Mathura-Vrindavan and Dwarka are the three places that are the center of attention of Hindus. Nestled on the western tip of Gujarat's Saurashtra peninsula, Dwarka is an ancient Indian city. Recognized as Devbhoomi Dwarka, Dwarka features of being the only city to be part of both Char Dham (4 main holy places) and Sapta Puris (7 holy cities) noted in the Hindu religion. Dwarka was part of the ancient empire of Lord Sri Krishna and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples, is also located in Dwarka. For these reasons, it has an impressive religious significance and attracts thousands of devotees all year round. The beach and the seaside are an added tourist attraction.
History has it that the settlement was once swallowed up by the sea and recent excavations show that a town once existed here. Dwarka can offer you Gujarat's holiest and most spiritual bit. The temples here have a rich culture and meaning as the legends, mythology, and beliefs that surround them. They are also architectural marvels and gems since they are of Hindu mythology. Your serene temple experience and the town's spiritual spirit will be complemented only by the beaches that the city has to offer.
Dwarkadhish Temple
Situated just 1.5 km from Dwarka, a Chalukya styled architecture, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is also known as the Jagat Mandir, Dwarkadhish Temple. The origin of the town of Dwarka goes back to the Mahabharata era of Dwaraka. The 5-storied main shrine, made of limestone and sand, is grand and wonderful in itself. It is assumed that the near about 2500-year-old architecture was designed by Vajranabha, who built it over the land retrieved from the sea by Lord Krishna. The temple shows exquisite sculptural details created by the ancestral dynasties that ruled the area and Lord Krishna's majestic black idol. There are other shrines dedicated to Subhadra, Balarama and Revathy, Vasudeva, Rukmini & others within the temple.
Before continuing into the temple via the Swarg Dwar, the devotees are supposed to take a dip in the Gomti river. Janmashtmi's eve is the most significant day in any Krishna shrine, with thousands of devotees chanting prayers and rituals adorning the Dwarkadhish temple. The sanctuary is a hive of colors, voices, and spirituality that turns itself into inner peace and holiness.
Nageshwar Temple
Nageshwar is approximately 20 km (25 minutes by car) from Dwarka. One of the Twelve Jyotirlingas in India is Nageshwar Temple, built-in Dwarka. It is situated on the road between Gomati Dwarka and the Island of Bait Dwarka, on the Gujarat coast of Saurashtra. Lord Shiva, also known as Nageshwar Mahadev, is also sometimes known as Nagnath Temple, the principal deity here. Those who pray at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga become immune from all poisons, snake bites, and earthly attractions, according to the Shiva Purana.
The statue or the Linga here is facing south, unlike other Nageshwar Temples. The giant 80-foot-tall Lord Shiva statue is a huge highlight of the Nageshwar Temple. Typical Hindu architecture characterizes the temple itself. The Nageshwar Shiva Linga is created of stone with small chakras on it, known as Dwarka Shila. It is in the form of the Three-Mouth-Rudraksha. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga's significance derives from the fact that it is assumed to be the first of India's 12 Jyotirlingas.
Rukmini Devi Temple
The Rukmini Devi Temple, an ancient tale of division, is situated about 1.7 km from the city centre of Dwarka. This 12th-century legacy, through its mural carvings and other buildings, brings out some obvious architectural marvels of the period.
Behind this temple, the Hindu legendary tale starts with Rukmini Devi and Lord Krishna, Her Husband, picking up the sage (Muni) Durvasha for dinner. On the road, Rukmini Devi, with the aid of Her Husband, stopped in the Ganges to quench her thirst. Expected to be short-tempered, when She did not give him any drink, Durvasha Muni was very enraged. Rukmini Devi was then called to be separated from Lord Krishna.
Besides all these, Dwarka Beach is a relaxing day out on the coastal holy site of Dwarka, situated along the Arabian Sea coast. The Dwarka beach also features several ancient temples alongside spectacular lines of coral reefs. Also, The Gomti River, an important tributary of the Ganges River, is the Hindu faith's most respected waterbody. Gomti Ghat, which includes about 56 stairs to access the Dwarkadhish Temple, sits at the mouth of the Gomti River.
For some photo ops, the serene position of the ghat is perfect. Here, there are also ferries and boat rides available. In addition, when many devotees take a holy dip in the saline waters of the Gomti river, it also allows for a pilgrimage too.
Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dwarka is when the city experiences cold winters from November to the last of February. Nonetheless, if you explicitly want to participate in the festivities of the grandly celebrated Janmashtami Festival of Dwarka, it will be eventful to visit the town during August and September.
How to Reach
Jamnagar, about 140 km away from Dwarka Town, is the closest airport. Dwarka has its own railway station, with trains connecting Dwarka with all major cities (Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, Goa, etc.). Dwarka is also very well linked by road.
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