Dwarka
The town of Dwarka in Gujarat has a history that dates back centuries, and is mentioned in the Mahabharat as the Dwaraka Kingdom. Situated on the banks of river Gomti, the city's legend for being the capital of Lord Krishna. The ancient city was submerged by raging sea waters 8 times, but the remains do still exist. The present temple was built in 16th century CE, while the original temple was believed to have been built by Krishna's grandson, Vajranabha, over the hari-griha (Lord Krishna's residence) and became part of the Char Dham pilgrimages considered most sacred by Hindus in India, after Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th century reformer and philosopher, visited the shrine and even today a memorial within the temple is dedicated to his visit.
The temple not only attracts lakhs of tourist, but also is known for unique features and magnificent architecture. The temple is a five-storey structure built on seventy-two pillars, the temple spire is 78.3m high, the temple is constructed of limestone which is still in pristine condition, the temple shows intricate sculptural detailing done by successions of dynasties that ruled the region and the immaculate condition of the temple and an important discovery in its surrounding has led to the nomination of UNESCO world cultural heritage site status to the temple
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The main tourist attraction in Dwaraka is the Dwarkadhish temple also known as Jagat Mandir. Besides this there are various other temples in Dwaraka. |
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exterior is covered with elaborate carvings. Some of the major festivals of Janmashtami and Navratri are celebrated with great enthusiasm and rejoicing in the Dwarka. After visiting the main temple, some of the devotees visit the Shankhoddhar Beyt or Beyt Dwaraka. Other Temples |
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and is about 30 kms north of Dwaraka. The island nearby is connected with the legend of Vishnu slaying the demon. |
Somnath Temple, DwarkaSomnath Temple in Dwarka represents one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The word Somnath refers to the protector of Moon God. This temple is situated in Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval, which is located along the western coast of Gujarat.
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Dwarkadish Temple, Dwarka
Dwarkadish Temple, popularly known as the Jagat Temple, was built in the 16th century. The original Dwarkadish Temple was built by the great grandson of Lord Krishna, King Vajranabha. It is a 5 storied temple constructed using sand and limestone. This temple is located in the...
Gopi Talav, Dwarka
Gopi Talav or the Gopi Tank is a small pond surrounded by sandal like yellow sand, known as Gopi Chandan. This Chandan is used by devotees of Lord Krishna to make tilak marks on their bodies. The Talav has a special significance in the Hindu mythology, as it is believed to be...
Nageshwara Jyotirlinga Temple, Dwarka
Nageshwara Jyotirlinga Temple, also called the Nagnath temple, is located in the outskirts of Dwarka, in Gujarat. It is a famous Lord Shiva Shrine in India, which is situated between Gomati Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka Island. Nageshwara is one of 12 Jyotirlingas mentioned in the... Read More »
Rukshamanee mandir, Dwarka
Rukshamanee Mandir is dedicated to the beloved wife of Lord Krishna, Devi Rukmani. Among all His 16,108 wives, Devi Rukmani was Lord Krishna’s favourite. The Rukshamanee Mandir, which is also known as Rukmani Temple, features varied paintings of the 12th century on its... Read More »
Gomati Sangam Ghat, Dwarka
Gomati Sangam Ghat is the sacred place where Gomati River flows. This ghat can be reached by climbing down 56 steps from the Swarga Dwar of the Dwarkadish Temple. The Gomati River, which is also known as the descended Ganges, meets the sea at the Chakratirtha Ghat. The... Read More »
Nageshwar Shiva Temple, Dwarka
Hanuman Dandi Temple, Dwarka
Hanuman Dandi Temple is situated around 5 km from the main Dwarkadish Temple. This temple has been built at the place where Hanuman and his son Makardhwaj met. The Hanuman Dandi Temple is the only temple in the whole India which has idols of Hanuman and his son Makardhwaj.... Read More »
Jagad Mandir Dwarka, Dwarka
The Jagad Mandir at Dwaraka, also known as Dwarakadheesh Temple, is one among the four pilgrimage sites included in the Char Dham. Considered to be a holy site where Lord Krishna ruled and lived, the original temple was built by Krishna's grandson, Vajranabha. The present... Read More »
Gita Mandir, Dwarka
Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, Dwarka
Samudra Narayana Temple, Dwarka
Samudra Narayana Temple is situated at the Gomati Sangam Ghat, which is at the back of the main Dwarkadish Temple. The deity in the Samudra Narayana Temple is goddess Gomati, who is believed to be brought from heaven by Rishi Vasistha. This temple is surrounded by Panchanada... Read More »
Dwarka Lighthouse, Dwarka
Dwarka Lighthouse was constructed at Rupen Creek during the early 19th century. In order to lift a lamp, a flag mast was posted at the port, which thereafter served as a lighthouse. In 1866, eighteen metres tall square tower was constructed at this site, along with an...
Rukmini Hrid, Dwarka
Rukmini Hrid, which features seven ponds, is one of the popular tourist attractions in Dwarka. These seven ponds are collectively known as the Rukmini Hrid. According to the Hindu Mythology, this place washes away all human sins and bestows salvation on mankind. It is... Read More »
Shardha Peeth, Dwarka
Shardha Peeth is the first Peeth among the four Peeths established by Adi Shankaracharya. Other Peeths founded by Adi Shankaracharya are at Sringeri, Puri and Jyotirmath. The Shardha Peeth is over 250 years old and is visited every year by thousands of pilgrims from across... Read More »