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DWARKA

Dwarka is one of the 4 principal dham yatras of Hinduism, the others being Puri, Badrinath-Kedarnath and Rameshwaram. It ranks with Ayodhya, Banaras, Mathura, Gaya, Kanchipuram and Ujjain among the holiest temple cities of India. Dwarka was the home of Lord Krishna, who moved to this pretty coastal town with the entire Yaduvanshi clan to set up capital. Marine excavations off the Dwarka coast have revealed important evidences of 4 ancient cities, which probably includes the Dwarawati of the Krishna lila. In the 15^th century, Dwarka was a major sea port. Today, it is not only a major pilgrimage but a pleasant spot for a beach holiday.

DWARKADISH TEMPLE(JAGAT MANDIR)

The ancient Dwarkadish temple, has often been renovated, and the carvings outside date from around the 16^th century, the walls to about 12^th century. A highlight of the temple is the 19^th century shikara tower. The multi-pillared sabha mandapa leads to a 60 pillared sanctum sanctoruim dated by scriptures 2500 years. Incredibly detailed sculpture decorates the entire temple.

TIMINGS 6-12,17-21 hrs

RUKMINI TEMPLE

Dating to the 12^th-13^th century, the Rukmini temple has beautiful carvings, specially on the pillars of the Sabha Mandapa. The temple was built in honour of Rani Rukmani, princess of Vidharba, who was to be married to Sishupala, but eloped with Lord Krishna.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

Nageshwar Mandir is a Mahadev temple, with one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in an underground chamber. Vasai has an ancient Sun temple. Ved Bhuvan is an institution teaching Vedic scriptures and philosophies. Shankaracharya, set up a Hindu monastry here in the 8^th-9^th century. Shardapith Math is another Hindu monastry complex with a museum. The Hanuman kund is a stepped tank. Gopi Talav Teerth is another tank associated with Lord Krishna and the Mahabharata. The Lighthouse has great views of the sea.

OKHA

30 kms from Dwarka, the tip of the western coast of India, Okha developed as major port under the Gaekwad rulers of Baroda. It is a fishing port. There is a govt guest house at Okha facing the sea.

BEYT DWARKA

Offshore from Okha, the island of Beyt Dwarka is associated with Lord Krishna. The main temple here, built in the 19^th century, has several shrines and images of Lord Krishna and his 56 consorts. There are several other temples on the island. Excavations have revealed some Harappan period artifacts. There are some nice beaches and coral formations to the north and east of the island. Numerous dharamshalas and guest houses offer accommodations at the island. Another important Krishna temple is the Rachodji temple at Dakore.