Dwarka

Dwarka

If finest temples and impressive customs inspire you, then Dwarka in the State of Gujarat would be an apposite location for you. Myths that suffuse the whole vibes of Dwarka portray the magical glory of an ethnic city. 

A great devout centre with much mythological relevance, Dwarka is the epitome of spiritual enlightenment. To the devotee, Dwarka is synonymous with lord Krishna and this sleepy locale has been gained high accolades as the gateway to the much cherished salvation. As per the Holy Scriptures, Dwarka is one of the holy spots that bestow deliverance since it was here that lord Krishna had established his earthly kingdom. 

A bevy of lovely temples that display flamboyant structural designs and marvelous architecture are the signature destinations in Dwarka. These lovely shrines reveal the city’s feted association with lord Krishna and indeed a visit to these holy spots would be an invigorating experience to all. Legend has it that after the death of Krishna, Dwarka city was submerged with water, devastating the entire Yadava clan. Recent excavations have proved the existence of well-planned cities on the shores of the river Gomati, which testifies this legendary belief. 

Apart from the tranquil ambiance of the holy shrines, Dwarka offers some of the appealing beaches, where the glittering waters and the warm weather tempts the beholder with its inherent charm. 

Shopping is an inevitable pastime in this historic city. A variety of shops that supplies excellent Gujarati artifacts on a comparatively good price would be the sweet remainders of your trip. 

Steeped in the richness of a mythological and legendary past, today’s Dwarka poses as a fast emerging city that expands it horizons in all most every field. In Dwarka one can expect the freshness and serenity of a devout location and the sizzles of a typical Indian city. Dwarka would be a nice destination for the enthusiastic ones and those who treasures the magnificence of a holy place.

History

The history of Dwarka is a mystical story. The city is believed to have been the capital of Lord Krishna, who established his capital on the bank of River Gomti Creek after he fled from Mathura, during his 17th battle with king of Magadh Desh. The Lord was succeeded by his great grandson, Vajranabh, who is known to have built all the holy temples in the city. The city was then called as ‘Trilok Nath’. Many Hindus believe that the temples at Dwarkaraj were built in one night with the assistance of spiritual powers. 

The original habitants of the area were Kabas and Modas. It is said that after the death of Lord Krishna, the ruling kings of Dwarka, the Yadavas indulged in a fight after being drunk, and the city then submerged into the sea. 

The city came under the rule of Kalas in the 2nd century, followed by the rule of Syrian king Sukkur Belium and during this time the city had drowned. In the 13th century the Rathods took over who ruled here for a long time. Dwarka was then part of Okhamandal. 

The city was declared as part of the Baroda district after India’s independence in 1947. In 1961, the state was Gujarat was formed and Dwarka was designated as one of its cities. 

Tourist Attractions in Dwaraka

The main tourist attraction in Dwaraka is the Dwarkadhish temple also known as Jagat Mandir. Besides this there are various other temples in Dwaraka.

Dwarkadhish Temple / Jagat Mandir  Dwaraka is known all over the world for the Dwarkadhish temple, the 'Lord of Dwarka'. This temple is also known as the Jagat Mandir or the temple of the world. This temple was constructed over 1400 years ago and houses the image of Lord Krishna. This temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage place for the Hindus and attracts pilgrims from all over the world. This temple is magnificently built on the traditional lines and has five floors supported by 60 columns. The temple is profusely carved from the base to the pinnacle. The temple is built of sandstone. The interior is simple while the

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  Besides the Dwarkadhish temple, there is a popular temple dedicated to Rukmini, the Lord Krishna's wife, who is also considered as an incarnation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty. There are various other temples which are dedicated to Mirabai and Narsinh Mehta and Shank Narayan. There is also a temple which is dedicated to the Matsyavatar, the incarnation of Vishnu as a fish.

Beyt Dwaraka A pilgrimage to Dwaraka is not complete until a visit has been made to the Beyt Dwaraka. It is a Hindu temple on the island off the coast. The temple dates from the 19th century and contains a series of shrines and images of Krishna and his 56 consorts. The archaeological excavations have revealed Harappan artifacts dating from the 2nd millennium BC. Okha Okha is a small port at the head of the Gulf of Kutch

and is about 30 kms north of Dwaraka. The island nearby is connected with the legend of Vishnu slaying the demon