2022
Hello to All,
Recently I visited the Devbhoomi of Dwarka, which is one of the foremost Chardhams, four sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites. The Holy place is located in the northwestern part of India in the state of Gujarat on the western shore on the right bank of the Gomti River. The city is also considered one among the seven most ancient religious cities in the country. It was the ancient kingdom of Krishna.
The city's name literally means the "gateway to heaven" in Sanskrit. Dwarka is also known to as "Mokshapuri", "Dwarkamati", and "Dwarkavati". It is also mentioned in the ancient prehistoric epic period of the Mahabharata. Bhagwan Krishna had reclaimed 96 square kilometres (37 sq mi) of land from the sea to create Dwarka. Krishna conducted the administration of his kingdom from Dwarka while residing with his family in Bet Dwarka.The city's Dwarkadhish Temple dedicated to Krishna was originally built around 2,500 years ago, but was destroyed by many Muslim / Foreign invaders and subsequently rebuilt in the 16th century. As an important pilgrimage center for Hindus, Dwarka has several notable temples, including Rukmini Devi Temple, Gomti Ghat, and Bet Dwarka. There is also a lighthouse at the land end point of Dwarka.
Dwarkadhish Temple
Considered a holy city, Dwarka is a well known for its temples and as a pilgrimage centre for Hindus. The Dwarkadhisa Temple, also called as Jagat Mandir, located in the heart of Dwarka. The temple, facing west, is above mean sea-level and is 2,500 years old and is where Krishna built his city and a temple. It is a five-storied edifice built over 72 pillars. The temple spire rises to a height of 78 metres (256 ft), and a very large flag with symbols of the sun and moon is hoisted on it.
Gomti Ghat
Gomti Ghat consists of steps leading to the Gomti River, which is also a holy place for pilgrims to take a dip in the river, before visiting Dwarakadish temple. The ghat has a number of small shrines dedicated to the Samudra (God of the Sea), Saraswati (Goddess of wisdom) and Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth).
Rukmini Devi temple
Rukmini Devi temple, Dedicated to Rukmini, Krishna's chief queen, is located 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) away from Dwarka. The temple is said to be 2,500 years old, but in its present form it is estimated to belong to the 12th century. It is a richly carved temple decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses on the exterior with the sanctum housing the main image of Rukmini. Carved naratharas (human figures) and carved gajatharas (elephants) are depicted in panels at the base of the tower.
Bet Dwarka
Bet Dwarka, an island in the Arabian sea off the coast of Dwarka. Considered the original residence of Krishna, Bet Dwarka was the old port during the ancient times of Krishna before the Okha Port was developed in Dwarka. The temple built here is credited to the religious Guru Vallabhacharya. Rice is the traditional offering here to the deity as it is believed that the sage Sudama offered rice to his childhood friend Krishna. There are also smaller shrines on Bet Dwarka which are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Hanuman and Devi. According to a legend, Vishnu killed the demon Shankhasura on this island. Hanuman Dandi temple is another notable temple located in Bet Dwarka, 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) away from Dhwarkadhish Temple, Bet Dwarka.
Nageshvara Jyotirling Mandir
Nageshvara Jyotirling Mandir is a temple dedicated to Shiva, and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (meaning radiant sign of The Almighty) is deified here in a subterranean cell.
Dwarka Beach
Jay dwarkidhish...
Nice post dear @NandKK
Thanks for sharing this beautiful pictures and information.
