Dwarka Temple was closed from 12 April-2021. Because of the increasing number of Corona Cases in Gujarat. Devotees will be able to perform virtual Darshan via the temple website or social media. It is one of Gujarat’s most popular attractions. Dwarkadhish temple is located in the Hindu pilgrimage city of Dwarka.
Every year, thousands of devotees visit the Dwarkadhish Temple. Dwarkadhish is the King of Dwarka. Dwarkadhish, which means King of Dwarka, is Shri Krishna’s kingdom in ancient Dwarka.
The main shrine of Dwarkadhish temple, also known as Jagat Mandir, is thought to be approximately 2,200 years old. There are two entrances to the Temple: the Moksha Dwar entrance at the North and the Swarg Dwar entrance at the South.
Janmashtami celebrations are the most popular festivals that are held in the Dwarkadhish temple. It is well decorated and lit for the celebrations, including prayers throughout the day and folk dance performances. Devotees sing bhajans.
It is part of the sacred Char Dham Pilgrimage, which Hindus visit. The flag at the top of the Temple indicates that Krishna will remain there until the moon and stars are created.
The Temple is situated near the Gomti River, where devotees can take a bath to wash away their sins.
History of Dwarkadhish Temple
According to Brahmi script, the history of Dwarkadhish Temple is that its first renovation took place around 100 BC. In 800 BC, Shri Adi Shankaracharya visited and renovated the Temple.
He founded the shrine of Adyashakti on the fourth floor. The Temple was destroyed by the Brahmins in 1241 AD. Five Brahmins fought alongside them and eventually died.
The shrines located near the Dwarkadhish Temple were dedicated to them. Local merchants and rulers expanded the Temple in the 15th – 16th century. In 1965, the Pakistan Navy attacked but failed to succeed.
Another fascinating thing that is associated with Dwarka includes Gopi Lake. Legend says that Lord Krishna never returned to Mathura after leaving Mathura. Mathura’s Gopis came to Dwarka to meet Krishna.
They offered their lives to the land after several Ras Leelas with Lord Krishna. The lake’s name is “Gopi Talav”.
Great Architecture of Dwarkadhish Temple
It is based on five storeys and 72 pillars. It also includes three parts: the Prakashgarh, Sabahgrah, and the Shikhar. The total height of Shikhar is 157 feet.
Two Shikhars are present in the Temple: the Nij Shikhar and the Ladwa Shikhar. Two main entrances lead to the Dwarkadhish Temple: The Moksha Dwaar and the Swarg Dwaar.
- 3 Days Dwarka Somnath Tour
- Statue of Unity Tour with Narmada Tent City
- 03 Days Rann Utsav Tour Package
- 3 Days Gir National Park Jungle Safari
- 3 Days Gujarat Tour Itinerary
- 4 Days Bhuj Mandvi Kutch Tour
- 6 Nights 7 Days Gujarat Diu Tour
- Gujarat Itinerary 4 Nights 5 Days
- 9 Days Gujarat Tour Package
- 6 Days Gujarat Tour Itinerary
- Gujarat and M.P Tour Itinerary
- 5 Days Gir National Park from Mumbai
- 2 Night 3 Days Daman Diu Itinerary
- Heritage Tour Rajasthan + Gujarat
What is the story behind Dwarka’s origin?
Lord Krishna’s maternal uncle Kansa was Mathura’s ruler. Jarasandha, his father-in-law, was a significant influence on him. Kansa also terrorized and tortured Mathura’s people.
Krishna was eventually killed because of his cruelty to people. There are two versions of the story about how Krishna created Dwarka. One version states that Lord Krishna flew aboard the Garuda to reach the Saurashtra peninsula.
On the other, Lord Krishna invoked Vishwakarma. He asked him to build a city. Vishwakarma stated that the city could be built if there is enough funding. Samudra Deva receives land from the God of the Sea.
Lord Krishna worshipped the Sea God, who eventually gave him land. He gave 12 Yojanas Land. Vishwakarma, therefore, built Dwarka to honor Lord Krishna.
Top Festivals which are celebrated at Dwarkadhish Temple
- Annakut Utsav
- Janmashtami
- Tulsi Vivah
- Akshaya Tritiya
- Holi
- Rath Yatra
Famous Temples near Dwarkadhish Temple
- Rukmini Mandir
- Shri Nageshwar Temple
- Beyt Dwarka
- Gita Mandir
- Gomati Sangam Ghat
Visiting Time
The Dwarkadhish Temple is open at 6:30 AM and closes at 9:00 PM. During this time, the Temple performs many rituals. These rituals include the morning, evening, and evening poojas.
How to Reach
By Air: The closest airport is Jamnagar. It is located 137km from the Temple.
By Rail: Regular trains run from major cities like Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad.
By Road: Many direct state buses are available from Jamnagar and Gandhinagar.
More about Gujarat:
- Most Famous Historical Places & Monuments to Visit in Gujarat
- Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara, Gujarat
- 20 Best Tourist Places in Gujarat
- Top 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Gujarat
- Places to See Near Vadodara within 100 km
- Kutch Rann Utsav Festival Gujarat
- Rann Utsav: A Tour Guide to the Mega Festival in Gujarat
- Gujarat Tourism Reopening of Sabarmati Ashram after 10 months
Dwarakadhish temple is one of the important Hindu temples in India. I had the opportunity to visit the temple last year. I am glad to know more about this place through this article.