Dwarka – An Abode Of Lord Krishna

Dwarka is the legendary city, the residing place of Lord Krishna, on the shore of the Arabian Sea, the extreme west coast of Gujarat (Jamnagar district). The name Dwarka is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘dvar’ that means door or gate. Dwarka It is among the seven ancient cities of India, which is well known for the Dwarkadhish temple and as the place where Krishna ruled his kingdom. Therefore, it is one of the most momentous pilgrimage spot for the Hindus.

Besides the ruling place of Shree Krishna, Dwarka is the place where Lord Vishnu killed the demon named Shankhasura. Besides this historic event, the Puranas (a holy book of Hindus) one of the 12 JyotirLingas (columns of lights) specifically manifesting Lord Shiva named Nageshwar Mahadev is in the sanctified place of Dwarka.

A popular belief is that this city has drowned six times in the Arabian Sea after Lord Krishna departed from the Earth and the present Dwarka is the 7th such city that was reestablished near the site of old Dwarka.

Story and History of the City

Sri Krishna abandoned the battle in Mathura for the sake of the betterment of the people dwelling in that city. Therefore, it was named ‘Ranchodrai’. He decided to leave Mathura and founded the Dwarka city.

In the war at Mathura, Sri Krishna had slew Kansa, who was his maternal uncle but was a cruel king ruling the city. Afterwards, he declared Ugrasen, the Kansa’s father, the king of Mathura. This was not accepted by the Kansa’s father-in-law (king of Magadha) and therefore, attacked Mathura 17 times. To avoid harming the people and assure their safety, Shree Krishna and the Yadavas moved to Dwarka.

As told by Shree Krishna, Vishwakarma, a celestial architect, built the city on the banks of the Gomati river by reclaiming a piece of from the sea. At that time, Dwarka was popular by Swarna Dwarika (meaning golden gate due to full wealth and prosperity), Dvaramati, Dvaravati, and Kushsthali. It consists of six well-developed sectors, plazas, wide roads, residential and commercial zones, palaces, and many public utilities.

Public gatherings used to happen in a huge hall named ‘Sudharma Sabha’. The city was a good business centre due to the recognition of a good harbor. There were 700,000 palaces in the city comprising of gold, silver, and gems. In addition, the city encompassed attractive flora gardens and lakes.

Attractions in the City

• Dwarkadhish Temple or the Jagat Mandir
  This temple was created with sand and limestone on the northern bank of the Gomati by Vajranabh, the great grandson before 2500 years from now. There are two gateways namely, Swarga Dwar for entry and Moksha Dwar for exit. In a day, the flag on the temple’s tower is hoisted five times symbolizing the welcome gesture to anybody who enters the temple. The main temple consists of 5 storeys, a hall that is supported by 60 columns, and a conical spire as high as 157 feet. Apart from Lord Krishna, there are many other Hindu deities for worship. Behind the temple, you can enjoy the confluence view of the Gomati with the sea. You can also see the Sharad Peetha, one of the four Maths by Shankaracharya.

• Rukmini Devi Temple
  This is the temple of Shree Krishna’s wife, Rukmini, who is regarded as the reincarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the Devi of wealth and prosperity. The temple is a structural masterwork sculpted in 12th century at a distance of 1.5 km north of Dwarka. In the temple, there are attractive paintings of the historic events of Rukmini with Lord Krishna. There is a story behind this temple. One day, Shree Krishna and his wife invited Durvasa Muni, who can be easily aroused to anger, to dinner. One of the etiquettes is that until the invited guest is satisfied, the host should not eat or drink. But, in between the dinner, Rukmini felt thirsty and with her husband’s help, drank some water. As she was drinking, the Muni turned around to see this and became angry. He cursed her that she would live away from Lord Krishna. This is the reason why her temple is not in the city with that of the Krishna’s temple.

• Gomati Ghat Temples
  Gomati, the descended Ganges, enters the Arabian Sea at the Chakra-tirtha Ghat. It is at this point that Hindus take bath for obtaining liberation (a belief). Next, is the Samudra Narayana temple (Sangam Narayana) located at the confluence. There is a Panchanada tirtha that encompasses five wells of sweet water around which there is seawater. At the place of Chakra Narayana, Lord Vishnu was metaphorized as a stone symbolized with a chakra. There is also the Gomatiji temple that has a picture of the Gomati River, which is believed to be brought down by Vasistha Muni from the heaven.
• Nageswara Mahadeva
  It has one of the 12 JyotirLingas in an underground chamber situated 10 km away from Dwarka.
• Gopi-tallava
  It is a pond at 20 km north of Dwarka where Lord Krishna used to meet the gopis when they came from Dwarka.
• Bhalka Tirth
  It is the place here Lord Krishna was assumed to be a deer and was hence, stuck by an arrow. A popular fact is that Lord Krishna was buried at Dehotsarga at the Triveni Ghat.

Days of Attraction

The festival of Janmashtami that marks the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with full excitement and joy in August/September. The other preferable period to visit this city is from October to March.

Reaching the Place

• By Air
  Jamnagar is the nearest airport that is 145 kms away.
• By Rail
  Dwarka has its own station on the Western railway of India.
• By Road
  State transport buses, private buses, and taxis are available.