Dwarkadhish Temple : Divine Gateway to Krishna

The Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir, is a magnificent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna (Dwarkadhish, the “King of Dwarka”). Located in Dwarka, Gujarat, it is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and holds immense religious significance in Hinduism.

Key Features of Dwarkadhish Temple:

1. Architecture

   • Built in the Chalukya style of architecture.

   • The five-story temple stands 51.8 meters (170 feet) tall.

   • The main shrine is supported by 72 pillars.

   • The flag atop the temple, bearing symbols of the sun and moon, is changed five times a day.

2. Deity

   • The principal deity is Lord Krishna in his Dwarkadhish form (a black marble idol).

   • The temple also houses idols of Balaram (Krishna’s brother), Subhadra, and Jagannath.

3. Religious Significance

   • Believed to have been established by Krishna’s grandson, Vajranabha, over 2,500 years ago.

   • Part of the Char Dham (Badrinath, Puri, Rameswaram, Dwarka) and Sapta Puri (seven sacred cities).

   • Mentioned in ancient texts like the Mahabharata, Harivamsa, and Skanda Puraṇa.

4. Festivals & Rituals

   • Janmashtami (Krishna’s birthday) is celebrated with grand processions.

   • Sharad Purnima, Holi, and Diwali are also major festivals here.

   • The Mangla Aarti (early morning prayer) and Sandhya Aarti (evening prayer) are key rituals.

5. Dwarka – The Sacred City

   • Believed to be the ancient kingdom of Krishna.

   • The submerged city of Bet Dwarka (nearby island) is linked to Krishna’s legends.

   • The Gomti Ghat, where pilgrims take holy dips, is close to the temple.

Visiting Information:

• Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather).

• Darshan Timings: 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (varies on festivals).

• How to Reach:

  • Nearest airport: Jamnagar (137 km).

  • Nearest railway station: Dwarka (1 km from temple).

  • Well-connected by road via Ahmedabad, Rajkot, etc.

Interesting Facts:

• The original temple was said to have been destroyed by Mahmud Begada in 1472; the current structure dates back to the 16th century.

• Marine archaeological findings suggest the existence of an ancient city submerged off the coast of Dwarka, supporting its connection to Krishna’s Dwarka.