A Glimpse of Shree Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka (Gujarat)
The Dwarkadhish Temple, or Jagat Mandir, in Dwarka, Gujarat, is a highly revered temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Situated at the confluence of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea, it is believed to be over 2,500 years old and was built by Krishna’s great-grandson, Vajranabha. Its majestic architecture and spiritual significance draw millions of devotees and tourists annually.
The temple of Lord Dwarkadhish also known as Jagat Mandir or Trilok Sundar is located in Dwarka, Gujarat. The temple is a revered site estimated to be over a thousand years old by the Department of Archaeology. It was built in the architectural style of the Chalukyas to honour Lord Krishna. Dwarka itself had an ancient chronicle that dates back to the kingdom of Dwarka, which was mentioned in the Mahabharata and was founded in the 4th century BC.
The main structure of the temple, which has five storeys, was constructed from limestone and sand and is estimated to be approx. around 2,200 years old. It is believed that the temple was originally built by Vajranabha, the grandson of Lord Krishna on land that the Lord reclaimed from the sea.
The intricate carvings and sculptures of the temple reflect the influence of the ancient dynasties that ruled the region, including a notable black statue of Lord Krishna. Additionally, the temple complex includes other shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities such as Subhadra, Balarama, Revathi, Vasudeva, and Rukmini.
Location of the temple on Google Maps
A Blend of History and Devotion
The temple of Dwarkadhish is the most popular attraction in Dwarka. It underwent several repairs. Located on a small hill, visitors must climb over 50 steps to reach it. The sanctum sanctorum which holds the primary deity, Lord Krishna, is surrounded by walls carved intricately. Additionally, various smaller shrines are scattered in the temple complex, featuring beautiful carved figures and legends.
A 43-meter-high tower at the centre of the temple displays a flag made of 52 yards of cloth, fluttering in the wind from the Arabian Sea, visible behind the temple. The Sudama Setu Bridge spans Gomti Creek and leads to the beach, making it another notable site. The temple is open to visitors from 7 am to 1 pm on weekdays and from 4 pm to 7:30 pm on weekend days.
According to legend, the temple was built by Vajranabha as Lord Krishna’s abode, Hari-Griha. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple holds immense significance as one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, along with Rameshwaram, Badrinath, and Puri.
In the 8th century A.D., the great philosopher and theologian Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya established the Sharada Peeth here. The temple is also recognized as the 108th Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu in the Divya Prabandha scriptures, underscoring its significance in the Hindu lore.
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The Architecture of Dwarkadhish Temple
Constructed from a mix of stone and sand, the temple features a stunning five-storey tower with a finely carved spire that reaches 78.3 meters high. The tower is supported by approximately 72 pillars. A flag adorned with the Eagle Shikhar catches the eye of the visitors. The temple’s flag, featuring the Sun and the Moon motifs, symbolizes Lord Krishna’s sovereignty over the temple.
According to legend, it flies as long as the Sun and the Moon are visible. The temple’s two entrances, Swarg Dwar (entrance for pilgrims) and two exits Moksha Dwar (exit for pilgrims) add to its splendour. The temple complex includes a vestibule, the sanctum sanctorum, a rectangular hall with porches on either side and a shrine dedicated to the goddess Parvati.
From the south entrance, 56 steps lead down to the banks of the river Gomti.
The Legend of the Idol of Lord Dwarkadhish
Badana, a devout follower of Lord Dwarkadhish, visits the shrine from Dakor in Gujarat daily. Pleased by her devotion, Lord Dwarkadhish decided to accompany her to Dakor. A priest from the shrine, angered by this, pursued Badana to retrieve the idol. Badana managed to convince the priest to accept gold in exchange for the idol.
Remarkably, the idol weighed only as much as Badana’s nose ring, as that was all the gold she had. The Lord assured the priest that a replica idol would be found later, and this replica is now installed in Dwarka.
The Legend of Rukmini’s Shrine
The temple is said to be situated on land reclaimed from the sea by Lord Krishna. During a visit by the sage Durvasa, Lord Krishna and Rukmini were asked to show him their palace. When Rukmini wanted to get water during their journey, Lord Krishna created a mythical hole that brought the river Ganges to them.
Angered by this act, the sage Durvasa cursed Rukmini to remain at that spot, leading to the establishment of Her shrine there. Dwarka, a convergence of mythology and history, not only sparks academic curiosity but also enhances those drawn to its mystical allure.
Shree Dwarkadhish Temple Darshan Timings
Morning 6.30 to Afternoon 13.00 and Evening 5.00 to 9.30. There may be changes in timings on special days/ Festivals, kindly verify with other Sources.
Morning Timings
| Morning 6.30 | Mangla Arti |
| 7.00 to 8.00 | Mangla Darshan |
| 8.00 to 9.00 | Abhishek Pooja [Snan Vidhi]: Darshan Closed |
| 9.00 to 9.30 | Shringar Darshan |
| 9.30 to 9.45 | Snanbhog : Darshan Closed |
| 9.45 to 10.15 | Shringar Darshan |
| 10.15 to 10.30 | Shringarbhog: Darshan Closed |
| 10.30 to 10.45 | Shringar Arti |
| 11.05 to 11.20 | Gwal Bhog: Darshan Closed |
| 11.20 to 12.00 | Darshan |
| 12.00 to 12.20 | Rajbhog: Darshan Closed |
| 12.20 to 12.30 | Darshan |
| 13.00 | Anosar, Darshan Closed |
Evening Timings
| 5.00 Uthappan | First Darshan |
| 5.30 to 5.45 | Uthappan Bhog: Darshan Closed |
| 5.45 to 7.15 | Darshan |
| 7.15 to 7.30 | Sandhya Bhog: Darshan Closed |
| 7.30 to 7.45 | Sandhya Arti |
| 8.00 to 8.10 | Shayanbhog: Darshan Closed |
| 8.10 to 8.30 | Darshan |
| 8.30 to 8.35 | Shayan Arti |
| 8.35 to 9.00 | Darshan |
| 9.00 to 9.20 | Bantabhog and Shayan : Darshan Closed |
| 9.20 to 9.30 | Darshan |
| 9.30 | Darshan Mandir Closed |
May the devotees of Lord Dwarkadisha get His graceful blessings abundantly!
