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.