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Dwarka also spelled as Dwaraka is one of the most important and holy places of India situated on the western coast of the country on the banks of sacred river Gomati where it meets the Western Sea. It is located in the Sourashtra region of Gujarat state in Jamnagar District. It is in existence since Vedic and Pouranic days with great mythological significance. It is held in high esteem as one of the seven most sacred places called as Sapta Puri in the Indian Sub-continent. The seven sacred places are Ayodhya, Mathura, Kasi, Kanchi, Avantika (Ujjain), Puri (Jagannathapuri), and Dwarka. These seven places are said to be the most holy and religious places attached with great spiritual importance that leads one towards salvation. It is also called as one of the Char Dhams, the four abodes of God in four directions viz. Badari in the North, Rameswaram in the South, Puri Jagannath in the East and Dwarka in the West. These are said to be the most revered sites for Hindus to be visited at least once in their life time.
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Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha! Om! Sri Raghavendraya! Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya! Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!
! Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam
Devaki Paramanandam Krishnam Vande Jagat Gurum!!
DWARKA KSHETRA
THE ABODE OF
LORD SRI KRISHNA
Index
Introduction
Jagat Mandir – The Temple of Dwarkadheesh
Dhwajaarohan at Dwarka Temple - Significance
Holy Places of Dwarka (Outside Jagat Mandir)
Nageshwar (Jyothirlinga Kshetra)
Dwarkashila (Chakrankitha)
Pilgrimage to Dwarka (Useful Information)
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Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!
DWARKA KSHETRA
THE ABODE OF LORD SRI KRISHNA
An Introduction
Dwarka also spelled as Dwaraka is one of the most important and holy
places of India situated on the western coast of the country on the banks of
sacred river Gomati where it meets the Western Sea. It is located in the
Sourashtra region of Gujarat state in Jamnagar District. It is in existence
since Vedic and Pouranic days with great mythological significance. It is
held in high esteem as one of the seven most sacred places called as Sapta
Puri in the Indian Sub-continent. The seven sacred places are Ayodhya,
Mathura, Kasi, Kanchi, Avantika (Ujjain), Puri (Jagannathapuri), and
Dwarka. These seven places are said to be the most holy and religious
places attached with great spiritual importance that leads one towards
salvation. It is also called as one of the Char Dhams, the four abodes of God
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in four directions viz. Badari in the North, Rameswaram in the South, Puri
Jagannath in the East and Dwarka in the West. These are said to be the
most revered sites for Hindus to be visited at least once in their life time.
The word Dwarka is a combination of two words Dwar + Ka = Dwarka. It is
a Sanskrit word wherein, Dwar means a gate or a door or an entrance and
Ka has a mystic meaning suggesting Brahma the Supreme Being. Hence,
Dwarka means the gateway to Brahma – the Supreme Being. Dwarka also
means the gateway to liberation of soul from actions that is liberation from
Karma. Hence, Dwarka is also referred to as the Mukthidham or Mokshapuri.
Dwarka is also called as Dwaravati or Dwarakavati. Reference to Dwarka
can be found in many Pouranic scripts like Skandha Purana, Maha Bharatha,
Srimad Bhagavatha, Vishnu Purana, and Harivamsa Purana etc…
It is said that Brahma Manasa Puthras (mind born sons), Sanaka, Sananda,
Sanatana, Sanatkumara, assuming Dwarka as the seat of liberation, did
severe penance at this place for several thousands of years on the banks of
the ocean worshipping Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. As a result of which
Sudarshana Chakra the disc of Lord Maha Vishnu appeared first and later
Lord Maha Vishnu himself manifested here. Hence, the Lord at this place is
called as Chakra Narayana and the entire area of pilgrimage is known as
Chakra Theertha.
Thereafter the sages invited Ganga (Ganges) to come there and Ganga
descended there along with the sage Vasishta. The river Ganges flowing
here is referred to as Gomati and hence, Dwarka is also referred to as
Gomati Dwarka. The river Gomati merges with the ocean (Arabian Sea) at
this place and the point where the river merges with the ocean is known as
Gomati Sangam and hence, the Lord at this place is also referred to as
Sangam Narayana or Samudra Narayana. There is a great significance for
taking holy bath and performing sacred rites to forefathers at this Sangam
point of sacred river Gomati, as it will liberate one from the sins committed
in the previous births and is regarded as the gate way to salvation. His
ancestors belonging to three generations go to the abode of Vishnu and his
accumulated sins of thousands of years get destroyed. Mere darshan of
Gomati at Dwarka destroys all the sins, which are committed by thoughts,
words and deeds.
It is said that during Dwapara Yuga, sage Durvasa came to this place to
have Darshan of the Lord Chakra Narayana who got manifested there and
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for a holy bath in the sacred river Gomati. But he was obstructed by the
demons there. It is said that the sage went straight to Pathala Loka and
informed the same to Lord Trivikrama who was fulfilling the boon given to
his ardent devotee King Bali. Soon the Lord Trivikrama came to the rescue
of Sage Durvasa at Dwarka and hence, this place is also known as
Trivikrama Kshetra. It is also significantly holy place where prominent sages
like Athri, Marichi, Durvasa and Angirasa etc… made it as their abode and
performed sacred penance and austerities.
Dwarka is also called as Kushasthali the place where Kusa (Dharbha) used
by Lord Brahma fell on the earth while He was taking measurement of the
Earth. There is also another version of Kushasthali. It is said and believed
that there used to live a demon called Kusha at this place which is known as
Kushasthali and later Lord Sri Krishna killed him at this spot.
The coastal area of western region of which Dwarka forms a part of it was
the kingdom of Lord Sri Krishna‟s forefathers belonging to Yadu lineage.
Later on, during the end of Dwapara Yuga Lord Sri Krishna migrated to this
place and made Dwarka as his abode and capital of his kingdom.
Migration of Lord Sri Krishna to Dwarka
Lord Sri Krishna migrated to this place in order to protect his people in
Mathura from the frequent attacks of Jarasandha and Kalayavana. After the
killing of Kamsa (maternal uncle of Lord Sri Krishna) by the Lord Sri Krishna,
Jarasandha the father-in -law of Kamsa in order to take revenge against
Lord Sri Krishna, attacked Mathura as many as 17 times. Every time he
used to get defeated at the hands of Lord Sri Krishna and Balarama. On the
18th occasion, Jarasandha took the help of Kalayavana who also got
provoked from the words of Sage Narada and joined Jarasandha in attacking
Mathura. By that time Sri Krishna had pressure to move out of Mathura and
already had planned to shift to Dwarka considering it as the safest place.
When Mathura was thus attacked by both Jarasandha and Kalayavana, Lord
Sri Krishna overnight moved all his people from Mathura and made them
comfortable at Dwarka. His move from Mathura was quite dramatic. He
came back to the war field at Mathura and while Balarama was confronting
with Jarasandha, Lord Sri Krishna took on Kalayavana. He faced Kalayavana
without carrying any weapon and came to the war field by foot. Instead of
fighting with him, he pretended as if He is running away from the war field
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and provoked Kalayavana to catch him. Kalayavana chased Sri Krishna
assuming that He was really running away from the war. Sri Krishna in the
process was moving towards Dwarka, entered into a cave on the way and
hided himself behind a Sage who was in deep slumber. The sage was none
other than King Muchukunda. Sri Krishna pulled his upper cloth (Pitambara)
and spread it on Muchukunda.
Chasing Sri Krishna, Kalayavana entered the cave and mistook the person
sleeping there as Sri Krishna and hit him with his leg disturbing Muchukunda
from his sleep. When Muchukunda got disturbed, he got up from his sleep
and opened his eyes. Soon Kalayavana standing in front of him got burnt in
the fire emanated from his eyes and became ash within no time. Thus, Lord
Sri Krishna got rid of the mighty Kalayavana with his trick and in the process
crossed the border and migrated to Dwarka once for all. Since the mode of
his migration was a pretended running away from the war field Lord Sri
Krishna is also called as Ranchodrai (one who fled from the war) in Dwarka.
It was only a Leela of Bhagavan Sri Krishna apart from Kalayavana also had
a boon from Lord Shiva that, he would not get killed by Yadavas. Knowing
this, Sri Krishna had to adopt Muchukunda and also utilized his boon in
getting Kalayavana killed.
Story of Muchukunda
Muchukunda was belonging to Ikshvaku Dynasty in which Lord Sri Rama was
born and was the son of King Maandhatha. Muchukunda during his time had
helped a lot to the Deities in their war against Asuras. As a result of which
the Deities wanted to give him a boon. Muchukunda wanted Moksha as a
boon which the Deities expressed their inability. Only Lord Sri ManNarayana
is capable and empowered to give Moksha to anyone. Then, Muchukunda
asked for a boon of deep and undisturbed sleep for a long time which was
accorded on him. Besides he was also blessed that whoever disturbs him in
his sleep would get reduced into ashes from his glance. During the course of
his deep slumber Muchukunda got disturbed by Kalayavana and his glance
reduced Kalayavana into ashes. In the process Muchukunda had the darshan
of Lord Sri Krishna, the Paripoorna avathara of Lord Sri ManNarayana, the
Supreme Being. Lord Sri Krishna blessed him with Moksha in his next birth
and advised him to take up penance and accordingly he went to
Badarikasrama for performing penance.
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We find this story of Muchukunda and Kalayavana in Sri Mad Bhagavatham
in the 10th chapter (Dasamaskhandam)
When Lord Sri Krishna wanted to move to Dwarka and construct a city there,
there was water and forest all around. Then He requested Samudra (Lord of
the ocean) to move back 12 yojanas (approx 108 square miles). Then,
Viswakarma the Divine architect constructed a beautiful, magnificent,
glorious and majestic city on this land within no time where, Lord Sri Krishna
settled along with his people. It is said that Lord Sri Krishna lived in Dwarka
for 100 years with all his majesty and prowess till his Niryana. Sri Krishna‟s
era in Dwarka was considered as the Golden period and Dwarka was called
as the Golden city. Dwarka was considered as the capital of Lord Sri
Krishna‟s kingdom from where He used to administer his government, while
Bhet Dwarka an island 35 km way from Dwarka was considered as His
residence where He used to live with all his Queens. With the Niryana of
Lord Sri Krishna the legendary city of Dwarka got submerged along with its
glory more than 5000 years back.
It is believed that since then due to the damage and destruction by the sea
Dwarka has submerged six times and the present city of Dwarka is the 7th
such version built in the area. Though the original Dwarka is not present
today it is said to be the same land where the legendary Dwarka existed. It
is believed and said that the remains of the original Dwarka are still present
deep in the ocean. Lot of research work has been done in this regard and
some of the evidences have been unearthed.
Dwarka is surrounded by many other sacred and celestial places like Bhet
Dwarka, Nageshwar, Somnath, Harsiddhi Mata temple etc... Sun set view
at Dwarka is worth seeing. Dwarka is also the seat of one of the four
spiritual centers “Sharada Peeta” established by the great Hindu Philosopher
and Saint Sri Adi Sankaracharya.
Mere thought of going on a pilgrimage to Dwarka in a person‟s mind is said
to liberate his ancestors from their sins and hell. Providing food to a person
going on a pilgrimage to Dwarka is said to give virtues similar to that of
performing Shraaddha at Gaya. Giving Charity at Dwarka or on the way to
Dwarka, listening to the divine stories or songs in praise of Lord Sri Krishna
is highly meritorious and one will surely receive the blessings of Lord Sri
Krishna known as Dwarkadheesh. Donation of cow (Go-Dana) at the banks
of river Gomati is said to yield highly meritorious results.
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It is said that Gomati darshanam, Gomati Snanam (bath), Go-daanam
(donation of cow), Gopichandanam and darshan of Gopinatha (Lord Sri
Krishna) at Dwarka are very rare, sacred, celestial and highly meritorious.
Blessed are those who live in Dwarka and one who gets an opportunity to
see the face of Lord Sri Krishna (Dwarkadheesh) at Dwarka at least once in
their life time. With all its grandeur Dwarka is standing as an epitome of
Hindu Dharma, religion and culture attracting pilgrims from across the globe.
As per the temple sources more than five million devotes visited Dwarka
during the last financial year.
JAGAT MANDIR
THE TEMPLE OF DWARKADHEESH
Located in the heart of the city approximately two kilometers from Dwarka
railway station, Jagat Mandir is the seat of Lord Sri Krishna‟s main temple at
Dwarka situated on the banks of river Gomati. It was called as Trailokya
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Sundar Jagat Mandir, the temple of the Universe during Sri Krishna‟s era.
The presiding deity Lord Sri Krishna represents the four armed form
(Chaturbhuja) of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu known as Trivikrama with Kounch,
Disc, Mace and Lotus (Shanka, Chakra, Gada, Padma) in his four arms.
Seated in the centre of the altar on a silver throne, the Deity is called as
Dwarkadheesh (Ruler of Dwarka) and also known as Ranchodrai. The 2.25
ft. height majestic, charming and fascinating idol of the Deity is black in
colour with the sanctum sanctorum fully decorated.
The temple has two entrances. The main entrance (north entrance) is called
“Moksha Dwar” (Door to Salvation) from where devotees enter the temple.
This entrance leads to the main market. Other one, the south entrance is
called “Swarga Dwar” (Gate to Heaven) with 56 steps leading down to the
river Gomati where pilgrims exit. In view of its national heritage the temple
entry is fully secured with every one entering the temple are required to
pass through a security check. Carrying of Mobile phones and Cameras
inside the temple is prohibited.
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Legend behind the idol
It is said and believed that the original idol installed by Vajranabha has
moved to a place called Dakor (50 km from Vadodara) where one can find a
similar temple of Lord Sri Krishna called as Ranchodrai temple. As per the
legend it is said that during 15th century an ardent devotee of Lord Sri
Krishna, by name Badana used to come to Dwarka daily to have a glimpse of
Lord Sri Krishna. Appeased with her devotion it is said that the Lord one day
went along with her to Dakor and settled there. In its place a similar
(replica) idol was installed at Dwarka that was found in the lake called
Gomati Lake at Dakor. Only difference that we find between the two is that
the eyes of the idol are fully open in the original one that is currently in
Dakor while the one that is enshrined at Dwarka is with eyes half opened. It
is so because, as per the directions given by the Lord to the priests of
Dwarka, they were supposed to find a replica idle at Dakor on a particular
day. Whereas, the priests in their anxiety and inquisitiveness, excavated the
suggested site quite early and found an idol with eyes half opened.
Originally the Dwarkadheesh temple is said and believed to have been built
by Vajranabha the great grand son of Lord Sri Krishna more than 2500 years
back on the Hari Gruha, the erstwhile palace of Lord Sri Krishna in Dwarka.
It was in an umbrella shape initially. Since then temple structure has
undergone many changes. Currently called as Jagat Mandir also known as
Nija Mandir, the 16th century old structure of the main temple is a glorious
one exquisitely carved with the temple tower reaching a height of 52 meters.
Built in an area of approx 600 square meters the splendid Jagat Mandir
situated on the banks of river Gomati at a height of 70 feet above the sea
level has two gigantic towers. One with a height of 170 feet which is seven
storied called as Ladwa Shikar and the other with a height of 157 feet which
is five storied called as Nija Shikar. The idol of Lord Dwarkadheesh is
enshrined in the Nija Shikar in the Sabha Mantap supported by 60 pillars.
Construction of the chariot like temple is based on 72 exquisitely carved
monolithic pillars built with granite and stone without any arch. The temple
consists of a sanctum, vestibule and a rectangular hall with porches on three
sides. A huge multi coloured majestic flag mounted on the top of the temple
tower keeps flying always that can be seen from as far way as 10 km. The
flag is made from 52 yards of cloth that is changed four times in a day.
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Till today natural disasters have not caused any damage to the temple even
though it is situated on the coast of Arabian Sea at the banks of Gomati
River. It is said that Pakistan Air Force had made an unsuccessful attempt
to bombard this temple during 1965 war.
The priests who conduct the pooja and other rituals in the temple are called
as Aboti/Gugali Brahmins. The temple has a set of scheduled pooja and
rituals performed every day starting from morning 7.00 am to night 9.30 pm
with breaks in between. During the morning Aarati time at 7.00 am even
the local residents also join the pilgrims to have a glimpse of Lord Sri
Krishna when there will be a big rush in the temple. The occasion is worth
seeing. Jagat Mandir is managed by a separate trust called Dwarkadheesh
Devasthan Samithi comprising of representatives from local bodies,
residents and bureaucrats with District Collector as its President. Number of
pilgrims visiting the temple is increasing year by year. As per the temple
sources more than five million people have visited the Jagat Mandir during
the last financial year.
Other Temples of Jagat Mandir
Apart from the main temple of Dwarkadheesh there are many other temples
surrounding it within the complex of Jagat Mandir.
There is a temple to the right of the main Deity that contains the Deity of
Lord Balarama, Sri Krishna‟s brother. The temple to the left of the main
Deity contains a large deity of Pradhyumna and a smaller deity of Aniruddha,
the son and grandson of Lord Krishna respectively. Opposite this shrine is
the shrine of Purushottama (Vishnu). The shrine across from Lord
Dwarkadheesh (exactly opposite) holds the deity of Devaki, Lord Krishna‟s
mother. Next to her is a temple dedicated to Veni-Madhava (Lord Vishnu).
On the right hand side of the Moksha Dwar entrance, is Shri Kusheshwar
Mahadev, Sathyanarayana temple and Navagraha temple. Moving ahead
comes, a temple of Lord Krishna's family Goddess Ambaji (Durga). Going
back to the Moksha Dwar entrance, to the left comes, the temple of Kashi
Viswanath. Moving ahead are the temples of Sri Gayathri and Lord
Dattatreya.
On the backside of Shri Dwarkadheesh temple is the temple of Sage Durvasa
the family priest of the Lord Sri Krishna. To its back is the Patrani temple
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which is surrounded by various other temples including that of Jambavathi,
Radhika with Lord Krishna, Laxmi Narayana, Sri Gopala Krishna, Sri Laxmi,
Sathyabhama and Goddess Saraswati temple. Adjacent to the Patrani temple
is Sri Sankaracharya Mutt.
The idol of goddess Shakti is at the fourth floor of Lord Dwarkadheesh
temple. Due to security reasons all are not allowed to go to the upper floors
of the temple complex. Only those who perform the Dhwajaarohan Seva
(Flag hoisting) are allowed to go to upstairs for hoisting the flag.
One can also find the temples of Lord Ganesha and Garuda inside the Jagat
Mandir. There is also a snake bill near the Dwarkadheesh temple
representing Balarama who was the avathara of Lord Adi Sesha.
Kusheshwar Mahadev Temple
In the Jagat Mandir temple premises, a temple of Kusheshwar Mahadev
(Lord Shiva) near Moksha Dwar on the right side has significance of its own.
Kusheshwar Mahadev is said to be the equal partner with the Lord Sri
Krishna in Dwarka's pilgrimage and not having Darshan of Kusheshwar
Mahadev is synonym of incomplete pilgrimage. The story of Kusheshwar
Mahadev goes like this. There was a demon called Kush in the area long ago.
The area was then called 'Kushasthali' a place of Kush under his influence.
Everyone was scared of his devilish awe. People prayed to Lord Sri Krishna
to free them from the clutches of Kush. Sri Krishna killed and crushed him
till he went much below the ground beneath. Sri Krishna then set up a
temple of his family Deity, Mahadev (Shiva) and hence the name
Kusheshwar Mahadev. The specialty of the temple is that the Shiva lingam is
installed 20 ft below the ground. Devotees offer prayers to Kusheshwar
Mahadev and then go for Darshan of Sri Krishna.
DHWAJAAROHAN AT DWARKA TEMPLE - SIGNIFICANCE
Generally we observe our country‟s national flag hoisted on the top of
Parliament House, Rashtrapathi Bhavan, Assembly Hall, residences of VVIPs,
Prime Govt. Offices, National monuments etc… Even the vehicles of VVIPS
carry the national flag. We also find important temples and religious places
across the country adorned with their own flags. A flag thus hoisted is
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denoted as a symbol of pride, honour, recognition and prestige of that
particular office, or person. In religious parlance, such flag is known as
Dhwaja. We find generally, all the temples in Hindu religion have a pillar in
front of its Deity known as Dhwaja Sthambam. In olden days, Emperors and
Kings used to have their flag on the top of their chariots. In Mahabharata
war we find Arjuna‟s chariot adorned with a flag having a symbol of Lord
Hanuman.
Similar such Dhwaja (flag) we find on the peak of Dwarkadheesh temple,
adorned by a unique multi coloured flag, having symbols of Sun and Moon
depicted on the flag that keeps waving continuously. Hoisting of flag on the
temple top of Dwarkadheesh at Dwarka has a unique significance. Devotees
of Dwarkadheesh attach special importance to offering Dhwaja to
Dwarkadheesh's Jagat Mandir. Devotees volunteer to offer Dhwaja to the
Lord out of faith. This flag or Dhwaja is changed four times in a day and on
Thursdays it is changed five times. Booking has to be made three months in
advance for performing this ritual.
Several devotees vow to hoist Dhwaja of their own on the Dwarkadheesh
temple on fulfillment of their desires. It is a kind of faith, worship and form
to offer prayers to the Lord Sri Krishna. It is a form of expressing their
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gratitude to the Lord by unfurling a new flag on the summit of the temple.
It becomes a festival, a religious ritual in the family. A devotee celebrates
and performs Dhwajaarohan as per his wish and capacity. He invites his
friends and relatives. They ceremonially carry the Dhwaja (flag) on their
heads, moves towards Dwarkadheesh temple in a procession, chanting
songs and slogans in praise of the Lord. A prayer is offered to Dhwaja
traditionally with the help of learned priests. Dhwaja is placed at Lotus feet
of Dwarkadheesh with offerings and then it is handed over for hoisting. As
an accomplishment of the whole process, the priest throws a coconut from
top of the peak to mark the Dhwajaarohan. The pieces of the broken coconut
are distributed as the Lord's prasadam. Dwarka Gugali Brahmin Samaj
manages this ritual of Dhwajaarohan by the devotees.
Overwhelming response to booking of such Dhwaja speak volumes of faith
devotees have in Dwarkadheesh (Lord Sri Krishna). Incidentally, till 1965
only one Dhwaja used to be offered to the Lord in a day. After Dwarka got
unscathed despite bombing on Dwarka by the Pakistani Air force during
1965 war, people‟s faith in Dwarkadheesh got multiplied. As a result it was
decided to have four Dhwaja during the day.
Significance of Dwarkadheesh Flag
Dwarkadheesh's flag (Dhwaja) always fly high. It has a special meaning to
the devotees. The worshippers of Dwarkadheesh have a lot to say in praise
of hoisting the flag on the peak. In fact, for the devotees it is more than any
other family event or a festival.
52 yards of woven cloth is used for making the Dhwaja out of which fifty-two
nos. of small flags are made and joined together to make a single flag. Each
small flag has its own significance & identity. Each yard indicates the
entrance to Dwarka of Sri Krishna‟s era and it also symbolizes flags on the
residences of fifty-two officers of Dwarka in the ministry of Lord Sri Krishna.
These 52 yards symbolizes, fifty entrances (gates) to the palace of
Dwarkadheesh Lord Sri Krishna, with each gate having a Dhwaja (flag)
besides the two main gates Swarga Dwar & Moksha Dwar of Dwarkadheesh
palace.
It is said that the Dhwaja of Dwarkadheesh has a combined significance of
Aadibhautik, Aadhyatmik and Aadidaivik elements. Aadibhautik the flag
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represents the entrances to the palace of Lord Sri Krishna & residences of
Yadavas officers. Devotees offering obeisance and devotion to the flag
indicates Aadhyatmik element. Dhwaja of Dwarkadheesh indicates its Divine
nature. When each yard of cloth is separate and isolated, it is merely a
piece of cloth. But when it is tailored to make a Dhwaja, it incarnates the
divine nature and becomes an abode of Dwarkadheesh's Aadidaivik
swaroopa. The flag that is hoisted is of seven different colours like that of a
rainbow with each colour representing for its unique qualities and
characteristics.
Dwarka considered as the Mokshapuri, one of the seven most revered
pilgrim centers of India, hoisting of flag (Dhwaja) on the temple top of
Dwarkadheesh at Dwarka is considered as highly auspicious, sacred,
celestial and meritorious. It is believed and said that since Hari- Vishnu–
Trivikrama who relieves mankind from the Karma bhandhana always resides
at Dwarka, the ritual has gained even spiritual significance. The 52 yards
flag waving from the summit of the temple can be seen from a great
distance and people believe and consider a glance at it as a holy sight.
Holy Places of Dwarka (Outside Jagat Mandir)
Gomati Sangam Ghat:
Going out of the south gate of Jagat Mandir called Swarga Dwar, climbing
down 56 steps, one can reach Gomati ghat where sacred river Gomati flows.
At the request of great Sages the river Ganges descended from Heaven
along with the sage Vasista and manifested at this place as Gomati.
Moving further down to the right side, the river Gomati meets the ocean and
the point of confluence is known as Gomati Sangam. This is the point where
Lord Sri Maha Vishnu manifested along with his Sudarshana Chakra and
gave darshan to Brahma Manasa Puthras (mind born sons of Lord Brahma).
From Gomati Sangam 32 miles area along the banks of river Gomati on
either side is called as Chakratheertha where one can still find wheel marked
white porous type stones called as Dwarkashila or Chakrankitha. To the
extreme end of the Sangam point across the Gomati Ghat on the right side
one can find an imposing temple of Samudra Narayana.
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There are as many as 12 Ghats across the sangam point which are
renovated and made accessible to the pilgrims for taking bath as well as for
performing sacred rites. Climbing down the steps from Swarga Dwar as you
walk across these Ghats you will find number of small temples including that
of Gomati Devi (the river Goddess). The temple of Jagat Mandir is located
almost at the spot where Gomati meets the ocean.
There is a great significance for taking holy bath and performing sacred rites
to forefathers at this Sangam point of sacred river Gomati where Lord Sri
Krishna known to have taken bath several times. It is said that it will
liberate one from the sins committed in the previous births and is regarded
as the gate way to salvation. His ancestors belonging to three generations
go to the abode of Vishnu and his accumulated sins of thousands of years
get destroyed. Mere darshan of Gomati at Dwarka destroys all the sins,
which are committed by thoughts, words and deeds.
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PANCHNAD THEERTHA
On the other side of river Gomati there is a place called Panchanad
Theertha. Having heard about the arrival of Lord Vishnu at Dwarka, five
prominent sages like Marichi and others came to Dwarka to have a darshan
of Dwarkapuri. They established a pilgrimage known as Panchanad
Theertha and on their invocation five rivers arrived at their location. River
Gomati came at the invocation of Sage Marichi, river Laxmana came at the
invocation of Sage Athri, river Chandrabhaga came at the invocation of Sage
Angirasa, river Kushawati came at the invocation of Sage Pulah and river
Jambavathi arrived at the invocation of Sage Kratu respectively.
Today these five rivers are resembled as five sweet water wells surrounded
by sea water. Generally on the sea shore we find water to be salty in taste.
Whereas in Panchanad Theertha water from these wells taste sweet. This
area is said to be the Tapo Bhoomi of eminent sage Durvasa. There is also a
temple of Lord Lakshmi Narayana mounted on his vehicle Garuda. Outside
the temple we find a portrait of Sage Durvasa under a tree. It is said that
who ever aspires for salvation should take a bath in these wells. Since it is
not possible to take bath here, one can at least taste the water. Panchanad
Theertha is also referred to the visit of Pandavas to this place during
Dwapara Yuga and five wells are called by their names. Water in each well
differs in taste from that of the others.
RUKMANI MANDIR
Rukmani Devi considered as the prime queen (Patrani) of Lord Sri Krishna,
doesn‟t have an exclusive temple inside the Jagat Mandir. The temple is
located 2 km away from Dwarka on the way to Bhet Dwarka. There is a
myth associated with it.
Once, Sri Krishna and Rukmani went to sage Durvasa to invite him to
Dwarka. He agreed to it on a condition that they (Sri Krishna & Rukmani)
have to pull the chariot carrying sage Durvasa. Sri Krishna & Rukmani
happily agreed to do so. While driving the chariot, Rukmani became thirsty.
She sought the help of Lord Sri Krishna. In order to bail her out, Sri Krishna
stopped the chariot and made water of Holy River Ganga by digging with his
toe on the ground. Annoyed by her action Sage Durvasa cursed Rukmani to
live apart from Shri Krishna. As per local version it is said that, Rukmani
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Devi did penance for 12 years at this spot to get rid of the curse and finally
pleased with her prayers, Lord Sri Maha Vishnu appeared and the curse got
absolved.
At the spot where Rukmani Devi did the penance and Vishnu Padodhbhavi
(Ganga) manifested as a spring through a Leela of Lord Sri Krishna a temple
has come up, located 2 km away from Dwarka's Jagat Mandir. It is widely
believed among the devotees that the pilgrimage is incomplete if a devotee
doesn't go to offer prayers at Rukmani Temple even if he has worshiped the
Lord at Dwarkadheesh temple. The temple is an architectural masterpiece.
The temple walls are decorated with beautiful paintings depicting her
pastimes with Sri Krishna. This temple is said to date back to the 12th
century and is a holy place to be visited.
There is a beautiful marble idol of Rukmani Devi with Chaturbhuja, holding
Shanka Chakra, Gada and Padma in four hands indicating that she is the
avathara of Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi the consort of Lord SriManNarayana.
GOPI THALAV (GOPI TALLAVA)
During His Childhood, Sri Krishna had played Rasa Leela many times with
Gopikas (young female inhabitants of Brindavana). There is a myth that,
after leaving Gokul Lord Sri Krishna never gone back to Brindavana, in spite
of fervent appeals made by them. One day in order to provide them an
opportunity to have his darshan, Lord Sri Krishna sent a message to Gokul
through his close friend Uddhava. All the Gopis then followed Uddhava to
Dwarka to have darshan of Lord Sri Krishna. After reaching Dwarka, the
Gopis had darshan of Lord Sri Krishna on the banks of a Sarovar (lake)
known as Maya Sarovar. After taking a bath in the Sarovar and playing
Rasa Leela with Lord Sri Krishna once again, all the shackles of Gopis were
shattered and the Maya got removed from their hearts.
Gopis are very dear to Lord Sri Krishna and He got another lake constructed
at this place named after them and all the Gopis lived there and achieved
salvation at the end. Hence, this lake became a sacred and holy place
known as 'Gopi Talav'.
Taking bath in this lake and offering sacred rites to forefathers is considered
to be sacred and highly meritorious. The sacred clay from Gopi-Tallava is
yellow in colour and is extremely smooth. It is known as Gopi Chandana
and is used regularly by followers of Lord Vishnu (Sri Krishna) especially the
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followers of Madhwa philosophy to make thilak marks on their bodies with its
paste. Gopi Thalav also called Gopi Tallava is located 20km to the north of
Dwarka on the way to Bhet Dwarka.
BHET DWARKA
While Gomati Dwarka was the seat of Lord Sri Krishna‟s administration, Bhet
Dwarka was His residence where He used to reside along with his Queens.
It is believed to be the same place where Sudhama (Kuchela), Lord Sri
Krishna‟s boyhood friend had met Him and gave "Bhet" (Gift) of "Tandulam-
Poha (Rice). Hence, it is called as Bhet-Dwarka. Also known as Bhet
Shankhoddhar it is said to be the place where Lord Sri Maha Vishnu slew the
demon called Shankasura during his Matsyavtar.
There is a temple of Dwarkadheesh similar to the one at Dwarka (Jagat
Mandir). Only difference we find is that, in Bhet Dwarka the Lord is holding
his Conch in an oblique position whereas in Jagat Mandir it is held in a
vertical position. Regular pooja/rituals are held in the temple on similar lines
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of Jagat Mandir. There is also a temple of Balarama next to Dwarkadheesh
temple within the complex. There is a huge hall outside the temple said to
have been the place where Lord Sri Krishna along with his consorts received
and honoured Sudhama (Kuchela). There is big portrait depicting the picture
of Lord Sri Krishna as said above. Before entering into the temple one has
to go through the security check outside. Cameras and mobiles phones are
not allowed inside the temple complex.
It is said that, there are 20 Vishnu temples, 23 Shiva temples, 14 Devi
temples, and 9 Hanuman temples in and around Bhet Dwarka. Famous
among them are, Neelakanta Mahadev, Dhingeshwar Mahadev, Shankh
Narayan and Abhay Mata temples, which are built on the old places in later
part of eighteenth century. Bhet Dwarka also has an old temple of
„Matsyavtar‟ of Lord Vishnu. All these temples are outside the main temple
of Dwarkadheesh. Among Hanuman temples the one at Hanuman Dandi,
five km away from Dwarkadheesh temple is said to be worth mentioning.
Bhet Dwarka is said to be the remains of the land borrowed from the God of
Ocean to build the original city of Dwarka that is believed to have
submerged into the ocean after Sri Krishna‟s Niryana. The sea around
Dwarka is full of remains of sculptural and archeological significance and
hence attracts scholars of history, archeology equally. Lot of research and
excavation has taken place around Bhet Dwarka and some of the remains
found have been assumed to be of historical period. From the excavations
made at this place it is assumed that Bhet Dwarka was a port once upon a
time and was destructed due to sea storms. It is said that a team of
archeologists lead by Prof. S.R. Rao have conducted series of search
campaigns at this place. They are said to have unearthed some of the
remains of a well organized town assumed to have been Dwarka of Sri
Krishna‟s era that got submerged.
Bhet Dwarka is located 35 km to the north of Dwarka on an island in the
middle of the Arabian Sea, next to the port town of Okha. From Okha port
Bhet Dwarka is about 5 km distance by sea and it takes about twenty
minutes by boat to reach this place. One has to necessarily cross the sea to
reach Bhet Dwarka. Boats usually depart only when they are full, and they
can seat a hundred passengers. Entire trip to the island from the town of
Dwarka will take at least four hours. Okha is well connected by both rail and
road.
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NAGESHWAR THE JYOTHIRLINGA KSHETRA
Among the holy places of Dwarka outside the Jagat Mandir, Nageshwar is
one of the most revered places worth visiting where, the presiding Deity
Lord Shiva is in the form of a Jyothirlinga. It is said to be one of the
Dwadasa (12) Jyothirlinga Kshetras, the most sacred places for worshipping
Lord Shiva. It is located at a distance of 15 km from Dwarka on the way to
Bhet Dwarka.
According to a popular legend behind the origin of this Kshetra it is said that,
this place was originally known as Darukavana. As per the Dwadasa
Jyothirlinga Sthothra it is referred to as „Nagesham Darukavane‟. There used
to live a demon called Daruka in this place who used to tyrannize people on
their pilgrimage and make them his captives. On one such occasion an
ardent devotee of Lord Shiva by name Supriya was waylaid by Daruka while
she was travelling in a boat and held her in captive along with others.
Supriya being a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva started praying Him with the
holy Panchakshari Mantra Om! Namah! Sivaayah! When Daruka attempted
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to kill her, Lord Shiva instantly appeared and vanquished the demon and
manifested there in the form of a Jyothirlinga.
It is said as per another legend that, the Jyothirlinga got revealed by
Pandavas while residing in this region during their exile. Their cows used to
go to a river in that place daily to drink water. After drinking water their
milk used to flow automatically from their udders into the river.
Bheemasena happened to see this and immediately reported it to his elder
brother Dharmaraja. Assuming that there must be some shrine in the river
the Pandavas entered the river to locate the shrine. They found that the
center of the river was so hot that the water there was boiling. At the
intervention of Bheemasena the river parted its way revealing the Jyotirlinga
of Lord Shiva. It seemed that the cows were offering milk in prayer.
Unlike normal Shiva Linga which will be black in colour that resembles a
pillar rounded at the top, the one that is enshrined at Nageshwar is unique
in its form and colour. It is made from a stone popularly known as Dwarka
Shila (Chakrankitha) with small imprints of a disc. Chakrankitha stones are
found only in Dwarka Kshetra which is hardly 15 km from Nageshwar. The
Shiva Linga enshrined in an underground sanctum is more or less in the
shape of a three faced oval Rudraksha. Behind the Shiva Linga there is an
idol of Goddess Parvathi.
Another unique feature at this Shiva Kshetra is that the Shiva Linga faces
south while the Gomukham faces east. Usually the Shiva Lingam and
Gomukham face in the same direction, but not so in the Nageshwar temple.
It seems initially both faced east direction. But according to a legend once a
devotee named Namdev was singing hymns in front of the Lord. The other
devotees were obstructed and asked him to move aside. Namdev then stood
to the south of the lingam. To the astonishment of everyone only the lingam
turned south to face Namdev, while the Gomukham continued to point
eastwards.
The Jyotirlinga enshrined in the temple is known as Nageshwar Mahadev and
attracts thousands of pilgrims all round the year. This powerful Jyotirlinga
symbolizes protection from all poisons. It is said that those who pray to the
Nageshwar Linga becomes free from poison of both the body and the mind.
To get a close darshan of the Jyothirlinga and to perform abhishekam the
male persons are required to wear a dhoti. On festival occasions like Maha
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Shivarathri, Kartheeka Masam, many devotees come from far off places to
seek the divine blessings and there will be a big rush of pilgrims on those
days. A 25 m tall statue of a sitting Lord Shiva and a large garden with a
pond are major attractions of this rather serene place.
It is believed and said that this place was once a Naga Kshetra (city of
Snakes) and Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Vasuki the king of Cobras
for a long time. Thenceforth, Lord Shiva manifested in the form of a
Jyothirlinga at this place came to be known as Nageshwar.
There is a controversy on the location of the epic forest Darukavana to
identify the location of Nageshwara Jyothirlinga (Nagesham Darukavane)
with two other places contesting viz…Almora in Uttarakhand and Aundha in
Maharastra. Whatever may be the controversy, Nageshwar located on the
way to Bhet Dwarka from Dwarka in the land of Lord Sri Krishna, with its
unique positioning of the Shiva Linga is reverentially worshipped as a
powerful Shiva Kshetra.
DWARKA SHILA (CHAKRANKITHA)
Dwarka Shila also called as Dwaravati Shila is a wheel (chakra) marked
white porous type stones that are found in Gomati River at Dwarka. Chakra
(Disc) mark is the most distinguishing feature of these stones, and hence
they are also called as Chakrankitha Shila. The place where the river Gomati
meets the ocean at Dwarka is known as Chakra Theertha as it is said that
Lord Maha Vishnu had manifested here along with Sudarshana Chakra in the
form of Dwarka Shila. The famous Nageshwar Jyothirlinga near Dwarka is
made up of a large size Dwarkashila (Chakrankitha).
Many Pouranic scripts like Varaha Purana, Skhanda Purana, Garuda Purana,
Brahma Purana, and Prahlada Samhita are said to have made reference to
the merits and glory of Dwarka Shila. As per these scripts it is said that,
whoever touches a Dwarka Shila having the mark of a Vishnu-Chakra will
become free of all sins. Mere Darshana of a Dwaraka-Shila is said to fulfill
all the desires. It is said that, without a doubt even if a sinful person
worships a Dwaraka-Shila he becomes free from all his sins. According to
Dwaraka Mahatmya, it is said that a Shila marked with Chakras coming from
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Dwaraka is also called as Chakra-Tirtha. It is highly sacred and meritorious
to worship a Salagrama Shila along with Chakrankitha (Dwarka Shila) since
both are the manifested forms of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and Dwarka Shila is
assumed as Lord Sri Krishna.
These Dwarka Shilas are identified with different names based on the
number of Chakra marks on it, ranging from one to twelve and worshipping
each specific one has its own merits. It is said that a Dwarka Shila with one
prominent Wheel (Chakra) is known as Sudarshana, a Shila with two
Chakras is Lakshmi-Narayana, and one with three Chakras is Trivikrama.
The Shila marked with four Chakras is Janardhana, with five Chakras is
Vasudeva, with six Chakras is Pradhyumna, and with seven Chakras is
Balabhadra. The one that has eight Chakras is called Purushottama, one with
nine Chakras is known as Navavyuha, with ten Chakras is Dashamurti
(Dasavathara), and with eleven Chakras is Aniruddha. That Dwaraka-Shila
with twelve Chakras is Dwadasatmaka, and one with more than twelve
Chakras is known as Ananta. Besides giving materialistic benefits,
worshipping these shilas along with a Salagrama shows the path to
salvation.
Generally we come across the Dwarka Shilas that have more than twelve
chakras. It is said that, in such a case the one with even numbered chakras
are to be preferred. The shape of the Dwarka Shila also determines the type
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of the Shila. Generally round and square shilas are preferred for worshipping
which are but rare. These stones also occur in different colours, but white
stones are considered most suitable for worship. One can easily find these
stones in the river bed of Gomati River while they are also sold across the
Gomati Ghat. It is believed and said that one should not buy or sell a
Salagrama or Chakrankitha (Dwarka Shila) and worshipping the one which is
acquired by themselves is highly auspicious. One has to take proper care in
selecting these stone which has proper formation of Chakras with proper
shape, without a hole, which is white in colour and unbroken. Worshipping
a Chakrankitha with Thulasi Dala is very sacred and highly meritorious.
PILGRIMAGE TO DWARKA
USEFUL INFORMATION
Location
Dwarka is one of the most important and holy places of India situated on the
western coast of the country on the banks of sacred river Gomati where it
meets the Western Sea. It is in the Sourashtra region of Gujarat state in
Jamnagar District, located on the confluence of Gomati River and the Gulf of
Kutch between 22.14‟ N latitude and 68.58‟ E longitude. Dwarka the
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headquarters of Okhamandal taluka is in the extreme west of the Saurashtra
peninsula on the Arabian Sea.
Languages spoken: Gujarati, Hindi, and English
How to reach Dwarka?
By Rail
Dwarka is on the rail map of India coming under the Western Railway,
connecting major towns and cities across the country via Vadodara,
Ahmadabad, Surat, Rajkot and Jamnagar. It is on the Ahmadabad - Okha
broad gauge railway line, about 137 km from Jamnagar, 225 km from Rajkot
and 471 km from Ahmadabad, 570 km from Vadodara. Some of the trains
passing via Dwarka are also extended up to Okha the port town 30 km away
from Dwarka.
By Road
Dwarka is on the state highway connected with major towns and cities of
Gujarat by road. There are regular buses from Dwarka to
Veeraval/Somnath, Porbandar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Ahmadabad,
and Vadodara (Baroda).
By Air
The nearest airports connecting Dwarka are Jamnagar (145 km) and Rajkot
(225 km) with regular flights from Mumbai. Jet Airways and Indian Airlines
operate regularly in this sector.
Local Sight Seeing (Dwarka Darshan)
For local sight seeing to places nearby Dwarka, taxi facilities are available
and they charge Rs.600/- covering Rukmani Mandir, Nageshwar, Gopi Thalav
and Bhet Dwarka. However to go to Bhet Dwarka the road is up to Okha
port only, from where one has to necessarily go by boat and cross the sea.
There is also a local bus service facility available, operating twice in a day
that takes pilgrims to the nearby places up to Okha Port.
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Distances from Dwarka
Rukmani Mandir – 2 km
Nageshwar – 15 km Gopi Thalav – 20 km
Okha Port – 30 km
Okha to Bhet Dwarka – 5km (by boat)
Somnath – 230 km Porbandar – 100 km
Rajkot – 225 km Ahmadabad – 472 km
Baroda (Vadodara) – 570 km Mumbai – 962 km
Accommodation at Dwarka
There is no dearth for accommodation at Dwarka. There is good number of
hotels Dharmashalas and Guest houses available at Dwarka with all ranges
(moderate to deluxe facilities). Reliance Industries are running a guest
house (Kokila Dhiraj Dham) at Dwarka with good number of rooms at
reasonable cost. Udupi Sri Palimar Mutt (contact No. 09924090326) is
running its branch at Dwarka providing accommodation to the pilgrims.
Check out time at Dwarka hotels is 24 hours. One can enjoy a good Gujarati
Thali in Dwarka Hotels.
What to see at Dwarka?
Inside Jagat Mandir:
Moksha Dwar, Kusheshwar Mahadev, Devaki Devi, Veni Madhav Temple,
Balaram Temple, Sabha Mantap, 60 pillared sanctum, Dwarkadheesh
Temple, Pradhyumna & Aniruddha Temple, Purushottama Temple, Temples
of Radha Devi, Jambavathi, Sathyabhama, and Lakshmi, Shakthi Temple on
the 4th floor, Dhwaja (Flag) on temple top, Sri Sharada Peeta.
Outside Jagat Mandir: Swarga Dwar, Gomathi Temple, Gomati Ghat, Gomati River, Sangam,
Samudra Narayan temple, Panchanad Theertha, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev, Light House (open between 16.30 to 18.00 hours), and Sunset point.
On the Way to Bhet Dwarka:
Rukmani Devi Mandir, Nageshwar (Jyotirlinga), Gopi Tallava, and Okha Port
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At Bhet Dwarka:
Dwarkadheesh Temple, Balaram Mandir, Shankha Narayan temple,
Matsyavtar temple, Neelakanta Mahadev, Dhingeshwar Mahadev, and
Hanuman Dandi.
Temple Timings (Jagat Mandir)
Jagat Mandir is open for public from 7.00 am to 12.30 pm and 5.00 pm to
9.30 pm. Darshan also remains closed in between for an interval of 15
minutes while performing certain rituals. Aarati darshan takes place three
times in a day at 7.00 am, 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm. Timings of daily
pooja/rituals and darshan may vary during festive occasions.
Festival Occasions: Janmastami (Krishnaastami), Holi, Dussera, Akshaya
Thrutheeya, Deepavali, Govardhana Pooja, are some of the festive occasions
when celebrations are held at Dwarka on a large scale with lots of people
coming from far off places.
Contact Details:
Administrator
Dwarkadheesh Devasthan Samithi
Shree Dwarkadheesh Temple, Dwarka - 361 335
Jamnagar District, Gujarat State
Tele: 02892-234080
Web Address: For more details please refer to
Official website: www.dwarkadhish.org Other useful site: www.pndwarka.com
Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu
bhargavasarma