its origin.
Rukmini Mandir: Though a small structure, Rukmini Mandir is an important shrine and it is dedicated to the most beloved consort of Krishna, Devi Rukmini. A masterpiece in artistic terms, this temple makes the beholder spellbound. Its highly embellished walls and rich carvings are simply superb. The rich paintings in the walls of this 12th century temple portray Rukmini’s pastimes with her husband.
Beyt Dwarka: Believed to be the residence of Lord Krishna and his family, Beyt Dwarka is one of the landmark sites in Dwarka. It is believed that Lord Krishna ruled the city from here. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu chose this spot to kill the demon Shankhasura and the place has also got other soubriquet, Bet Shankhoddar. To add glamour to these mythical stories, Beyt Dwarka now houses a host of prominent shrines that allures the devotees with its exquisite serenity.
Best time to visit
Dwarka has a pleasant temperate climate all through the year. But the best time to visit is during the months from October to June.
How to reach
By Train: Dwarka railway station in the Ahmedabad-Okha rail route is connected to other major railway stations. Tourists can take trains from Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore.
By Air: The closest domestic airport to Dwarka is located at Jamnagar, which is about 137 km away. There are regular flights from Jamnagar to Mumbai International Airport.
By Bus: Gujarat state road transport buses connect Dwarka with all major cities in the State. Luxury coach tourist buses are also available.
