Lighthouse Dwarka

About:

Dwarka is an important pilgrim centre and head quarters of Okha mandal region. It is situated on Okha–Mumbai rail link and is 145 Km from Jamnagar. The famous Dwarkadheesh -Lord Krishna temple here was constructed more than 500 years ago on the confluence of river Gomti and Arabian Sea. Prior to independence Dwarka was part of state of Baroda. It was the centre of military action against native Wagher revolt on 8th December 1820.

A port was developed in the early 19th century at nearby Rupen creek. A flag mast was provided at the port to hoist a lamp which served the purpose of lighthouse. In the year 1866 a square masonry tower 18m high was constructed at the present site. An oil wick lamp inside a 6th order optic was installed on the tower. On 29th November 1877 then Governor of Bombay Sir Richard Temple came to Dwarka by sea route. He visited Dwarka lighthouse also and observed the light to be grossly inadequate. Subsequently a PV equipment with 4th order revolving optic supplied by M/s. Chance Bros., England replaced wick lamp in 1881.Minor modifications were also carried out in 1900.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

History:

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Brahma Kund:
When Lord Krishna unburdened the earth from all the sinners and brought the virtuous people to the path of virtuosity, he came to Dwarka. At Dwarka Indra, Varun, Yama, Kuber, Sun and Moon came to meet him for the accomplishment of their respective works. After that Lord Brahma created a pilgrimage site in his own name which became famous as "Brahma teertha". This pilgrimage is the destroyer of all sins.

Dwarka Lighthouse:
A notable name in the register of Forts and Monuments in Dwarka is Lighthouse in Dwarka. A port was established in the early 19th century at Rupen creek. Lighthouse in Dwarka is quite popular as a tourist destination. It presents an excellent panoramic sight of the setting sun which ushers the nightfall.

Dwarka Peeth:
Dwarka is also the site of Dwaraka Pitha (also known as Sharada Pitha), one of the four cardinal mathas established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. It is also known as the Kalika Matha, and, as per the tradition initiated by Adi Shankara, is in charge of the Sama Veda.

Dwarkadheesh Temple:
Dwarkanath Temple, Dwarka, India is made of limestone and sand. The exterior of this magnificent temple is supported by 60 columns. A soaring, richly carved spire could also be seen in the exterior part of this temple. A flag is hoisted at the temple tower everyday which welcomes the pilgrims by fluttering in the air beautifully.

The structure of Dwarkanath Temple in Dwarka is quite complicated. This temple has two gateways namely Swarga Dwar and Moksha Dwar. Through the former, pilgrims enter while the later serves as the exit door for the pilgrims.

Nageshwar Temple:
Nageshwar Mandir, Dwarka, India has quite a few interesting legends attached to it. According to Shiv Purana, Supriya, an ardent Shiva devotee, was once attacked by a demon Daaruka while he was in a boat. The demon put him in prison along with several others at Daarukaavana, his capital, where he stayed with his wife Daaruki. Supriya told all prisoners to narrate the mantra ‘Aum Namaha Shivaya’. When Daaruka learnt about this, he ran to kill Supriya. However, at that instant, Lord Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlingam and vanquished Daaruki with the Paasupata Astram.

Rukmini Hrid:
Rukmini Temple, Dwarka, India dates back to the 12th century. There is a story behind this temple. One day, Durvasa Muni, who was easily angered, was invited to dinner by Krishna and his wife, Rukmini. Etiquette dictates that when a person is invited to dinner, the host should refrain from eating until the guest has been satisfied. However, while Durvasa was eating, Rukmini became thirsty. She asked Krishna to help her. Krishna, to bail out his wife, put his foot in the ground. As a result, the Ganges waters streamed forth from the ground while Durvasa was not looking. As luck would have it, while Rukmini was drinking the water, Durvasa turned that way and saw her drinking without seeking his permission. This made him angry. He cursed her to live apart from Lord Krishna. That is the reason why Krishna's temple is in the city and hers is positioned outside the city.

Shree Swaminarayan Temple:
Swaminarayan is the well known mandir across India. Images of various Hindu gods are inscribed here.

Sabha Mandapa:
A highlight of Dwarkadish temple is its multi-pillared Sabha Mandapa. This beautiful Sabha Mandapa would lead you to a 60 pillared sanctum which has some scriptures that are about 2500 years old. Devotees generally enter the Sabha Mandapa after paying their respect to the deity of Mother Devaki which is erected just opposite the Dwarkadish temple.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

Bet Dwarka:
Bet Dwarka Offshore from Okha, the island of Bet Dwarka is associated with Lord Krishna. The main temple here, built in the 19th century, has several shrines and images of Lord Krishna and his 56 consorts. There are several other temples on the island. Excavations have revealed some Harappan period artifacts. There are some nice beaches and coral formations to the north and east of the island. Numerous dharamshalas and guest houses offer accommodations at the island. Another important Krishna temple is the Rachodji temple at Dakore.

Gomati Ghat Temple:
Gomati, the descended Ganges, meets the sea at Chakra-tirtha Ghat. To take bath where the Gomati meets the ocean is said to offer liberation. If you go out the back entrance of the Dwarkadish Temple, you can see the Gomati River. The temple is located almost at the spot where the Gomati meets the ocean.

Samudra Narayana Temple:
Sangam Narayana is an imposing temple at the confluence of the Gomati and the sea. Panchanada Tirtha consists of five sweet-water wells surrounded by seawater.

Chakra Narayana:
At Chakra Narayana, Lord Vishnu was manifested as a stone marked with a chakra on the seashore. The Gomatiji Temple has an image of the Gomati River in it, said to have been brought down from heaven by Vasistha Muni.

Gopi-tallava:
Gopi-tallava is the kund (pond) where Lord Krishna met the gopis when they came to see him at Dwarka. The sacred clay from Gopi-tallava is known as gopi-candana and is used by devotees of Krishna to make the tilak marks on their bodies. It is 20km north of Dwarka on the way to Bet Dwarka.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Uttam Guest House:Simple place by the Dwarkadish Temple,Dwarka,Gujrat,India

Satnam Wadi Guest House:Dwarka,Gujrat,India

Hotel Radhika:little outside of town opposite the bus stand, has double rooms for Rs 725 and A/C rooms for Rs 1050,Dwarka,Gujrat,India

Hotel Guru­prerana:little closer to the center of town, has rooms for Rs 750 and Rs 1150,Dwarka,Gujrat,India

Hotel Gokul:The same area, by the main post office, has rooms with bath for Rs 500,Dwarka,Gujrat,India

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number: