Dwarka

One of India’s holiest spiritual and religious sites

For devout Hindus, a trip to the holy temple town Dwarka in Gujarat is no mere journey, but a yatra, a spiritual pilgrimage. One of the seven sacred cities or ‘Sapta Puris’ as well as one of the four ‘Dhams’ - supreme pilgrim centres - it was once the capital of Lord Krishna’s kingdom. A land of myth and legends, coveted since antiquity for its spirituality, Dwarka has attracted great saints and pilgrims including Adi Shankaracharya, Narsinh Mehta, Mirabai, Kabir and Nanak. The place is home to numerous temples, the prime amongst them being the Dwarkadhish Temple with its stunning architecture. Dwarka, which finds numerous mentions in myths, legends and sacred and ancient texts, has the distinction of being rebuilt six time after being swallowed by the sea.

Tourism Office: Toran Tourist Bungalow, Near Govt. Guest House, Dwarka, Tel: 02892 234013; Office of the Administrator, Dwarka Devasthan Samiti, Dwarkadhish Temple Trust, Dwarka Tel: 02892 234080; Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd., 1st Floor, Khetan Bhavan, J.Tata Road, Mumbai, Tel: 22024925. Fax: 22883541 E-mail: tcglmumbai@mtnl.net.in

Air
Jamnagar is the nearest airport linked with major cities of India.

Rail
Dwarka is a railhead on the Western Railway, directly connected with Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Mumbai, Porbander and Rajkot.

Road
Motorable roads connect Dwarka with major cities and places in Gujarat.

Dwarka is

• 450 km from Ahmedabad
• 399 km from Bhavnagar
• 148 km from Jamnagar
• 332 km from Junagadh
• 929 km from Mumbai
• 32 km from Okha
• 120 km from Porbander
• 234 km from Rajkot
• 249 km from Somnath
• 243 km from Veraval

Dwarkadhish  Temple (Jagat Mandir)
The sacred city Dwarka is widely known all over the world for the magnificent Jagat Mandir whose presiding deity is Shri Krishna known as Dwarkadhish. Standing majestically on the north bank of the Gomti Creek the imposing edifice is supported by 60 pillars and has a plinth area of 1,800 square feet.

Bhadkeshwar Temple
Another temple empathetically not to be missed while in Dwarka is Bhadkeshwar Temple. The shrine is surrounded by the sea.
Indological Research Institute, Light House, Shri Jagatguru Shankaracharya Math, Ved Bhavan are other places of interest in Dwarka.

Rukmani Mandir (12 km)
Dedicated to Rukmani, wife of the Lord Krishna, the temple is 1600 year old.

Vasai (11 km)
For the history lovers, the place is a great draw and is identified with Kankavati, the seat of the Maitrak power in the 5th century AD. Vasai is home to a sun temple and other ancient ruins.

Nageshwar (13 km)
One of the prominent Jyotirlingas, the famous Naagnath (Shiva) Temple, also known as Nageshwar Mahadeo Temple, is located in the Dwarka forest.

Mithapur (22 km)
Mithapur is a model township of the Tata Chemical Factory. The factory here can be visited with the permission of the local management at Mithapur site.

Gopi Talav Teerth (23 km)
A place of religious importance it draws spiritual seekers. It is located near the island and further ahead lies Dwarikavan or forest of Dwarka.

Bet Dwarka (32 km)
The Shankhoddar Island known as Bet Dwarka or Dwarika isle or Ramandip, this island is supposed to be the place where Lord Krishna and his family lived. Dwarika isle is also believed to be the spot where Lord Vishnu slew the demon Shankasura. It is 5 km away  by sea from Okha. There are regular ferry services from Okha Port to Bet Dwarka. The temple of Ranchhodrai stands on the island, as does the Matsyavatar Temple.

Okha (32 km)
It is an important port on the west coast.

Harshad Mata Temple (58 km)
The temple is situated at bottom of Koyla Hill.  Harsidhi Matatji is also known as Ambica Mataji and Kalki Mataji.  The local people call her Harshad Mata.

Pindhara (72 km)
There is an ancient Purvasa Ashram and a Sun Temple

Madhavpur (160 km)
Lord Krishna and Rukshmani married here. A large fair is held here in March-April. Dehotsarg, at Treveni Ghat, is believed to be the site of Lord Krishna’s mortal incarnation’s cremation.