Dwarka is perhaps the most important place on the Saurashtra
coast. It is believed to have been founded by Lord Krishna
and was called 'Swarnadwarka' or 'Golden Dwarka'. According
to the Krishna legend, it was the adopted home of Lord Krishna
after he gave up Mathura.
A labyrinth of narrow winding streets cluttered with temples,
the town resonates today with the bustle of eager saffron
clad pilgrims and the clatter of celebratory drums. Dwarka
really comes to life during the major Hindu festivals; the
most fervent are shivratri, dedicated to Shiva and Janmashtami,
Lord Krishna's birthday.
Archaeological excavations show that present day Dwarka
is the 6th city on this site, the earlier five having been
submerged in the sea. The 5-storey temple is supported by
60 columns and is crowned by a soaring, elaborately carved
spire.
Prime Attractions
Dwarkadheesh Temple (Jagat Mandir):
The temple of Jagat Mandir, with the presiding deity of
Shri Krishna known as Dwarkadheesh, is an imposing edifice
and a superb architectural monument. Having a plinth area
of 1800 square feet, the temple consists of a shrine that
is supported by 60 pillars made of granite and sandstone.
Jagat Mandir, with the presiding deity of Shri Krishna known
as Dwarkadheesh, is an imposing edifice and a superb architectural
monument.
Dunny Point:
Dunny Point, first eco-tourism site, promises to be one
more feather in Gujarat's cap. Active nature conservation
is a vital aspect of government policy, the declaration
of new nature reserves enables, on the one hand, species
to thrive in protected environment while, on the other,
allows visitors to sample nature without despoiling the
ecosystem.
Rukmini Temple:
Dating to the 12th-13th century, the Rukmini Temple has
beautiful carvings, especially on the pillars of the 'Sabha
Mandapa'. The temple was built in honour of Rani Rukmani,
princess of Vidarbha, who later got married to Lord Krishna.
Nageshwar Mandir:
Nageshwar Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and
houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in an underground chamber.
Beyt Dwarka:
The visit of Dwarka is not complete without a visit to
Beyt Dwarka, an island at a distance of 30 kms. Off the
coast of Okha port, the island is separated by a strip of
sea about four kms wide. It takes about half-an hour to
cross this channel in a diesel boat operated by the Port
Authority. At Bet, there are temples of Vishnu (in the form
of 'matsya'), Radha, Lakshmi, Satyabhama, Jambuvanti and
Devaki.
Shopping
The narrow street leading to the temples is lined on both
the sides by vendors selling seashells, local crafts, photos
of deities, cassettes, coconuts and other refreshments.
The pilgrims engage in bargains after paying obeisance to
the deities in an atmosphere of tranquility on this windy
island.
How to Get There
Air:
Domestic airlines connect Dwarka to Mumbai.
Rail:
Dwarka is located on the Western Railway with direct connections
with Ahmedabad .
Road:
State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect
various centres of Gujarat. Porbandar is 145 kms from Rajkot.
