Dwarkadhish Temple Dwarka - An Ancient Hindu Temple Dedicated to Lord Krishna.

 

Dwarkadhish temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshiped here by the name Dwarkadhish, or 'King of Dwarka'. The temple is located at Dwarka city of Gujarat, India, which is one of the destinations of Char Dham, a Hindu pilgrimage circuit. The four monasteries are located across the four corners of India and their attendant temples are Badrinath Temple at Badrinath in the North, Jagannath Temple at Puri in the East, Dwarakadhish Temple at Dwarka in the West and Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram in the South. It is believed that Lord Krishna arrived here from Braj in Uttar Pradesh to build the city. The eve of Janmashtmi is the most special occasion in any Krishna temple, the Dwarkadhish temple is adorned by thousands of devotees chanting prayers and rituals. The shrine is a hive of colours, voices and faith transforming itself into inner silence and sanctity.

 

 

The Dwarkadhish Temple, is believed to have been established more than 2500 years ago by Vajranabh, the great grand son of Krishna, over the residential palace of Krishna. The ancient temple has been renovated several times. The main shrine of the five-storied building, supported by 72 pillars, is known as Jagat Mandir or Nija Mandir. Archaeological findings suggest the original temple was built in 200 BCE at the earliest. The temple was rebuilt and enlarged in the 15th–16th century. The temple covers area of 27-metre by 21-metre with east–west length of 29-metre and north–south width of 23 metres. The temple is constructed of limestone and has intricate carvings. The temple showcases intricate sculptural detailing done by the ancestral dynasties that ruled the region and the black magnificent idol of Lord Krishna. There are other shrines within the temple which are devoted to Subhadra, Balarama and Revathy, Vasudeva, Rukmini and many others.

 

 

The temple stands on a small hill accessed by 50 plus steps, with heavily sculptured walls that cocoon the sanctum with the main Krishna idol. Around the complex lie other smaller shrines. The walls have intricately carved mythical characters and legends. The impressive 43 m high spire is topped with a flag made from 52 yards of cloth that flutters in the soft breeze from the Arabian Sea behind the temple. This flag is changed four times a day with a new one and Hindus pay a huge sum of money to hoist it by purchasing a new flag. Flag, hoisted over the spire, shows the sun and moon, which is believed to indicate that Krishna would be there till Sun and Moon exist on Earth. There are two different doors swarg and moksh for the entry and exit of the temple. A bridge called Sudama Setu at the base of the temple takes one across the Gomti creek towards the beach.

 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit this temple in Dwarka is in the course of the winter season. You can come over to this place anytime in the middle of October to February. And during Janmashtami which is celebrated grandly here.

 

Visiting Hours: The temple is open from 6.00 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 9.30 pm.

 

Location: Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat.