Krishana City on the banks of the Gomti river In Gujarat houses a beautiful temple known as a Dwarakdish Temple or Jagat Mandir. Built around 200 BCE on the ocean coast of the Arabian Sea, it is one of the four Chardhams and attracts many devotees around the world. Despite being attacked by Mahaud Begada in 1472, it was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries in the Maru-Gurjara style.
Legend
The legends tell a different story about the origin of the piece of land that was reclaimed by Krishna from Samurdradevata. Once, the sage wished Krishana and his wife, Rukmani, to bring them to their palace. Rukmani became thirsty on her way to the palace and asked Krishna for some water. Krishana dug a mythical hole and brought Ganga, which enraged the sage and caused her to curse Rukamani. It has stood since the Rukmani shrine was built in the same location.
History
Dwaraka’s history dates back to the Mahabharata period. Krishana moved the capital from Mathura to Dwaraka because Kana’s son-in-law, Kamsa Jarsndha, wanted to avenge his father’s death. After an unsuccessful 18th attempt, Krishana decided to leave Mathura with the Yadav dynasty. Garuda, the divine eagle, helped to choose the location, and Vishwakarma offered to help when Krishna would reclaim land from the ocean. According to legend, Krishna spends the rest of his life there.
Architecture
Its temple complex of seven stories supported by 72 pillars is heavily sculpted. The main temples include Lava Mandap, Arth Mandap, Bhadrapeeth, and Vimangrih. The whole temple includes idols of people who were important parts of Krishna’s life. Balarma (Krishna’s elder brother) is resting in the left chamber. Pradyumna and Anirudhaa, son and grandson of Krishna, are on the right. Two important entrances, one for entry and the other for the exit, signify the door to salvation and the gate to heaven. The gateway to heaven leads to the Gomti River via 50 steps. You can reach the entrance after crossing the main market. The main sanctum house of Vishnu, Trivikrama, is built from soft limestone and symbolizes four arms; Krishana is Vishnu’s avatar.
The flags hoisted over the temple are 84 feet high and bear the emblems of the sun and moon. Different combinations of colors on flags signify different days of the week. Everyone’s day flag is changed four times a day.
A bridge called Sudnama Setu near the temple used to cross Gomti Creek toward the beech.
How to reach Dwarakdish Temple
Roadway: you can avail of buses of Gstrc from Rajkot
Airway: Nearest airport ( Jamnagar 137 km)
Railway: Jamnagar railway station is the nearest.
Timing of Dwarkadish Temple
The best time to visit the temple is between the month of November and February.
Visiting hours:
7 am–12.30 pm and 5–9 pm