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.