Rukmini Devi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Rukmini, the chief queen and beloved consort of Lord Krishna, the supreme god of love and compassion. The temple is located in Dwarka, Gujarat, India, which is considered to be one of the holiest cities for Hindus and a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The temple is a splendid example of ancient architecture and craftsmanship, adorned with exquisite carvings and sculptures of various deities.
The temple also has a rich history and legend associated with it, which adds to its charm and significance. Visit during Dwarka Local Sightseeing By Cab
Location of Rukmini Devi Temple
Rukmini Devi Temple is situated about 2 km away from the main Dwarkadhish Temple, on the outskirts of Dwarka city. The temple is surrounded by a serene and scenic environment, with the Gomti river flowing nearby. The temple can be easily reached by road, rail or air from different parts of India.
Timing/Entry Fees of Rukmini Devi Temple
The temple is open for darshan from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm every day. The temple follows a strict schedule of rituals and ceremonies, which include various aartis, abhisheks, bhogs and shringars. The most important aarti is the Mangala Aarti, which takes place at 6:00 am, followed by Shringar Aarti at 10:30 am and Sandhya Aarti at 7:30 pm. The temple also celebrates various festivals throughout the year, such as Rukmini Ashtami, Holi, Diwali and Rath Yatra.
The entry to the temple is free for all visitors, but they have to deposit their mobile phones, cameras, shoes and other belongings at the counters outside the temple. There are separate queues for men and women for security reasons. The devotees can also buy prasad, souvenirs, books and other items from the shops inside and outside the temple premises.
How to Reach Rukmini Devi Temple
There are various ways to reach Rukmini Devi Temple 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 temple 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 Rukmini Devi Temple
There are many things to do and see in and around Rukmini Devi Temple that can make your visit more memorable and enjoyable. Some of them are:
- Darshan: The main attraction of the temple is the darshan of Rukmini Devi in her graceful form as Krishna’s consort. The idol of Rukmini Devi is made of marble and has four hands 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.
- Jal Daan: Jal Daan is a unique custom of offering water to the temple by the devotees. It is believed that Rukmini Devi was cursed by sage Durvasa to live separately from Krishna because she did not offer him water when he was thirsty. To appease the sage and reunite with Krishna, Rukmini Devi asked her devotees to donate water to her temple. The devotees bring water in pots or bottles from their homes or nearby sources and pour it into a large tank near the temple.
- Gomti Ghat: Gomti Ghat is a series of steps leading to the river where the devotees can take a holy dip or perform rituals. It is also a place where one can witness the confluence of Gomti river and Arabian Sea. There are many temples and shrines along the ghat, such as Samudra Narayana Temple, Gomati Mata Temple and Panchanada Tirtha.
- Bet Dwarka: Bet Dwarka is an island in the Arabian Sea, about 30 km from Dwarka. It is believed to be the original residence of Krishna and his family. It is also known as Shankhodhar, as it is said to be the place where Sudarshan Chakra was made. The island has many temples, such as Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Temple, Hanuman Temple and Nageshwar Temple. One can reach Bet Dwarka by boat from Okha port.
Significance of Rukmini Devi Temple
Rukmini Devi Temple is one of the most sacred and ancient temples 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 Rukmini Devi, who is one of the most popular and revered incarnations of Devi Lakshmi in Dvapara Yuga. The temple is believed to be built by her grandson, Vajranabha, over her residence.
- It is visited by many saints and sages, such as Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Vallabhacharya, Nimbarkacharya and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who have enriched the spiritual heritage of the temple.
- It is a symbol of faith and devotion for millions of devotees who come here to seek the blessings of Rukmini Devi and experience her grace and love.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Rukmini Devi Temple?
A: The best time to visit Rukmini Devi Temple is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The temple also celebrates many festivals during this period, such as Rukmini Ashtami, Holi, Diwali and Rath Yatra.
Q: What are the dress code and rules for visiting Rukmini Devi Temple?
A: The dress code for visiting Rukmini Devi Temple 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 temple. One should not carry any mobile phones, cameras or electronic gadgets inside the temple. One should also maintain silence and decorum inside the temple premises.
Q: How can I book online darshan or donation for Rukmini Devi Temple?
A: One can book online darshan or donation for Rukmini Devi Temple through the official website of the temple: www.dwarkadhish.org. One can also contact the temple administration through phone or email for any queries or assistance.
Conclusion
Rukmini Devi Temple is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the divine presence of Rukmini Devi and her eternal abode. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a place of history, culture and art. The temple offers a glimpse into the glorious past of India and its rich spiritual heritage. The temple also inspires one to follow the teachings and values of Rukmini Devi and live a life of righteousness, love and service
