Dwarka is the most important and sacred pilgrimage city in Hindu religion as it is the city of one of the Char Dham. The city is located on the banks of Gomati river, the western coast of Gujarat. The place is associated with Lord Krishna. According to scriptures, Lord Krishna settled in this city after defeating and killing his uncle, Kansa and the city is believed to be the capital of Krishna’s kingdom.
History of Dwarka
Dwarka means gateway and also throughout the history has been referred as ‘Mokshapuri’, ‘Dwarkavati’ or ‘Dwarkamati’. Lord Krishna settled in Dwarka after defeating and killing his uncle, Kansa. According to legend, Krishna had recuperated the land from the sea to create Dwarka. Also, after His demise, the city was destroyed and was submerged under the sea.
One of the seven holy towns in Hinduism, the modern-day Dwarka is visited annually by pilgrims who adore Krishna. The first archaeological excavation was conducted in 1963, and the quest for its submerged portion started in the 1930s. During the subsequent excavation, which was conducted by an underwater archaeologist, numerous antique antiquities and the submerged remnants of the ancient Dwarka were discovered.
Archaeologists found a fortified foundation along the riverbanks between 1983 and 1990, which must have served as the basis for the ancient city walls. There is still disagreement about whether the relics date from the Middle Ages or from between 3000 and 1,500 years BC, despite the discovery of stone blocks used for the building, pillars, and irrigation systems.
Along with the size of the submerged portion of the ancient city, the fact that numerous stone anchors have also been found at the same depth on the site indicates that Dwarka must have been a significant trading port in the past and played a role in the trade relations between Indian and Arabic regions from the 15th to the 18th centuries. This historic port city may have served as a gateway for foreign sailors arriving in India, and hence serving the word “dwarka” (gateway)
Places to visit in Dwarka
Being the pilgrimage site, Dwarka has a numerous temples and other religious places to visit and explore. Dwarka is the place where you can find one of the Jyotirlinga and one of the Char Dham. When in the city, you should visit :
Dwarkadhish Temple
The Dwarkadhish temple, which is devoted to Lord Krishna, is constructed in the Chalukya style. It was constructed by Vajranabha, Krishna’s great-grandson, and is thought to be around 2200 years old. 72 pillars support the five stories of the main shrine. It is a significant addition to the list of Dwarka must-sees since it is a component of the “Char Dham” yatra. Devotees from all over the world travel here to take part in the massive celebration of Janmashtami.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
One of the most popular destinations in Dwarka is this temple, which is less than 16 kilometres away. One of the most significant temples in India, Nagnath Temple is a monument devoted to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Purana mentions it, making it one of the oldest temples still standing. Thousands of people attend the fair held on the temple grounds as Shivaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Bet Dwarka Temple
According to legend, Guru Vallabhacharya constructed this temple on the site of Lord Krishna’s home. The temple contains idols of Hanuman, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi Narayan, Jambavati Devi, and others in addition to Lord Krishna. The great epic Mahabharata states that Lord Krishna received this location as a gift from his friend Sudama. It is situated on a tiny island that may be reached by Okha (coastal town in Devbhoomi Dwarka). This temple is one of the most revered sites to visit in Dwarka, and boats to it are regularly available from Okha.
Another well-known temple in Bet Dwarka is the Hanuman Dandi temple. Numerous images of Hanuman and his son Makardhwaja are deified in the shrine. According to a mythology, Hanuman, who is thought to be celibate, had a son in the form of Makardhwaja after his perspiration was eaten by a crocodile. According to the Jethwa Rajput clan of Kshatriyas, Makardhwaja is their ancestor.
Sudama Setu
The Gomti River is crossed by the pedestrian bridge known as Sudama Setu, Dwarka. It links the island of Panchnad Tirth with the mainland city of Dwarka and Jagat Mandiron. Situated southeast of Dwarka is this island. The bridge’s construction was finished in 2016, having begun in 2005. The bridge’s width is 4.2 meters and its length is 166 meters. It bears the name of Lord Krishna’s boyhood buddy, Sudama. This suspension bridge provides a great view of Gomti Ghat and the Dwarkadhish Temple. It is among the popular places to visit in Dwarka.
Lighthouse and lake at Dwarka Beach
One of the coolest spots to visit in Dwarka is Dwarka Beach, which is located on the Arabian Sea coast close to the sacred site of Dwarka. Along with breathtaking rows of coral reefs, the Dwarka coastline is home to several ancient temples. There are a number of booths selling colourful shells and beads in addition to a queue of food vendors. Another addition to Dwarka’s tourist attractions is the 43-meter lighthouse at the shore. This lighthouse tower’s radio beacon is powered by a solar photovoltaic module. The lighthouse’s top offers a panoramic view over Dwarka.
Submarine-based underwater tourism : A submarine tour to see the submerged city of Dwarka would be the first underwater tourism experience in India. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and the state government had signed a contract for the project’s debut, which was anticipated to begin before Diwali in October 2024.
How to reach Dwarka
By Flight
The closest airports from Dwarka are Porbandar (95 km) and Jamnagar (137 km) . There are flights to Jamnagar from major cities like Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Taxi services are available from the airport to Dwarka.
By Road
You can hire a taxi to get around Dwarka’s tourist attractions because the city’s roadways are kept up well. People from nearby cities who are interested in Dwarka’s tourist attractions also travel there by bus. From Ahmedabad, Porbandar, Rajkot, Vadodara, Amerli, and numerous other cities, there are both state-run and private buses.
By Railway
Railways are a fantastic way to get to Dwarka because the station is well connected to all of the major towns. The station name is Dwarka Station and code is DWK.
Conclusion
Dwarka, located on Gujarat’s western coast, is a venerated city that is deeply connected to Hindu mythology, particularly as the realm of Lord Krishna. Among other significant religious sites, the city is home to the renowned Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, and Bet Dwarka Temple. Based on archaeological evidence, Dwarka was a prosperous port city with trade connections to ancient Arabian regions. The city also features Dwarka Beach and the Sudama Setu Bridge, which offer historical insights and breathtaking views. Dwarka continues to be a fascinating combination of ancient spirituality and modern discoveries, making it a must-see destination for both religious pilgrims and history enthusiasts. It is easily accessible by road, rail, and air.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Dwarka
Is underwater Dwarka found?
Yes, archaeologists have found the ancient city of Lord Krishna submerged under the sea.
Why is Dwarka so famous?
Dwarka is famous for Char Dham and Jyotirlinga and many other religious and cultural sites.
Why did Krishna destroy Dwarka?
Krishna did not destroy Dwarka. It was cursed and then doomed by the sea.
Who ruled Dwarka after Krishna’s death?
Krishna’s grandson Vajranabha ruled Dwarka after Krishna’s death.
Where is Krishna’s flute now?
It is still mystery. But if you have any conspiracy theory, feel free to share here.
What happened to Rukmini after Krishna died?
Rukmini and Jambavati self-immolated on the funeral pyre after Krishna disappeared following the Yadu massacre in the Mausala Parva.
Where is Krishna’s body?
After cremating the Krishna’s body, his heart remained pristine. It was then offered to sea which then reached to a coast. And then placed inside the idol of Lord Jagannath in the Jagannath Puri Temple. Read more here
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