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 15th 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 16th century, the walls to about
12th century. A highlight of the temple is the 19th
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 12th-13th
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 8th-9th 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 19th 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. |
