Shri Dwarka Dham -

Shri Dwarka Dham

The Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka is an important spiritual and historical site dedicated to Lord Krishna. With its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual significance, the temple is a must-visit for anyone exploring Gujarat. Apart from the religious experience, the temple offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the history and traditions of Dwarka.

“ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय”
यह श्लोक भगवान वासुदेव (कृष्ण) को समर्पित है और इसका अर्थ है “मैं भगवान वासुदेव को नमन करता हूँ”.

― Shri Dawarika Dham

Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir, is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. Located in Dwarka, Gujarat, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as Dwarkadhish, or the King of Dwarka.

Dwarkadhish Temple: The history

The Dwarkadhish temple was originally constructed by Sri Vajranabha, Lord Krishna’s grandson. It is constructed exactly at the spot where Lord Krishna’s residence used to be. The original temple had an umbrella like structure with the Deity of Lord Dwarkadhish beneath it as per the temple authorities. As per the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), the current basic temple structure is around 1200 years old which was developed around the ancient and original structure.

Many renovations have been done by various Kings and eminent personalities. The temple was destroyed by Mahmud Begada of the Gujarat Sultanate in 1472, and then renovated, enlarged in the 16th century using the Chalukya style of architecture.

Adi Shankaracharya had visited the temple in 800 CE and got it renovated. A memorial inside the temple complex celebrates his visit and renovation. His representative samadhi is also present in the Paduka form. The temple also houses the eastern Sharada Peetha out of the four Peethas established by Adi Shankaracharya in the four directions in India to preserve and propagate Sanatana Dharma.

Lesser-known Facts About Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka

Dwarka is considered one of the oldest cities in India. Archaeological excavations have revealed submerged settlements, suggesting that a city existed here more than 5,000 years ago. This discovery aligns with the legendary city of Dwarka, mentioned in ancient scriptures.
The temple follows a strict ritualistic schedule. One unique aspect is the daily bhog offerings, which include a variety of sweets and savories prepared in the temple kitchen. These offerings are distributed to the devotees as prasad, symbolizing the blessings of Lord Krishna.
The flag atop Dwarkadhish Temple is changed three times a day, a tradition that has been followed for centuries. The flag is adorned with symbols of the sun and moon, representing Krishna’s reign over both day and night.
A pedestrian bridge named Sudama Setu connects the Dwarkadhish Temple to the Panchkui Tirth. The bridge is named after Sudama, a childhood friend of Krishna, and offers a panoramic view of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea.
Located about 30 kilometers from Dwarka, Bet Dwarka is an island believed to have been Lord Krishna’s original residence. The island hosts several temples and is an important pilgrimage site connected to the main temple by regular boat services.

The Birth of the Temple

The origin of the Dwarkadheesh temple starts after Lord Krishna defeats his evil uncle Kans. Krishna left Mathura with the entire Yadava community. He built a beautiful town on the banks of Gomati River and named it ‘Swarnadwarika’.

Lord Krishna lived in the royal palace of Dwarka which was engulfed by the sea along with Dwarka city. Generations later, his great-grandson Vajranabha built the temple called Dwarkanatha in the devotion of Lord Krishna. Many believe that Vajranabha erected the temple in one night with the help of a mysterious force.

According to another legend, Mira Bai who was a staunch devotee of Sri Krishna had visited this temple. Mira Bai was punished with poison by her father-in-law, but the poison did not affect her. After drinking poison, she visited the temple, and the next morning, only her Ektara (string) and Kartal (cymbal) were left at the feet of Krishna’s idol. Many believed that Mira Bai merged with the idol and attained Moksha at this place.

The Dwaraka temple is among the three revered pilgrimage sites associated with Lord Krishna and is part of the 48 Kos Parikrama (circumambulation).

Dwarkadheesh temple is the 98th Divya Desam among the 108 religious sites dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The flag on the Sikhara of the temple has sun and moon symbols which indicate that Krishna will be there till Moon and Sun exist on Bhoolok (the earth).