Dwarkadhish Temple - Dwarka

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A state highway with Jamnagar and Okha also connects it. Nearest airport is Jamnagar. Dwarka lies on 20.22' north latitude and 69.05' east longitude and built on the night bank of Gamut creek. Dwarka was known as the city of Gold. Shree Krishna came here from Mathura along with some Yadav families and establishes his own empire Dwarka. That was the legend but science proved it partially. Scientists researched on that and have found some facts.

Dwarka is derived from 'Dwar', a door, and in ancient times its flourishing port was considered to be the gateway to the main land. As 'Ka' means 'Brahma' meaning, gateway to Moksha. It is called Dwarkamati and Dwarkavati. Being adopted home and capital of Shri Krishna after he gave up Mathura. It is held in such a high esteem as a place of Hindu pilgrimage that it is considered to be one of the four principle holy places or chardham, it is also known as Mokshapuri.

Devotees from all over India, visit the holy place during Janmashtami. The festival is celebrated in a special way; the entire place is very well decorated with rows of lighting everywhere. Special pooja is performed on the day by aboti brahmins; a special caste of brahmins who have been performing pooja for centuries. The pooja is based on a daily routine. Arti is performed at different times during the day, abhishek of lord's idol is done, followed by shringar wherein the idol is adorned with new clothes, jewels and flowers; distribution of sweet meat or prasad to devotees happens in the end. It is said devotees visiting the temple during janmashtami are freed from all sufferings.

Also known as the Jagat Mandir, the temple has two shikhars. The Nij shikhar is where the idol of Lord Dwarkadhish is placed. The huge temple consists of 60 exquisitely carved pillars and a number of beautiful sculptures that depict the influence of various dynasties such as the Guptas, Pallavas, Martraks, Chavdas and Chanakyas, that ruled Dwarka over the years. The entrance to the temple is from the north, also known as the Moksha Dwaar while towards the south is the Swarg Dwaar, from where a series of steps leads down to the banks of river Gomti. According to legend, the temple was constructed in a single day by Vishwakarma, the lord of construction.

The idol of Lord Dwarkadhish is made of shiny black stone and is about 2.25 ft in height. The four hands of the Lord carries a conch, wheel, a metallic weapon and a lotus each and is popularly known as 'Shankh Chakra Gada Padma Chaturbhuj'. It is said that the idol was hidden for years to protect it from invaders while another idol brought from the Rukmini temple was installed in its absence. The original idol was reinstalled during the 16th century after the construction of the new temple.

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Rukmini Devi Temple:
The temple, located 1.5 km north of town is dedicated to Rukmini, the consort of Lord Krishna. This 12th century architectural masterpiece is perfected with beautiful paintings and intricately carved walls. According to legend, sage Durwasa cursed Rukmini that she would be seperated from Lord Krishna, as a result of which the temple of Rukmini is located outside the city, while that of Krishna inside.

Gomati Ghat Temples:
The Gomati ghats, where river Gomati meets the ocean is considered especially holy and a bath here is said to be the shortest way to nirvana. The Samudra Narayan Temple is a huge structure that houses an image of Goddess Gomti, said to have been brought from heaven by sage Vasistha.

Bet Dwarka:
Situated at a short distance from Dwarka, Bet Dwarka is a small island with several ancient temples. The east end of the island has an excellent beach with extensive water plants and animals. The beach is not much visited, therefore an excellent place to get away from the bustle of the city life.

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Lakhota Museum:
One of the most striking remnants of the rich past of imperial India, a Tour To Jamnagar is considered as a definite must have, if you are planning a tour schedule to Gujarat. Almost the whole of the former princely state of Jamnagar is still alive, stunning rich glory of the times gone by, standing as a witness to an era of richness which still heavily influences the way of life of not just Jamnagar but the whole of the province of Gujarat. Home to a history, which the city proudly holds even today, the long list of the various Museums Of Jamnagar are led by the exotic beauty of the museums like Lakhota Museums, Jamnagar.

Museum of Antiquities:
Welcome to the Museum of Antiquities, featuring a collection of Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern sculpture in full scalereplica including the Charioteer of Delphi, panels from the frieze of the Parthenon, and other famous and intriguing works, as well as original Roman coinage. The Museum of Antiquities on the University of Saskatchewan campus offers a rare opportunity for anyone interested in art or antiquity.

Rangmati River:
A definite must include, if you are planning a Tour to Gujarat, Jamnagar promises to charm all the tourists to her land. Rich in history as well as heritage, a Tour to Jamnagar is one of the easiest ways of knowing more about the rich heritage of Gujarat. Well maintained, almost the entirety of the city of Jamnagar is a sight for sore eyes, which has grown around the course of the Rangmati River, Jamnagar.

Bala Hanuman Temple:
The city of Jamnagar in Gujarat has had an elaborate history that dates back to the time of its foundation in the year 1540 A.D.It is by virtue of this highly illustrated history that Jamnagar offers a wide range of attractions for its tourists. Among theseTourist Attractions in Jamnagar, the Holy Places in Jamnagar are visited by the tourists form various parts of India and the
world. Among these, the Temples in Jamnagar and more importantly, the Bala Hanuman Temple, Jamnagar deserve a special mention.

Rozi and Bedi Ports:
Jamnagar, a city in the state of Gujarat is located in the Gulf of Kutch. Adinath Mandir sharp line of distinction can be drawnbetween the coastlines of Jamnagar to that of other sea coasts of India. Although the Jamnagar coastline is tidal by nature, yet they offer a few of the most spectacular beaches as well as picnic spots in the country.In addition to this, the presence of as many as 42 islands in this region makes the Gulf one of the most attractive touring destinations in India. One such destination is Rozi and Bedi Ports, Jamnagar.

Nageshwar Temple:
Nageshwar Temple or Nagnath Temple is located on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. The Jyotirlinga enshrined in the Temple of Nagnath is known as Nageshwar Mahadev and attracts thousands of pilgrims all round the year. This powerful Jyotirlinga symbolizes protection from all poisons. It is said that those who pray to the Nageshwar Linga become free of poison. The Rudra Samhita sloka refers to Nageshwar with the phrase 'Daarukaavane Naagesham'.

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