Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwaraka, Gujarat

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwaraka, Gujarat

Dwarkadhish Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu in Dwaraka Town in Gujarat State of India. The Dwarkadhish Temple is also known as the Jagat Mandir and occasionally spelled Dwarakadheesh Temple. Lord Krishna is worshiped here by the name Dwarkadhish, or 'King of Dwarka'. The main shrine of the 5-storied building, supported by 72 pillars, is known as Jagat Mandir or Nija Mandir, archaeological findings suggest it to be 2,200 - 2,000 years old. The Temple was enlarged in the 15^th – 16^th century. The Dwarkadhish Temple is a Pushtimarg temple, hence it follows the guidelines and rituals created by Vallabhacharyar and Vitheleshnath.

According to tradition, the original temple was believed to have been built by Krishna's grandson, Vajranabh, over the Hari Griha (Lord Krishna's residential place). The temple became part of the Char Dham pilgrimage considered sacred by Hindus in India, after Adi Shankaracharya, the 8^th century Hindu theologian and philosopher, visited the shrine. The other three being comprising Rameswaram, Badrinath and Puri. Even today a memorial within the temple is dedicated to his visit.

The temple is on the banks of river Gomti and at this place Gomti river meets the Arabian Sea. Dwarakadheesh is the 98^th Divya Desam of Vishnu on the subcontinent, glorified in the Divya Prabandha sacred texts. Dwarka is situated on the west coast of Gujarat on the shore of the Arabian Sea, features in most of the legends surrounding Lord Krishna. It is from here that the grown Lord Krishna is supposed to have ruled his kingdom. Dwarka is a significant pilgrimage site for the Hindus.

Dwarka is sanctified as the place where Lord Vishnu slew the demon Shankha Sura. The Puranas mention the 12 Jyotirlingas or columns of light representing Lord Shiva which manifested in different parts of the country. One of these is located in Dwarka and is known as the Nageshwar Mahadev. The Sharad Peetha, one of the four Maths established by Jagadguru Shankaracharya, is also situated here. Dwarka is considered to be one of the 7 Mukti Stala pilgrimage centers of India.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/12/dwarkadhish-temple-dwaraka-legends.html

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/12/dwarkadhish-temple-dwaraka-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/12/dwarkadhish-temple-dwaraka-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.30 A.M to 01.00 P.M and 05.00 P.M to 09.30 P.M.

Pooja Timings

Timings	From	To
Open	6.30 AM	9.30 PM
Close	1.00 PM	5.00 PM
Mangal Aarti	6.30 AM
Mangal Darshan	7.00 AM	8.00 AM
Shringar Aarti	10.30 AM
Sandhya Aarti	7.30 PM	7.45 PM

Festivals

Janmashtami, Annakut Utsav, Tulsi Vivah, Holi, Akshaya Tritiya and Rath Yatra on Ashadh month are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Religious Significance

The significance of Dwarkadhish temple is that Dwarka is one of the Sapta Puris in India. According to popular belief, the Dwarkadhish Temple stands over the original place of Hari – Graha, the home of Krishna. Mahabharata states that the castle of Lord Krishna was built in Gold. The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th – 9th century Vaishnava canon, by Periyalvar, Thirumazhisai Alwar, Thirumangai Azhwar and Andal. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. Periyalvar has done Mangalasasanam on Lord Vishnu of this Temple in 5 Paasurams, Andal has done Mangalasasanam on Lord Vishnu of this Temple in 4 Paasurams, Thirumangai Alwar has done Mangalasasanam on Lord Vishnu of this Temple in 2 Paasurams and Thirumazhisai Alwar has done Mangalasasanam on Lord Vishnu of this Temple in 1 Paasuram.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 800 meters from Dwarka Temple Bus Stop, 1 Km from Dwarka Bus Station, 2 Kms from Dwaraka Railway Station, 104 Kms from Porbandar, 131 Kms from Jamnagar, 225 Kms from Rajkot, 438 Kms from Ahmedabad, 512 Kms from Vadodara and 672 Kms from Surat. Dwaraka is situated on Mumbai – Okha port rail line. Nearest Railway Station is Dwaraka Railway Station. It is well connected by trains to the rest of Gujarat and India. Nearest Airport is located at Jamnagar (126 Kms).

Location

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwaraka – History

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwaraka – History

The town of Dwarka in Gujarat has a history that dates back centuries, and mentioned in the Mahabharata epic as the Dwaraka Kingdom. Situated on the banks of river Gomti, the town is described in legend as the capital of Lord Krishna. Evidence such as a stone block with script, the way the stones were dressed showing that dowels had been used, and an examination of anchors found on the site suggest that the Harbour site dates only to historical times, with some of the underwater structure being late Medieval. Coastal erosion was probably the cause of the destruction of what was an ancient port.

Hindus believe that the original temple was constructed by Vajranabh, the great grandson of Krishna, over the residential palace of Krishna. The current temple in Chalukya style is constructed in 15^th - 16^th century. It has been told by the archaeological that this temple is 2,200-2000 years old. After the 8^th century Hindu theologian and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, the temple became part of the 'Char Dham' pilgrim considered to be sacred place to Hindus in India. The other three include Rameswaram, Badrinath and Puri.

The history of Dwarkadhish temple is that according to Brahmi script, the temple’s first renovation was done around 100 BC. Later, Shri Adi Shankaracharya visited the temple in 800 A.D and renovated it. He established the shrine of Adyashakti on the fourth floor of the temple. Muhammad Shah attacked and destroyed the temple in 1241 AD.  Five Brahmins fought with them and died. So, the shrines near the Dwarkadhish Temple are for them. And in 1965, the Pakistan Navy tried to attack the temple but failed to do so.

Archaeologists have unearthed copper coins, boulders, pillars and pottery samples from the underwater excavations in Dwarka. Hence, they have concluded that a well-established city existed there in the 2nd Millennium. Also, explorations between 1983 and 1990 show that the city consisted of six sectors. They were extended about a mile from the shore. Offshore investigations have found evidence of stone slabs, ports and other construction materials dating back to 15^th Century. Hence, it supports the existence of an ancient city at the time of Lord Krishna. Further, the layout of the city mentioned in ancient manuscripts matches that of the city unearthed by The Marine Archaeology Unit of India.

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwaraka - Legends

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwaraka - Legends

Formation of Dwaraka City:

As per Hindu legend, the story of how Krishna formed the city of Dwarka has two versions. One states that Lord Krishna flew on the Garuda and reached the Saurashtra peninsula. However, in the other version, Lord Krishna invoked Vishwakarma (Lord of Construction). He asked him to build a new city. Vishwakarma said that it is possible to build the city if the Samudra Devta (God of Sea) gives them land. Lord Krishna worshiped the Sea God who eventually gave him 12 Yojanas of land. Dwarka was built on a piece of land that was reclaimed from the sea. Consequently, Vishwakarma built the city of Dwarka for Lord Krishna.

Curse of Sage Durvasa:

Sage Durvasa once visited Krishna and his wife Rukmini. The sage wished that the pair took him to their palace. The pair readily agreed and started walking with the sage to their palace. After some distance, Rukmini got tired and she requested some water from Krishna. Krishna dug a mythical hole that brought in river Ganga to the place. Sage Durvasa was furious and cursed Rukmini to remain in the place. The temple where Rukmini's shrine is found, is believed to the place where she stood.

Migration of Yadavas:

It is believed that Lord Krishna had killed Kansh, then Kansh's father-in-law Jarasand attacked Mathura 17 times and every time Lord Krishna defeated him. In every battle Mathura was greatly damaged, then Lord Krishna left Mathura and come in Saurashtra, made Dwarka his place of residence.

Gopi Talav:

Another interesting legend associated with Dwarka is that of the Gopi Lake. According to mythology, after leaving Mathura, Lord Krishna never went back. The Gopis of Mathura came to Dwarka to meet Krishna. After several Ras Leelas with Lord Krishna, they offered their lives to the land. Hence the name of the lake is “Gopi Talav”.

King Indradhyumna had a dream about Lord Krishna Cremation:

According to the legend of Jagannath Temple, during the cremation of Lord Krishna at Dwarka, Balram and Subhadra overcame with grief. So, they took the half-burnt body of Krishna and ran into the ocean. At the same time, King Indradhyumna in Puri had a dream. It encouraged him to visit the ocean in search of the remains of Lord Krishna. Later, he built a gigantic temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is famous as the Jagannath temple. There, he established the three wooden idols of Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra. Also, he placed the ashes of Lord Krishna inside the wooden deity.

Pandavas spent their Childhood here:

The Pandavas played and spent their childhood there.

Vajranabh built the present Temple:

Vajranabh, Lord Krishna’s successor and great grandson, is believed to have built the present temple Dwarka Nath, also called Trilok Sundar. Vajranabh, Lord Krishna's successor and great grandson, is believed to have built the present temple Dwarka Nath, also called Trilok Sundar. Many Hindus fervently believe that the temple was erected in one night by a supernatural agency, under Vajranabh direction.

Lord Krishna advice to leave Dwaraka after his death:

Legend has it that when dying, Lord Krishna asked his devotees to leave Swarnadwarika so that the sea could engulf it. Until this day, Lord Krishna's city lies buried under the sea. Excavations have revealed that the sea swallowed five settlements, the present-day Dwarka being the sixth in line.

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwaraka – The Temple

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwaraka – The Temple

The temple has a five-storey structure with limestone seventy-two pillars. The temple's peak is 78.3 meters high. The temple covers area of 27 metres by 21 metres with east-west length of 29 metres and north-south width of 23 metres. The Temple consists of three parts – the Prakashgarh (Nijmandir), Sabahgrah and the Shikhar. There are two more Shikhara present in the Temple; the Nij Shikhar and the Ladwa Shikhar. The Nij shikhar is five storied. It houses the main deity, Lord Krishna. This ancient temple is constructed by limestone which is still in its original condition. The temple describes the complex sculpture performed by dynasties ruling over this region. The structure was not expanded by these works.

There are two entrances in the temple, the main entrance (north gate) is called 'Moksha Dwara' (the door of liberation). It takes entrance to the main market. The south door is called 'heaven gate' (gate to haven). 56 steps outside this gate which leads to Gomti river. The Jagat Mandir has a tall tower and a hall of audience. The audience hall has both ancient and fairly modem sculptures. The main Deity in this temple is Lord Dwarkadhish, who is on the central altar. The Deity represents the four-armed form of Vishnu called Trivikrama.

There is a temple to the right of the main Deity that contains the Deity of Lord Baladevaji (Balarama), who is the older brother of Lord Krishna. The temple to the left of the main Deity contains a big Deity of Pradyumna and a small Deity of Aniruddha. They are the son and grandson of Lord Krishna. Opposite this shrine is the shrine of Purushothama (Vishnu). Next to this shrine is a shrine dedicated to Kuseswara Mahadeva (Shiva).

The shrine facing Dwarkadhish is dedicated to Devaki, the mother of Lord Krishna. Next to this shrine is a temple dedicated to Venu Madhava (Lord Vishnu). Behind the main temple in the eastern part of the temple compound are shrines of Radhikaji, Jambavati, Satyabhama and Lakshmi. There are also shrines of Saraswathi and Lakshmi-Narayana.

It is said that the Dwaraka exists in two parts. One is found near to the Dwaraka railway station and is known as "Gomuki Dwaraka" and the other is known as "Pate Dwaraka" which is found 20 miles away from Gomuki Dwaraka. It is believed that only in pate Dwaraka, Sri Krishna lived along with all the Yadavas and his consorts. There is an umbrella-like monument in the memory of Lord Krishna to the East of Harimandir.

Mast Flag:

The Mast Flag atop the main Temple is unique and sacred. It is Aadhi Bhoutik in nature. The Dhwaja or the Flag is made of 52 yards of cloth. 52 small flags are woven individually in each yard of cloth. Each Yard symbolizes the entrances to the ancient city of Dwarka. According to scriptures, 56 administrators ran the administration of Dwarka. Four of them were Lord Krishna, Balram, Pradyuma, and Anirudhji. These 4 are still worshiped in temples that are untouched by the Sea. However, for the rest of the 52 people, the flag acts as a remembrance. The colors of the flag are changed every day.

Kusheshwar Mahadev Temple:

In the premises of the Dwarkadhish Temple, a small temple called Kusheshwar Mahadev Temple is present. According to a legend, Kush was a demon who lived in Kushasthali. People prayed to Lord Krishna to save them. So, Lord Krishna fought and crushed the demon. Krishna buried him completely into the ground. Hence, he set up a temple of Lord Mahadev there. The Shiva Linga lies almost 20 feet below the ground.

Dwarka Mutt:

The Dwarka Mutt is one of the four mutts established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The others are Sringeri, Jagannath Puri, and Jyotirmath. Another name for Dwarka Mutt is Shanti Peeth. It is sacred to take a dip at the Gomati Ghat opposite to the Dwarkadhish Temple. Genuine worship at this temple washes away one’s sins.

Rukmini Devi Temple:

This small temple is situated at about 2 Kms north of town, is an architectural masterpiece. Rukmini is the most important of Krishna's 16,108 wives. The temple walls are decorated with beautiful paintings depicting her pastimes with Krishna. This temple is said to date back to the 12^th century AD. The story behind this temple is that one day, Durvasa Muni, who is easily angered, was invited by Lord Krishna and his wife, Rukmini, to dinner. When a person is invited to dinner, etiquette dictates that the host should not eat until the guest has been satisfied.

On the way to dinner, Rukmini became thirsty and asked Krishna for help. Krishna then put his foot in the ground and the Ganges waters flowed forth from the earth while Durvasa was not looking. As Rukmini was drinking the water, however, Durvasa turned and saw her drinking without his permission. He became angry and cursed her to live apart from Lord Krishna. That is why Krishna's temple is in the town and hers is located outside the town.

Bhalka Tirth:

The spot where Lord Krishna was mistaken for a deer and struck by an arrow while sleeping in a deerskin. It is said Lord Krishna was cremated at Dehotsarga at Triveni Ghat.

Theerthas:

Gomathi River and Prabhas Theertha (the junction point, where Gomathi river joins the sea) are the other Theerthas associated with this Temple.

Somnath Temple:

Nearby lies Somnath with its shrine built by Soma, the Moon God. The Majestic monument as it stands today is a recent replication of the earlier construction. It is said that the original temple built by the Moon God was of gold. After it was razed to the ground it was rebuilt by Ravana in silver. When the silver temple was knocked down it was reconstructed in wood by Krishna and when this was pulled down an edifice of stone was erected by Bhimdev. Relics of the old Somnath shrine have been preserved in a museum housed in a temple. An interesting Sun Temple is also located in Somnath. Somnath is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or Shiva shrines in India.

Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand

Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand

Badrinath or Badrinarayan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the town of Badrinath in Uttarakhand, India. The temple and town form one of the four Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Badrinath – holy shrines for Vaishnavites. It is open for six months every year (between the end of April and the beginning of November), because of extreme weather conditions in the Himalayan region. The temple is located in Garhwal hill tracks in Chamoli district along the banks of Alaknanda River at an elevation of 3,133 m (10,279 ft.) above the mean sea level. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers of India, having recorded 1,060,000 visits.

It is an arduous mountain route to Badrinath from Rishikesh or Haridwar in the Garhwal Himalayan region, where roads get blocked with landslides during the monsoon season. Badrinath stays closed 6 months a year from Deepavali all the way until the full moon day in the month of Chittirai (late spring in the Himalayas). Enroute are the pilgrimage sites of Devaprayag, Rudraprayag, Karana Prayag, Nanda Prayag and Vishnuprayag. Enroute are Pandukeshwar where the Pandavas are believed to have been born, and the site where Bhima and Hanuman (sons of Vayu) met.

The Badrinath Temple is surrounded by two peaks named Nar and Narayan (twin forms of Lord Vishnu as the fifth avatar) against the backdrop of the Neelakanta Mountain. The image of the presiding deity worshipped in the temple is a 1 m (3.3 ft.) tall, black stone statue of Vishnu in the form of Badrinarayan. The statue is considered by many Hindus to be one of eight Swayam Vyaktha Kshetras, or self-manifested statues of Vishnu. The village also boasts of Keshav Prayag – Sangamam (confluence) of Rivers Saraswathi and Alaknanda.

Although Badrinath is located in North India, the head priest, or Rawal, is traditionally a Nambudiri Brahmin chosen from the South Indian state of Kerala. The temple was included in the Uttar Pradesh state government Act No. 30/1948 as Act no. 16,1939, which later came to be known as Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath Mandir Act. The committee nominated by the state government administers both the temples and has seventeen members on its board.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/12/badrinath-temple-uttarakhand-legends.html

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/12/badrinath-temple-uttarakhand-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/12/badrinath-temple-uttarakhand-temple.html

Poojas & Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/12/badrinath-temple-uttarakhand-poojas-festivals.html

Pooja Timings

Timings	From	To
Opening	4:30 AM	9 PM
Afternoon Break	1 PM	4 PM
Abhishekam	7:30 AM	12:00 PM
Geet Govind and Aarti	6 PM	9 PM
Sayana Aarti	10:30 PM	11 PM

Pilgrimage

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/12/badrinath-temple-uttarakhand-pilgrimage.html

Religious Significance

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/12/badrinath-temple-uttarakhand-religious-significance.html

Literary Mention

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https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/12/badrinath-temple-uttarakhand-literary-mention.html

Administration

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https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/12/badrinath-temple-uttarakhand-administration.html

Prayers

It is said that there are many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heavens, earth and the nether world, but there has been none equal to Badri, nor shall there be. Rituals offerings to Pithrus (souls of the dead) are performed at Brahma Kapaalam (located at a distance of 200 ft from the main shrine) on the banks of Alaknanda, by offering prasad (rice food) of Lord Badri Narayan.

Best Time to Visit 

The ideal time or peak season to go for a Char Dham Yatra is from May to October, except monsoons. This is because; all the four sacred sites are perched in Garhwal Himalayas, which is prone to heavy snowfall. As a result, all the passage leading to the shrines are blocked. Moreover, during the monsoon season, there is undue threat of having landslides, which can further disrupt the journey.

This temple is opened only six months in a year, from mid of May to the third week of November. But, it depends only upon the temple authorities. The temple is closed for next six months due to heavy snow-fall in winter. Lord Vishnu is transformed from this temple to Joshimath temple for that six months when the Badrinath temple is closed. And after 6 months, he is taken back to Badrinath temple itself.

Useful Tips

One should, without fail, carry Sweaters, woolen clothing, Umbrella and required medicines during the trip. Minimum luggages should be preferred. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited in this place. Reasonable accommodation, at cottages managed by Temple committee. is available at Badri. Postal and Banking facilities are available. A State Allopathic Dispensary is also available.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/12/badrinath-temple-uttarakhand-connectivity.html

Location