Sudama Setu: A Bridge of Friendship and Faith in Dwarka

Sudama Setu is a pedestrian suspension bridge in Dwarka, Gujarat, India. It is named for Sudama, a childhood friend of Lord Krishna, the supreme god of love and compassion. The bridge connects the mainland of Dwarka, where the famous Dwarkadhish Temple is located, with an island in the Gomti river, where there are some other temples and attractions. The bridge was built in 2016 to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and tourists between the two sides of the river. The bridge also offers a splendid view of the river, the sea and the city. Visit during Dwarka One day tour By Cab

Location of Sudama Setu

Sudama Setu is situated at the mouth of the Gomti river, which is a tributary of the holy Ganges, the most sacred river for all Hindus. The bridge is about 2 km away from the main Dwarkadhish Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and can be easily reached by road, rail or air from different parts of India.

Timing/Entry Fees Sudama Setu

The bridge is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. The bridge has a nominal entry fee of Rs. 10 per person, which is used for the maintenance and security of the bridge. The visitors have to deposit their mobile phones, cameras, shoes and other belongings at the counters outside the bridge. 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 bridge premises.

How to Reach Sudama Setu

There are various ways to reach Sudama Setu 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 bridge 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 Sudama Setu

There are many things to do and see in and around Sudama Setu that can make your visit more memorable and enjoyable. Some of them are:

• Darshan: The main attraction of the bridge is the darshan of Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama in their divine forms as Geeta Prabhu and Sudama Prabhu. The idols of Lord Krishna and Sudama are made of marble and have four arms holding Shanka (conch), Chakra (discus), Gada (mace) and Padma (lotus). The idols are placed in a sanctum that has beautiful carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses on the exterior walls.
• River View: The bridge offers a stunning view of the Gomti river, which is considered to be the daughter of sage Vashishtha and the descending Ganges from heaven. The visitors can see the confluence of the river and the sea at the Gomti Kund, which is a sacred spot for performing rituals and taking a holy dip. The visitors can also see some temples and shrines along the banks of the river.
• Sea View: The bridge offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, which is a part of the Indian Ocean. The visitors can see some islands in the sea, such as Bet Dwarka, which is believed to be the original residence of Lord Krishna and his family. The visitors can also see some boats and ships sailing in the sea.
• Beach Activities: The bridge leads to an island that has a beautiful beach with pristine blue water. The visitors can enjoy various activities on the beach such as swimming, sunbathing, boating, camel riding, horse riding and more. The beach also has some food stalls and vendors that sell snacks, drinks, shells, beads and other items.

Significance of Sudama Setu

Sudama Setu is one of the most sacred and modern bridges 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 bridge 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.

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Conclusion

Sudama Setu 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 bridge is not only a place of worship but also a place of friendship and faith. The bridge offers a glimpse into the glorious past of India and its rich spiritual heritage. The bridge 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