Monday, 05 October 2009 09:31

Dwarkadhish Temple - Dwarka

About:

Dwarka the headquarters of Okhamandal taluka is in the extreme west of the Saurashtra peninsula on the Arabian Sea. It is a station on the Ahmedabad-Okha broad gauge railway line, about 137-km from Jamnagar, 217 km from Rajkot and 378 km from Ahmedabad.

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.

Location info:

Address:Dwarka Gujrat,India
District: Jamnagar
Nearest City: Mithapur
Best time to visit: October to March

Climate/Weather:

Min 14°c Max 48°c

History:

Around 5000 years ago, Dwarka is believed to have been built by Lord Krishna himself. As per the 'Harivansh' (an appendix to the Mahabharata), Dwarka was positioned on the bank of Gomati River. This holy city is said to have been the abode of Lord Krishna, for more or less 100 years, during his lifetime. Dwarka is assumed to have been immersed in the sea, when the Lord returned to his divine world.

In the early eighties, archeological department revealed that the entire coast of western India sank by nearly 40 feet around 1500 B.C. The present temple is expected not to be older than the Mughal period. The inscriptions on the pillars date back to the 15th century. Necessarily, the ancient temple had been there, but it was possibly destroyed by Mohmud Begada in 1473 AD. The current structure must have been erected during the period of Mughal Emperor, Akbar.

Interesting things to do:

Worship:
There is a legend behind the idol of Lord Dwarkadhish in the temple. Badana, an old devotee, used to come daily from Dakor to Dwarka, in order to have a glimpse of the Lord Dwarkadhish. The Lord was really appeased with her and one day, he went along with Badana to Dakor, in the form of idol. The priests at Dwarka temple got angry at Badana, whotook the idol according to them. The enraged priests chased Badana to get back the idol. Badana convinced the priests to leave the idolinstead of gold.

Interesting things to Visit:

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.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Dwarka is on the Western Railway line.
Nearest Airport:Jamnagar,airport.
Road Transport:State Transport buses, private buses and taxis and conducted tours run to Dwarka.

Nearest Visiting places:

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'.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Available in a Nearest City

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Dwarka Temple :Dharamshalas

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:Mithapur Hospital:Jamnagar, Gujarat
Society/Community Phone Number
Links

Video

Dynamic View

Nageshwara Mahadeva Temple
This place has got its name from the word 'dwar' which denotes door. Amongst the Holy Places in Dwarka, an admired place that draws tourists in huge numbers is the Nageshwar Mandir, Dwarka. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and remains abuzz with tourists and pilgrims round the year.At Nageshwar Mandir in Dwarka, the Nageshwar Mahadev Sivalingam faces south while the Gomugam faces east. There is a popular story for this position. One day, Naamdev, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, was singing bhajans facing the Lord. Other devotees told him to stand aside and not block the front view of the Lord. To this, Naamdev asked these people to propose one direction in which the Lord is not present, so that he can stand there. The angry devotees carried him out of the temple and left him on the south side....more
Bet Dwarka Beach
A visit to Beyt Dwarka Beach along with an attendant visit to Tourism of Gujarat, offers information at the disposal of the visiting tourist that the Beyt Dwarka Beach is one of the lesser known beaches in the annual calendar of the travelers. Beyt Dwarka Beach in Gujarat, India, is located in the deeply historical and religiously popular town of Dwarka, in Gujarat, India, which is known to be of immense importance for the tourists visiting the site from various parts of the country. Beyt Dwarka Beach, in Gujarat, India, comprises of an isolated island called Beyt Dwarka, in Dwarka, Gujarat, India, with the people coming to visit from the seafront of Okha. A ferry or a small boat takes around half an hour to reach the Beyt Dwarka seafront with the separation between the Okha land portion and the Beyt Dwarka Island being that of around four kilometers....more
Lighthouse Dwarka
Dwarka in Gujarat happens to be an important pilgrimage centre and is famed for the Lord Krishna Temple. The Lighthouse in Dwarka is yet another important landmark in the city and is amongst the treasured historical monuments in Gujarat. A port was built in the 19th century and a flag mast was built at the port to put up a lamp which served the purpose of a lighthouse. Since then the Lighthouse, Dwarka has been figuring in the list of most Gujarat tourist attractions.A square tower was erected at the same site in the year 1866 which was 18 m high. An oil wick lamp was installed on the tower. On November 29th, 1877, Sir Richard Temple, the Governor of Bombay, came to Dwarka by sea route. He visited the lighthouse and ordered modifications.....more
Sabha Mandapa
The Sabha Mandapa in Dwarka Gujarat is a multi pillared structure in the ancient temple of Dwarkadish. During your tour to the forts and monuments in Gujarat, this is one attraction which you cannot afford to miss. The temple has been renovated quite a number of times. The intricate work of architecture that is found on the exteriors of the temple dates back to the 16th and 12th century. The Sabha Mandapa, Dwarka leads to a sanctum sanctorum which consists of 60 pillars and has scriptures that are 2500 years old. The entire temple is adorned with fine sculptures and is among the major tourist attractions in Gujarat. The middle part of the stunning Sabha Mandapa houses a small temple of Balramji, which is positioned at a lower level. This temple also houses the idol of Shri Mahaprabhuji. The people behind the construction of the Dwarkadish temple have shown their knowledge and proficiency by placing the deity of elder brother Balramji in the Sabha Mandapa and deity of Mother Devaki facing the Lord Dwarkadhish temple.....more

 

Lakhota Palace
The Lakhota Palace in Jamnagar is one of the major tourist attractions in Gujarat, which you cannot afford to miss while on your tour to the state monuments. It is a small palace located on an island in the midst of the Lakhota Lake. The beautiful Lakhota Palace was once home to the Maharaja of Nawanagar. It was built in the form of a fort with semi-circular bastions, turrets and a pavilion that has guardrooms displaying swords, musket loops and powder flasks.One of the most striking relics of the rich past of regal India, a Tour To Jamnagar is considered to be a definite must have if you are planning a tour itinerary to Gujarat. Almost the entirety of the erstwhile princely state of Jamnagar is still alive, resplendent in the rich glory of the times gone ....more
Museum Of Antiguities
One of the most interesting aspects of planning a Tour to Jamnagar is the rich history and heritage of the land, a history, which can be said to be one of the olde3st histories of all the princely states of Saurasthra. Almost the entirety of the city of Jamnagar is dotted with some of the finest Forts and Monuments Of Jamnagar, which are led by, perhaps, the vast storehouse of antiquities as preserved in the Museum of Antiquities, Jamnagar. The Museum of Antiquities in Jamnagar is considered to a definite must include in your tour itinerary if you are planning a visit to the city of Jamnagar. Definitely noticeable as one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Jamnagar, almost the entirety of the complex of the Museum of Antiquities, Jamnagar has some secret or the other to share with the tourists to her land....more
Marine National Park
Gujarat has the distinction of creating the country first Marine National Park spread over an area of nearly 458 sq.kms. in the Gulf of Kutch, 30 km. from Jamnagar. Here corals create fantasies in stone and are the master builders of the Park. Their limestone fortresses those found near the Pirotan Islands and the rich moist deciduous forests like those found in the dense forests of the Danes. One of the most threatened birds, the great Indian bustard finds a refuge in certain pockets of protected areas. Each one the work of a colony of countless tiny animals come in an amazing variety of shapes and sizes from the convolutedbrain coral corals that look like horns. Here you will find plants that look like animals and animals that look like plants. Turtles, shrimp, sponge eels, sea urchin lurk among the corals and huge schools of fish create a brilliance of colors that are unknown, unseen and unimaginable to us....more
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary is around 10 km north east of Jamnagar Gujarat. It represents the combination of seasonal freshwater shallow lake, inter tidal mudflats creeks saltpans saline land and mangrove scrub.It is the known breeding ground of the Great Crested Grebe. Apart from it Little Grebe Purple Moorhen, Coot Black winged Stilt and Pheasant tailed Jacana are also recorded breeding here. Raptors, including harriers eagles hawks and falcons are also spotted here. The sanctuary also shelters migratory birds such as swallows martins wagtails and various waterfowls. It is considered an important site for ecological research and education....more
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the coast of Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat. It covers an area of around 332.87hectare and has two plots of terrain, which are divided by wastelands and agricultural lands that falls in between them. The natural vegetation of the sanctuary comprises mostly of grassland along with saline shrubs. There are various rare species of plants that can be found here. Some of the common plants seen here are capparis, salvadora, prosopis juliflora, dichantheum, cyperus, suaeda etc.On the coastal areas of Gulf of Kutch enclosed by high tidal zone in the north and pastoral fields and wastelands on the other verge the Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary in Jamnagar is a secure abode for varied vertebrates and invertebrates....more
Gomati River
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