Shri Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India, dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshiped here as the King of Dwarka. The temple is located in the ancient city of Dwarka in Gujarat, which is believed to be the capital of Krishna’s kingdom and one of the four sacred destinations of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year who come to seek the blessings of the Lord and experience the divine aura of the place. Shri Dwarkadhish Temple is famous temple in Dwarka, visit during Dwarka One day tour by cab
Location of Shri Dwarkadhish Temple
Shri Dwarkadhish Temple is situated on the banks of the Gomti river, which flows into the Arabian Sea. The temple is about 450 km from Ahmedabad, the capital city of Gujarat, and can be reached by road, rail or air. The nearest airport is Jamnagar, which is about 137 km away. The nearest railway station is Dwarka, which is about 2 km away. The temple is also well connected by buses and taxis from nearby cities and towns.
Timing/Entry Fees Shri Dwarkadhish Temple
The temple is open for darshan from 6:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 9:30 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 6:30 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 Krishna Janmashtami, 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 Shri Dwarkadhish Temple
There are various ways to reach Shri Dwarkadhish 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 Shri Dwarkadhish Temple
There are many things to do and see in and around Shri Dwarkadhish 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 Lord Krishna in his majestic form as Dwarkadhish. The idol of the Lord is made of black stone and adorned with gold ornaments and colorful clothes. The idol is placed in a five-storied building called Jagat Mandir or Nija Mandir, which is supported by 72 pillars and has exquisite carvings and sculptures. The devotees can also see the idols of Radha Rani, Balarama, Pradyumna, Aniruddha and other deities in the temple complex.
- Sudama Setu: Sudama Setu is a suspension bridge over the Gomti river that connects the temple with the mainland. It was inaugurated in 2016 and offers a panoramic view of the river and the temple. It is named after Sudama, who was a childhood friend of Krishna and visited him in Dwarka.
- 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, Rukmini Devi Temple, Gomati Mata Temple and Panchanada Tirtha.
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir: Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a modern temple built by the Swaminarayan sect in 2013. It is located near the Dwarkadhish Temple and has a beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. The temple has idols of Swaminarayan, Radha Krishna, Lakshmi Narayan and other deities.
- 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 Shri Dwarkadhish Temple
Shri Dwarkadhish 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 Lord Krishna, who is one of the most popular and revered incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to be built over his palace, where he ruled as the king of Dwarka.
- 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 Lord Krishna and experience his grace and love.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Shri Dwarkadhish Temple?
A: The best time to visit Shri Dwarkadhish Temple is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The temple 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 Shri Dwarkadhish Temple?
A: The dress code for visiting Shri Dwarkadhish 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 Shri Dwarkadhish Temple?
A: One can book online darshan or donation for Shri Dwarkadhish 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
Shri Dwarkadhish Temple is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the divine presence of Lord Krishna and his 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 Lord Krishna and live a life of righteousness, love and service.
