Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka Complete Details

Jagat Mandir or Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka is one of the prominent temples visited by tourists from all over the world. The home of Lord Krishna(the protector of Dharma and Karma), this ancient building is a living architectural marvel and a significant part of the Char Dham circuit. The walls of Shree Dwarkadhish Temple narrate the magnificent history through this travelogue. Read this sacred journey of Dwarkadhish, magnificent history, temple timings and much more to know about.

Overview of Dwarkadhish Temple 

Dwarka is an ancient city built by Shri Krishna on a piece of coastal land retrieved from the sea, where the prestigious Dwarkadhish Temple is situated. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Here he is worshipped as “Dwarkadhish”, meaning “Lord or King of Dwarka city”. In Dwaparyug, Lord Krishna was the King of Dwarka. This Temple is located in Dwarka, Gujarat, at the western tip of the Kathiawar Peninsula, at the brink of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea. The temple is an epicentre of devotion and architectural marvel, where thousands of devotees worship.  It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites that includes Rameshwaram(Tamil Nadu), Puri(Orissa) and Badrinath(Uttarakhand). Also, mentioned in Divya Prabandha, Dwarkadeesh(Lord Krishna) is the 98th Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu. The existence of the Temple dates back to around 200 BCE and has been renovated several times since the 16th century. The Dwarka city, itself, is full of mysteries and legends. The believers say that the city was six times submerged under the sea, and the latest is the 7th incarnation.

Legends About Dwarkadhish Temple

The history behind the divine place, Dwarka Temple, goes back to the Mahabharata epic in the Dwaparyug. After Krishna defeated his uncle, Kansa (Devki’s brother), he decided to make Dwarka his new home near Kushasthali, mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures. He left Braj, Uttar Pradesh, and decided to settle down on the coasts of Gujarat to establish a separate city to protect the city from the enemy’s attack. Lord Vishwakarma assisted Krishna in building the architecture of this holy city near the banks of the Gomti. The Dwarkadhish temple was built over Shri Krishna’s abode, “Harigriha”, by his great-grandson, Vajranabh, about 2,500 years ago. The Hindu philosopher and theologian Adi Shankaracharya also visited this temple in the 8th century, where a memorial has been built.

The temple was destroyed by Sultan Mahmud of Mustafabad when the tragic matter of Mahmud Sqarmandi was brought to his court in 1473. At that time, the King of Dwarka was Bhim, a Vadhel who ruled over the pirate community of Vagher on the Dwarka coast. While Sqarmandi was sailing with his wife and son, driven to the Dwarka coast by a sea storm. They were attacked by the pirates, who took their wife and left their son adrift. On hearing this, Sultan Mahmud attacked the city, and the Dwarka King fled to Byet, Dwarka. They destroyed all the structure, including the Dwarkadish Temple; however, some Vaghers tried to save the temple. The idol of Dwarkadheesh was hidden by pundits in a Savitri well. After some time, Lord Krishna came in the dream of the Brahmin and asked him to take the idol out after a specific time. The Brahmin didn’t wait for the specific time and took the idol out of the well. After this incident, the temple was renovated several times. The idol’s eyes were half-opened, and till now, this idol has been installed in the temple.

There is also a Rukmini Temple at 2 km from the Dwarkadhish Temple. Rukmini was Shri Krishna’s wife, and there is an amazing tale behind this temple. Once, Rukmini and Lord Krishna visited Sage Durvasa and invited him to their palace. The Sage Durvas placed a condition that he would only come when Rukmini and Krishna would pull the chariot in which they had come. With hesitation, they agreed and started pulling the chariot to Dwarka. After some time, Rukmini got tired and rested at a place. On seeing this, Dwarkadheesh makes a hole in the ground with his foot from where Ganga originated. Rukmini quenches her thirst with this water. The Sage Durvasa got angry as she didn’t offer him water first and cursed to get separated from Lord Krishna and remain still in the place she was standing for 12 years. Sage Durvasa, however, granted Lord Krishna invincibility, except under his foot. Goddess Rukmini meditated for 12 years at that place and remained separated from Lord Krishna till that period. After 12 years, the curse ended, and Lord Krishna and Rukmini were united. The place where she meditated, a Rukmini Temple, has been established.

Architecture

The Dwarkadhish Temple or Jagat Mandir is an architectural marvel made in the Maru-Gurjara or Chaluka style. The temple we see today was not the original one made by Lord Krishna’s great-grandson, Vajranabha, but was renovated by the rulers of the ancient dynasties after the destruction caused by Sultan Mahmud. The Dwarkadhish temple has the intricate artwork and architectural style of the 16th to 19th centuries, built with limestone and sand. The Dwarka kingdom, ruled by the kings, has imprinted their marks on the walls and sculptures of this temple, including a black stone Krishna figure. The temple has flower carvings, symmetrical designs and mythological carvings that narrate tales through visuals. The temple dome is made in Nagara style like a mountain peak, and 7 stories can be visible from the outside, showing the height of the temple. These 7 stories are Sapt-Puris of India: Dwarka, Ayodhya, Maya, Kashi, Kanchipuram, and Avantika. Also, the four stories represent Char Dham, in which the first 3 are Rameshwaram, Puri and Badrinath. In the 4th storey, the temple of Chalati Mata and on the 5th storey, a Ladwa Temple is located. The rest of the story’s public entry is restricted to the floors. The temple has two parts, one is the Garbhgriha(the temple sanctum or Harigriha) and the Antarala (hallway or porch).

The Jagat Mandir stands on 72 pillars carved out of a single stone in mandapa style and a staircase of 52 steps. The temple consists of 5 floors and the temple height reaches to 78.3 meters.

A flag is hosted on a 43 m tower on the temple dome, in which a moon and a sun are made from 52 yards of cloth, swaying over the Arabian Sea. The sun and moon on the flags mean “ Jab Tak Suraj-Chand Rahega, Tab Tak Dwarkadheesh Ka Nam Rahega”ーAs long as the Sun and Moon exist, Lord Dwarkadheesh’s name will remain. This flag is changed 5 times a day. This flag and tower can be viewed from a distance of 10 km from the Jagat Mandir.

There are two gates in the temple: The entry gate is Swarg Dwar(gateway to heaven) in the south, to the Gomti River, and the exit gate is the north gate, Moksha Dwar, that opens to the main market of Dwarka. A bridge named Sudama Setuis was also constructed, from the temple’s foot, over the Gomti River to the beach. The famous Sudarshan Chakra, the weapon of Lord Krishna that stands for Dharma and Karma, is still believed to be in this temple. The temple has other shrines surrounding it, such as Rukmini Temple, Balram, Subhadra, Revathy, Vasudev, and other deities. 

The Submerged City of Dwarkadheesh 

The Dwarka City of Lord Krishna, also called his capital, is a historical city with lots of mysticism. One of the most interesting discoveries is the submerged city of Dwarka Palace of Lord Krishna. There are lots of interesting legends and facts that will surprise you about this ancient phenomenon.

• Dwarka was submerged after Lord Krishna’s departure to heaven.
• The immersion of this city was the indication of the end of Treta Yuga and the beginning of Kali Yuga.
• The biggest evidence is that archaeologists have found a well-planned city inside the waters of Dwarka Island of Bet Dwarka.
• The archaeologist SR Rao claims a city of around 1500 BC was found with satellite towns.
• There are remains of rock structures, stone carvings, an irrigation system, pillars, and stone anchors indicating a well-developed ancient civilisation.
• Explorations and investigations are going on to discover more about this lost city.
• Visitors are allowed here to see the incredible view of the submerged Dwarka Nagri of Lord Krishna through scuba diving and submarine tours.

Diving Packages	Duration	Cost per head
Scuba diving	30 minutes to 1 hour	Rs. 2200
Scuba Diving + Videography	1 hour to 1.5 hours	Rs. 2500
Scuba Diving + 10 km boating	1 hour to 2 hours	Rs. 4500
Scuba Diving + Water Sports	2 hours to 3 hours	Rs. 5500
Scuba Diving + 10 km boating + water sports	4 hours to 5 hours	Rs. 7500
Submarine Tour (to be launched)	It will be launching its first submarine tourism for devotees who want to seek darshan of Lord Krishna’s Dwarka. The government of Gujarat is planning to submarine with a capacity of 30 passengers at once, for approximately 2.5 hours. The submarine will go under the Arabian Sea at 300 feet, and the cost of the submarine ride is to be decided.

Best Time To Visit

• Summer(March to June): Weather in Dwarka during these months is hot and humid, ranging from 25°C to 34°C. The place experiences bright sunshine and scorching heat might be uncomfortable to travel.
• Monsoon(July to September): Dwarka experiences frequent rainfall, which requires cautious driving. However, the surroundings turn verdant and refreshing after downpours.
• Autumn(October to November): After rain showers, the sky clears and the green leaves turn orange-yellow, indicating that the shedding season has arrived and setting the environment for winter. The temperature is moderate with cool winds in mid-November. This time is ideal for a comfortable trip to Dwarkadhish Temple.
• Winter(December to February): 

The winter season is marked by cold winds and sunshine. The afternoons are clear and sunshines, a comfortable time to explore the temple. Temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C.

The best time to visit the temple is from November to February for a comfortable trip.

Celebrations and Important Dates

• Holi: Festival of Colours celebrated in late February or early March
• Radhastami: Birthday of Goddess Radha, after 15 days of Janmashtami 
• Hindola Festival: A 13-day event in July-August, where the playful nature of Radha and Krishna is celebrated 
• Janmashtami: Birth of Lord Krishna celebrated on Ashtami(eighth day) of Bhadrapada (August or September) on Krishna Paksha
• Vaman Jayanti: The fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu, celebrated his appearance on Dwadash Tithi of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha in Treta Yuga
• Dussehra: Dussehra is an event celebrating good over evil, Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. It is celebrated after Navratri on the tenth day of Ashwin(September or October), which is why it is also called Vijaya Dashmi.
• Deepotsav: Deepotsav or Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated in the Karthik month on Kali Chaudas.

Other celebrations:

• Labh Ashtami: Celebrated on the eighth day of Karthik month, marking the end of Diwali and an auspicious time for new ventures and purchases.
• Tulsi Vivah: In this Hindu ritual, the Tulsi plant is married to a Shaligram or Amla branch. It is celebrated in the Karthik month on Shukla Dwadashi.
• DhanurMas: It is a sacred month, said that Lord Krishna is available to fulfil his devotees’ wishes, and prayers are offered during Brahma Muhurta. It is celebrated between December and January.
• Makar Sankranti: It marks the sun’s transition from Sagittarius zodiac to enter Capricorn, celebrated on the 14th or 15th January.
• Basant Panchami: Basant Panchami is the beginning of the Spring season in India and is celebrated at the end of January or February.
• Ram Navmi: Birth of Lord Rama, celebrated on the 9th day of Chaitra month.
• Akshay Tritiya: Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated on the third day of Vaishakha during the waxing moon. It is important that on this day, Lord Krishna gave Akshaya Patra(the invincible food vessel) to the Pandavas.
• Bhima Ekadashi: Bhima or Nirjala Ekadashi is celebrated on the 11th day of the bright half lunar(Shukla Paksh) month of Ashada. This day is auspicious for fasting, and Bhima, one of the Pandavas, was advised by Sage Vyasa to observe this day for benefits. 
• Rath Yatra: It is celebrated on the second day of the Ashada month(June or July), where Lord Krishna is placed on a palanquin and paraded.
• Roop Chaudas: Also called Narak Chaturdashi, end of Narakasura on the 2nd day of Diwali, particularly the 14th day of Krishna Paksha in Ashwin or Karthik month.

Places Near Dwarkadhish Temple 

Nageshwar Mahadev Temple

Shri Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, mentioned in the Shiva Purana. This temple is located in the Darukavana forest. The temple is 17.2 km away from Dwarkadhish Temple.

Rukmini Devi Temple

This temple at 2 km from Jagat Mandir, is dedicated to Goddess Rukmini, wife of Lord Krishna, who meditated here for 12 years due to Sage Durvasa’s curse. In this temple, water is given as an offering to the Goddess.

Gomati Sangam Ghat

The Gomati Ghat, where the Dwarkadhish Temple is situated, is the sacred place where devotees come to take a dip in the holy Gomati River. It is 1.2 km from the temple.

Bet Dwarka Island 

Bet Dwarka Island or Shankhodhar is an Island situated in the Gulf of Kutch. This is said to be the residence of Lord Krishna, from where he ruled Dwarka. It is important to seek darshan here; otherwise yatra is incomplete. One needs to ferry to the Okha port and reach there.

Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located near the Dwarka coast, a 5000-year-old Swayambhu or self-manifested Shivling near the Arabian Sea. It is only 1.9 km away from Jagat Mandir.

Sudama Setu Bridge 

The Sudama Setu was a 2006 proposed project of a pedestrian bridge over the Gomti River. The Setu was named after Lord Krishna’s friend, Sudama and was opened in 2016. It is 1 minute away from the temple.

Swami Narayan Mandir

The Swami Narayan Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Swami Narayan. Narayan is the name of Lord Vishnu and is one of the holiest temples in Dwarka. It is only 850 m, at a walk of 5 minutes from the temple.

Shree Samudra Narayan Temple 

Situated at the confluence of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea, the temple of Shree Samudra Narayan is at the Sangam Ghat. It is dedicated to Goddess Gomti, brought down on earth by Sage Vashishta when Ram had to sanctify after defeating Ravana. This temple is 1.1 km away from the Jagat Mandir.

Dwarka Beach 

Dwarka Beach is a serene location with an eye-pleasing natural landscape. The haven for aquatic life like turtles, fish, octopuses and playful dolphins in its marine habitat. It is near the temple at a walking distance of 1.2 km, which takes only 6 minutes.

Geeta Temple 

Dedicated to the Gita Shloks and Updesh by Lord Krishna, the Geeta Temple is 2 km from Dwarkadhish Temple. Gita is the holiest text script of Hindus that consists of various shlokas by Lord Krishna, directing the righteous path of life.

Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji Gurudwara Panj Pyara

Among the Panj Pyara by Guru Gobind Singh Ji when he established Khalsa Panth for the first time. Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji was born at this place where this auspicious Gurudwara is situated. It is a five-minute walking distance at 1.2 km from the Jagat Mandir.

Gayatri Shaktipeeth 

The Gayatri Shantivan is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas. In this place, Mata Sati’s right wrist had fallen. An accommodation, Gayatri Shantivan, is established for the devotees of Devi Gayatri at 2 km.

Makardhwaj Hanuman Mandir

The temple where the Makardhwaj idol is placed with Lord Hanuman in Beyt Dwarka. Makardhwaj was the son of Lord Hanuman, and they met here for the first time. It is 39 km away from the Dwarkadhish Temple.

Dunny Point 

The sandy belt in the Gulf of Kutch, Dunny Point, lies at the end of Beyt Dwarka Island. Enjoy boating and scenic sea and corals, it is a part of the Eco-Tourism of Gujarat, at 39.7 km from Jagat Mandir.

See more about Dwarkadhish Temple in the Video

Dwarkadhish Temple’s Routes, Lodging, and Additional details

How To Reach Dwarkadhish Temple?

By Road: 

You can travel by road from any major city to the Dwarkadhish Temple on NH 947. If your starting point is Delhi(1,363 km), public and private buses are available to Dwarka, Gujarat.   

By Railway: 

You can travel to Dwarkadhish Temple by Dwarka Railway Station, just 2 km away by road from the temple. It is the fastest, convenient, and budget-friendly means to travel.

By Airways:

The Porbandar airport is closest at 107 km from Dwarka, whereas the Jamnagar Airport is 136 km away. After that, you must travel by road in a cab or a car to the Dwarkadhish Temple.

Accommodations Near Dwarkadhish Temple

Accommodations	Features
Gayatri Shantivan	It has cheaper stay options with decent rooms and is only 900 meters away from the Jagat Mandir.
Swami Narayan Bhaktidham	It offers all amenities with luxury room options at 2.4 km from the temple.
Balaji Bhavan	It is a guest house with normal and premium rooms that are clean and comfortable. It is at a distance of only 450 meters from the Dwarka Temple.
Brahma Kshatriya Bhavan	Accommodations for a single stay, as the rooms are small, but the staff service is good. It is just 300 meters from the temple.
Devbhoomi Residency	This place is good for a family stay with all facilities, good services and clean rooms at just 1 km away.
Hotel Lunai Sadan	A comfortable stay option with good staff, 24×7 hours service and clean rooms. The temple is 600 metres away.

Temple Timings

Temple Timings in the Morning: 6.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Temple Timings in the Evening: 5.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.

Detailed Timings of the Temple Activities:

Temple Rituals and Pooja	Timings
Mangala AAarti	6.30 a.m. to 8.00 a.m.
Mangala Darshan	8.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m.
Abhishek Pooja(Snan Vidhi):Darshan Closed	9.00 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.
Shringar Darshan	9.30 a.m. to 9.45 a.m.
Snanbhog: Darshan Closed	9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Shringar Darshan	10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Shringarbhog: Darshan Closed	10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Shringar Aarti	11:05 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.
Gwal Bhog: Darshan Closed	11:20 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Darshan	12:00 p.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Rajbhog: Darshan Closed	12:20 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Darshan(Anosar)	1:00 p.m.
Evening Timings	5:00 p.m.
Uthappan First Darshan	5:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Uthappan Bhog: Darshan Closed	5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Darshan	7:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sandhya Bhog: Darshan Closed	7:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Sandhya Aarti	8:00 p.m. to 8:10 p.m.
Shayanbhog: Darshan Closed	8:10 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Darshan	8:30 p.m. to 8:35 p.m.
Shayan Aarti	8:35 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Darshan	9:00 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.
Bantabhog and Shayan : Darshan Closed	9:20 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Dharam Dhwajarohan (Flag Ceremony):

This is the only temple in India that changes the flag five times a day. The flag flutters from west to east, irrespective of the air direction. People offering flags for the temple for hoisting have to wait for atleast 1-2 years to be put on the 82-foot-tall tower. The flag is hoisted five times a day:

• Mangala Aarti: 7.30 a.m. (morning)
• Shringar: 10.30 a.m. (morning)
• Around 11.30 a.m.(morning)
• Sandhya Aarti: 7.45 p.m. (evening)
• Shayan Aarti: 8.30 p.m. (evening)

Entry Fees and Temple Darshan Booking

• General Darshan: Free of Cost
• Special Darshan: Rs. 200
• VIP Darshan: Rs. 500

Special and VIP Darshan can be booked through the Dwarkadhish Temple Online Portal: https://www.dwarkadhish.org/

For Sewa and puja information, you can enquire at: +91 2892 234080

Traveller’s Tips

• Maintain discipline and obey the rules while you are in the temple.
• Respect the religious norms and customs.
• Wear traditional or decent clothes in religious sites.
• Keep a National ID card like a driving license, an aadhar card, etc., for booking and other purposes.
• Carry your essentials like sunscreen, medical kits, comfortable clothes, healthy snacks, water for hydration, toiletries, etc.
• If you wish, you can take some offerings or purchases from the local stalls for Lord Dwarkadhish.
• Be humble and keep your surroundings clean.

FAQs

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