Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka
Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir, is one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as the “King of Dwarka” or Dwarkadhish. Located in Dwarka, Gujarat, it is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage and holds immense religious significance.
🛕 Historical & Mythological Significance
- Mythology: According to Hindu scriptures, Dwarka was Lord Krishna’s kingdom after he left Mathura. The temple is believed to have been originally built by Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna, over 2,500 years ago.
- Historical Accounts: The present structure was reconstructed in the 16th century by the Vallabhacharya sect. It has undergone several renovations over centuries.
- Mahabharata Connection: It is believed that the submerged city of Dwarka lies beneath the Arabian Sea, associated with Krishna’s divine kingdom.
🌟 Architecture
- Style: The temple exhibits Chalukya-style architecture, with intricate carvings and stunning craftsmanship.
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Main Structure:
- Height: The temple stands approximately 78 meters (256 feet) tall.
- Shikhar (Spire): The shikhar is adorned with a 56-foot-long flag, which is changed five times a day.
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Entrance:
- The Swarg Dwar (Gate to Heaven) is the entrance for devotees.
- The Moksha Dwar (Gate to Salvation) is the exit gate.
- Garbhagriha: The sanctum sanctorum houses the black idol of Lord Krishna, which is around 2.2 feet tall and has four hands holding a conch, discus, mace, and lotus.
🌿 Rituals & Worship
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Aarti Timings:
- Mangla Aarti: 6:30 AM
- Shringar Aarti: 10:30 AM
- Rajbhog Aarti: 11:30 AM
- Uthapan Aarti: 5:30 PM
- Sandhya Aarti: 7:30 PM
- Shayan Aarti: 8:30 PM
- Daily Offerings: Offerings include milk, butter, fruits, and sweets like laddu.
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Special Pujas:
- Janmashtami (Krishna’s birthday) is celebrated grandly.
- Kartika Purnima and Holi attract large crowds.
🚩 Festivals
- Janmashtami: The temple hosts elaborate celebrations during Krishna Janmashtami, with special prayers, bhajans, and processions.
- Navratri: Devotees gather for Garba and special pujas during this festival.
- Diwali: The temple is illuminated with lamps and flowers.
🚍 How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport (about 137 km away).
- By Rail: The Dwarka Railway Station is about 2 km from the temple.
- By Road: Well-connected by buses and taxis from major cities like Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad.
🕉️ Temple Timings
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Darshan Duration: On regular days, darshan takes 30–45 minutes, but during festivals, it may take 2–3 hours.
🛎️ Nearby Attractions
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, located 18 km from Dwarkadhish Temple.
- Bet Dwarka: An island linked to Krishna’s legend, around 30 km from Dwarka.
- Rukmini Devi Temple: Dedicated to Krishna’s consort Rukmini, located 2 km away.
- Gomti Ghat: Situated near the temple, it is a sacred spot for holy dips.
🌟 Travel Tips
- Dress Code: Wear traditional and modest attire.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March offers pleasant weather.
- Accommodation: Several hotels, dharamshalas, and guest houses are available nearby.
🙏 Significance & Spiritual Importance
- The Dwarkadhish Temple is a significant part of the Char Dham Yatra, which includes Badrinath, Puri, and Rameswaram.
- It is believed that visiting the temple and bathing in the Gomti River nearby helps in attaining moksha (liberation).
The Dwarkadhish Temple is not only an architectural marvel but also a deeply spiritual destination. Its connection to Lord Krishna’s divine kingdom makes it a must-visit for devotees and history enthusiasts alike.