Dwarkadheesh

My kid in a getup of  LORD KRISHNA














Location: Saurastra, Gujarat, India
Prime Deity: Lord Krishna
Significance: Char Dham Yatra
Darshan Timings: Morning 7.00 A.M. to Afternoon 12.30 and Evening 5.00 to 9.30 P.M.
Main Festival: Janamashtami
Other Attractions: Bet Dwarka, Gurudwara, Haji Kirmani Pir, Kachoriyu, Hanuman Dandi, Trikamji Temple, Kalyanrai Temple, The Patrani Temple, Durvasa Temple
How To Reach: Easily accessible by air (nearest airport Jamnagar), rail and road

History of Dwarkadheesh Temple The panoramic view of river Gomti and Arabian Sea confluence, is a visual treat. Regraded as 'Mokshpuri', the shrine is a chief among the Char Dham yatra of Hindus. The great Hindu epic, Mahabharata, has references of the city when it was submerged in sea after the death of Lord Krishna. According to more discoveries the whole west Indian coast sank nearly around 40 feet in 1500 B.C. E The legendary city of Dwarka is said to be built by Lord Krishna about 3500 and 5000 years ago.
 

Discoverindia.ppt

There is a legend behind the idol of Lord Dwarkadhish in the temple. Badana, an old devotee, used to come daily from Dakor to Dwarka, in order to have a glimpse of the Lord Dwarkadhish. The Lord was really appeased with her and one day, he went along with Badana to Dakor, in the form of idol. The priests at Dwarka temple got angry at Badana, who took the idol according to them. The enraged priests chased Badana to get back the idol. Badana convinced the priests to leave the idol instead of gold.

The priests agreed upon the condition and to their surprise, the idol happened to be as light as one nose-ring. This miracle was done by the Lord himself, as he knew Badana had only a nose-ring to offer. However, the Lord didn't disappoint the priests and said that they would find a replica on a particular day. The priests could not resist their inquisitiveness and excavated the recommended site quite early. They found one yet to grow idol that is presently enshrined at Dwarka.



ArchitectureThe majestic five-storied structure of Dwarkadhish Temple stands high on the confluence of Gomati River and Arabian Sea. Built with the support of 72 pillars, Dwarkadhish Mandir presents a sight to behold. Elevated to the height of 78.3 meters, the spire of temple dominates the skyline of Dwarka. An eighty-four foot long multicolored flag, adorned with the symbols of the sun and moon, waves from the dome of temple. It is said that originally the temple was built over the 'Hari-Griha' (Lord Krishna's residential place) by Vajranabha, the grandson of Lord Krishna.

Dating back to 2500 years, Jagat Mandir (Nija Mandir) makes the sanctum sanctorum of Dwarkadheesh Temple. It comprises a soaring tower and a hall of audience. The audience hall is comprised of both, ancient and existing sculptures. The temple can be entered by two doorways. The main doorway (north entrance) is known as "Moksha Dwara" (Door to Salvation), whereas the southern doorway is called as "Swarga Dwara" (Gate to Heaven). The outer side of this doorway has 56 steps that take to the Gomati River.