Dwarka Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on the coast of Dwarka, Gujarat, India. The lighthouse is a prominent landmark and a tourist attraction in the holy city of Dwarka, which is considered to be one of the holiest cities for Hindus and a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The lighthouse is a 43-meter tall tower that flashes every 10 seconds and guides the ships and boats sailing in the Arabian Sea. The lighthouse also has a historical and cultural significance, as it is associated with some ancient legends and events related to Lord Krishna, the supreme god of love and compassion. Visit during Dwarka Local Sightseeing by cab
Location of Dwarka Lighthouse
Dwarka Lighthouse is situated about 2 km from the Dwarka city centre, near the Sudama Setu, which is a pedestrian bridge over the Gomti river. The lighthouse is close to some other attractions such as the Dwarkadhish Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Gomti Ghat, which is a series of steps leading to the river, and the Shivrajpur Beach, which is a beautiful beach with blue water. The lighthouse can be easily reached by road, rail or air from different parts of India.
Timing/Entry Fees Dwarka Lighthouse
The lighthouse is open for visitors from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm every day. The lighthouse does not have any entry fees or charges for visitors, but they have to deposit their mobile phones, cameras, shoes and other belongings at the counters outside the lighthouse. There are separate queues for men and women for security reasons. The visitors can also buy prasad, souvenirs, books and other items from the shops inside and outside the lighthouse premises.
How to Reach Dwarka Lighthouse
There are various ways to reach Dwarka Lighthouse from different parts of India. Some of them are:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jamnagar, which is connected by flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and other major cities. From Jamnagar, one can take a bus or a taxi to reach Dwarka in about 3 hours.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Dwarka, which is connected by trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Rajkot and other major cities. From Dwarka, one can take a rickshaw or a taxi to reach the lighthouse in about 10 minutes.
- By Road: Dwarka is well connected by road with Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar and other nearby cities and towns. There are regular buses and taxis available from these places to reach Dwarka. The distance from Ahmedabad to Dwarka is about 450 km and takes about 8 hours by road.
Things to Do/Must See Dwarka Lighthouse
There are many things to do and see in and around Dwarka Lighthouse that can make your visit more memorable and enjoyable. Some of them are:
- Darshan: The main attraction of the lighthouse is the darshan of Lord Krishna in his divine form as Geeta Prabhu. The idol of Lord Krishna is made of marble and has four arms holding Shanka (conch), Chakra (discus), Gada (mace) and Padma (lotus). The idol is placed in a sanctum that has beautiful carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses on the exterior walls.
- Lighthouse View: The lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the sea and the city. The visitors can climb up the tower by stairs or elevator and enjoy the view from the top. The visitors can also see some islands in the sea, such as Bet Dwarka, which is believed to be the original residence of Lord Krishna and his family.
- Sunset View: The lighthouse is a popular spot for watching the sunset over the sea. The visitors can see the sky changing colors from orange to red to purple as the sun sets behind the horizon. The visitors can also see some birds flying in the sky and some boats sailing in the sea.
- Suryamukhi Ganesha Temple: The Suryamukhi Ganesha Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success. The temple is located behind the lighthouse and has an idol of Lord Ganesha facing towards the sun. The temple also has some paintings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.
Significance of Dwarka Lighthouse
Dwarka Lighthouse is one of the most important and modern landmarks in India, which has a great significance for Hindus. Some of the reasons for its importance are:
- It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, which are considered to be the abodes of Lord Vishnu on earth. The other three are Badrinath, Rameswaram and Puri.
- It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are the holy places where Lord Vishnu is praised by the Alwars, the Tamil poet-saints.
- It is associated with the life and legends of Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama, who are one of the most popular and revered pairs of friends in Hindu mythology. The lighthouse is believed to be the place where Krishna and Sudama met after a long time and exchanged their love and gifts.
- It is a symbol of faith and devotion for millions of visitors who come here to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama and experience their grace and love.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Dwarka Lighthouse?
A: The best time to visit Dwarka Lighthouse is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The lighthouse also celebrates many festivals during this period, such as Krishna Janmashtami, Holi, Diwali and Rath Yatra.
Q: What are the dress code and rules for visiting Dwarka Lighthouse?
A: The dress code for visiting Dwarka Lighthouse is modest and respectful. One should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops or any revealing clothes. One should also remove shoes, socks, belts and any leather items before entering the lighthouse. One should not carry any mobile phones, cameras or electronic gadgets inside the lighthouse. One should also maintain silence and decorum inside the lighthouse premises.
Q: How can I book online darshan or donation for Dwarka Lighthouse?
A: One can book online darshan or donation for Dwarka Lighthouse through the official website of the Dwarkadhish Temple: www.dwarkadhish.org. One can also contact the temple administration through phone or email for any queries or assistance.
Conclusion
Dwarka Lighthouse is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the divine presence of Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama in their eternal abode. The lighthouse is not only a place of worship but also a place of history and culture. The lighthouse offers a glimpse into the glorious past of India and its rich maritime heritage. The lighthouse also inspires one to follow the teachings and values of Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama and live a life of righteousness, love and service…
