Dwarkadhish Temple which is also known as Jagat Mandir is a hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna who is regarded as the King of Dwarka Kingdom and is presently Located in Dwarka city of Gujarat, India.
The main temple at Dwarka, situated on Gomti creek, is also known as trilok sundar (the most beautiful in all the three worlds). Originally believed to be built by Vajranabh, the great grandson of Lord Krishna, more than 2500 years ago
Dwarkadhish temple literally means ‘the Temple dedicated to the King of Dwarka’.
The word Dwar means gateway in Sanskrit and therefore symbolically the temple is said to be the gateway to salvation or Moksha. Interestingly, the temple has very long history stretching far back into the pre-Christian era. Lord Krishna depicted as Vishnu with four arms is the central deity in this temple.
It is believed that Lord Krishna arrived here from Braj in Uttar Pradesh to build the city. The temple was established by his grandson. It is at the cusp of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea, providing a scenic backdrop to the spiritual site.
It is said that Dwarka was submerged under the sea six times and what we see now is its seventh avatar. The temple itself has a fascinating legend.
The idol which is housed in the garba griha has a facinating story related to it. It is said Lord came in the dream of a Priest and guided him to pull out his idol from a nearby well on a paticular day but the priest in excitment pulled out the idol before the said time which resulted in the idol not being completed and thus resulting in the present days eyes of idol which seems a little closed when you see it.
The original structure was destroyed by Mahmud Begada in 1472, and subsequently rebuilt in the 15th-16th century. It was also feted by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th century Hindu theologian and philosopher.
The temple has five storeys and stands on 72 limestone pillars. Also, it consists of three parts – the Prakashgarh (Nijmandir), Sabahgrah and the Shikhar. The total height of the Shikhar is 157 feet.
Furthermore, there are two Shikhars present in the Temple – the Nij Shikhar and the Ladwa Shikhar. The Nij Shikhar is five-storeyed. It houses the main deity, Lord Krishna. There are two main gates to the Dwarkadhish Temple – The Moksha Dwaar (entrance for pilgrims) and the Swarg Dwaar (Gate to Heaven).
Also Read: SHREE BADRINATH TEMPLE
Quick Facts About Dwarkadhish Temple
- District: Dwarka
- Address: Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
- Architectural style: Solanki style architecture
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Deity: Dwarkadheesh Krishna
- Photography: Not allowed inside Garbha Griha
- Entry Fee: Nil
- Timings: 7am–12.30pm and 5–9pm
- Best Time To Visit: November to Feburary
- Dress Code: No Dress Code
- Festivals: Janmashtami, Rath Yatra, Tulsi Vivah
Pooja Timings
| Timings 6.30 AM | Morning Rituals Mangla Arti |
| 7.00 to 8.00 | Mangla Darshan |
| 8.00 to 9.00 | Abhishek Pooja [Snan Vidhi]: Darshan Closed |
| 9.00 to 9.30 | Shringar Darshan |
| 9.30 to 9.45 | Snanbhog : Darshan Closed |
| 9.45 to 10.15 | Shringar Darshan |
| 10.15 to 10.30 | Shringarbhog: Darshan Closed |
| 10.30 to 10.45 | Shringar Arti |
| 11.05 to 11.20 | Gwal Bhog: Darshan Closed |
| 11.20 to 12.00 | Darshan |
| 12.00 to 12.20 | Rajbhog: Darshan Closed |
| 12.20 to 12.30 | Darshan |
| 13.00 | Anosar, Darshan Closed |
| Timings | Evening Rituals |
| 5.00 PM | First Darshan |
| 5.30 to 5.45 | Uthappan Bhog: Darshan Closed |
| 5.45 to 7.15 | Darshan |
| 7.15 to 7.30 | Sandhya Bhog: Darshan Closed |
| 7.30 to 7.45 | Sandhya Arti |
| 8.00 to 8.10 | Shayanbhog: Darshan Closed |
| 8.10 to 8.30 | Darshan |
| 8.30 to 8.35 | Shayan Arti |
| 8.35 to 9.00 | Darshan |
| 9.00 to 9.20 | Bantabhog and Shayan : Darshan Closed |
| 9.20 to 9.30 | Darshan |
| 9.30 | Darshan Mandir Closed |
Astonishing Facts About Dwarkadhish Temple
- Dwarkadhish Temple is one amongst the Char Dham (Sacred Journey of Vishnu Adobes)
- The Dhwajaji – The Mast Flag atop the main Temple is unique and sacred. It is Aadhi Bhoutik in nature. The Dhwaja or the Flag is made of 52 yards of cloth. 52 small flags are woven individually in each yard of cloth. Each Yard symbolizes the entrances to the ancient city of Dwarka.
- Popular 16th century poet Meera Bai, who was a devotee of Lord Krishna, is said to have merged with his idol at this temple, after which she was never seen again.
- According to scriptures, 56 administrators ran the administration of Dwarka. Four of them were Lord Krishna, Balram, Pradyuma, and Anirudhji.
- These 4 are still worshipped in temples that are untouched by the sea. However, for the rest of the 52 people, the flag acts as a remembrance. The colours of the Dhwajaji are changed every day.
- According to legend, Sage Durvasa once visited Krishna and his wife Rukmini. … Sage Durvasa was furious and cursed Rukmini to remain in the place. The temple where Rukmini’s shrine is found, is believed to the place where she stood.
- An expedition was also carried out by the National Institute of Oceanography’s Marine Archaeology Unit from 1983, and in 1991, a paper by Indian archaeologist Dr SR Rao said that the structures discovered underwater in the submerged city largely met the description of the Dwarka city given in the holy scripture of Mahabharata, and since no other ancient texts mentioned the submergence of a city like this, it was reasonable to believe that these structures belonged to the Dwarka established by Lord Krishna. Thus Confirmings the existense of Dwarka City.
Also Read: ABOUT JAGANNATH PURI TEMPLE
How To Reach Dwarkadhish Temple?
By Air
The closest airports to Dwarka are Porbandar which is located at about 95 km and Jamnagar which is located at about 145 km from the temple.
By Rail
The nearest rail junction is the Dwarka railway station that is at 2.1 km distance away from the main city and it is going to take hardly 5 minutes to reach using an auto or a taxi.Dwarka has great train connectivity from many major cities of the country.
By Road
Reaching Dwarka by bus is really a hassle-free affair. Bus packages can be booked by state and private bus service providers that connect Dwarka to the major cities of Gujarat. You may opt to take a bus from nearby states as well. It is also an inexpensive mode of transport.NH-947 directly takes to Dwarka city.
Where To Stay?
Toran Tourist Bungalow
This is an government run facility , thus most reliable for stay.
Address:
Nr. Government Circuit House,
Dwarka – 361 335
Average cost: 1200 INR – 1500 INR
Note: We don’t make any guarantees if the above-stated facts are not correct. If you think any information provided by us is wrong then contact us.
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