Rukmini devi Mandir is famous temple dedicated to beloved wife of Lord Krishna, Devi Rukmini located in the outskirts of Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat.
The temple is said to be more than 2500 years old but it may have been reconstructed over time. The present temple is said to belong to the 12th century.
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History of Rukmini devi Mandir
One day Lord Krishna wanted to invite sage Durvasa for dinner and so he went with Rukmini to Durvasa’s ashram, who agreed on the condition that they would pull the chariot in which he would travel.
They agreed, but on the way, Rukmini felt thirsty and asked Lord Krishna for water. He struck the ground and the Ganges gushed forth, quenching Rukmini’s thirst.
Durvasa who was not provided water in the first place go really angry.
Durvasa, was Known as a sage who loses his temper easily and curses those on his left and right without thinking, in a fit of rage, he cursed Rukmini that the couple would remain separated forever.
No one knows why he did not curse Lord Krishna, but due to the curse, they had to live separately. Was the curse lifted? No one knows.
Some say that it was actually Lord Krishna who indirectly incited Durvasa to curse her unwittingly because Krishna did not like her arrogance.
Anyway, this is the reason why the Rukmini Devi temple is not adjacent to Dwarkadheesh temple but it is at a distance. It is also noteworthy that the temple stands on barren land amid rocks bereft of water.
Rukmini fell in love with Lord Krishna and Lord Krishna also fell in love with her and decided to kidnap her.
She always went to Avantika temple and prayed to Amba Mata to fulfill her wish of becoming Lord Krishna’s wife.
She was the daughter of Bhishmaka, the Vidarbha king, who wanted to marry her off to the evil Shishupala, though her brother opposed and disapproved of the marriage. She sent a message to Lord Krishna to save her, and the two decided to elope.
Once she went to worship in the temple (which is currently in Bulandra, above), and that day, Lord Krishna withdrew her and married in Madhavpur in Gudzharat, and both lived in happiness at the ‘incident with Durvasa. Madhavpur also has a temple of Rukmini and Krishna to celebrate this event.
Amba Mata is believed to grant the wishes of young girls who pray at the temple.
Some believe that Radha and Rukmini are the same person, incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi, as they are similar in age and devotion to the Lord.
When Krishna is with Rukmini, Radha is not present and when Krishna is with Radha, Rukmini is absent.
How to Reach Rukmini Devi Mandir?
By Air
Porbandar (95 km) and Jamnagar (110 km) are the closest airports to Dwarka. Taxis are available to the temple from the airport.
By Train
The temple is 0.4 km away from Dwarka railway station, 27.5 Okha railway station and 36.5 from Bhatiya railway station. From these stations you can hire taxi to reach the temple.
By Road
The city is well connected by a robust state-run buses.
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