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Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha! Om! Sri Raghavendraya! Namaha!

Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya! Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

! Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam

Devaki Paramanandam Krishnam Vande Jagat Gurum!!

DWARKA KSHETRA

THE ABODE OF

LORD SRI KRISHNA

Index

Introduction

Jagat Mandir – The Temple of Dwarkadheesh

Dhwajaarohan at Dwarka Temple - Significance

Holy Places of Dwarka (Outside Jagat Mandir)

Nageshwar (Jyothirlinga Kshetra)

Dwarkashila (Chakrankitha)

Pilgrimage to Dwarka (Useful Information)

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Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!

Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!

Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya!

Om! Ham! Hanumathe Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

DWARKA KSHETRA

THE ABODE OF LORD SRI KRISHNA

An Introduction

Dwarka also spelled as Dwaraka is one of the most important and holy

places of India situated on the western coast of the country on the banks of

sacred river Gomati where it meets the Western Sea. It is located in the

Sourashtra region of Gujarat state in Jamnagar District. It is in existence

since Vedic and Pouranic days with great mythological significance. It is

held in high esteem as one of the seven most sacred places called as Sapta

Puri in the Indian Sub-continent. The seven sacred places are Ayodhya,

Mathura, Kasi, Kanchi, Avantika (Ujjain), Puri (Jagannathapuri), and

Dwarka. These seven places are said to be the most holy and religious

places attached with great spiritual importance that leads one towards

salvation. It is also called as one of the Char Dhams, the four abodes of God

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in four directions viz. Badari in the North, Rameswaram in the South, Puri

Jagannath in the East and Dwarka in the West. These are said to be the

most revered sites for Hindus to be visited at least once in their life time.

The word Dwarka is a combination of two words Dwar + Ka = Dwarka. It is

a Sanskrit word wherein, Dwar means a gate or a door or an entrance and

Ka has a mystic meaning suggesting Brahma the Supreme Being. Hence,

Dwarka means the gateway to Brahma – the Supreme Being. Dwarka also

means the gateway to liberation of soul from actions that is liberation from

Karma. Hence, Dwarka is also referred to as the Mukthidham or Mokshapuri.

Dwarka is also called as Dwaravati or Dwarakavati. Reference to Dwarka

can be found in many Pouranic scripts like Skandha Purana, Maha Bharatha,

Srimad Bhagavatha, Vishnu Purana, and Harivamsa Purana etc…

It is said that Brahma Manasa Puthras (mind born sons), Sanaka, Sananda,

Sanatana, Sanatkumara, assuming Dwarka as the seat of liberation, did

severe penance at this place for several thousands of years on the banks of

the ocean worshipping Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. As a result of which

Sudarshana Chakra the disc of Lord Maha Vishnu appeared first and later

Lord Maha Vishnu himself manifested here. Hence, the Lord at this place is

called as Chakra Narayana and the entire area of pilgrimage is known as

Chakra Theertha.

Thereafter the sages invited Ganga (Ganges) to come there and Ganga

descended there along with the sage Vasishta. The river Ganges flowing

here is referred to as Gomati and hence, Dwarka is also referred to as

Gomati Dwarka. The river Gomati merges with the ocean (Arabian Sea) at

this place and the point where the river merges with the ocean is known as

Gomati Sangam and hence, the Lord at this place is also referred to as

Sangam Narayana or Samudra Narayana. There is a great significance for

taking holy bath and performing sacred rites to forefathers at this Sangam

point of sacred river Gomati, as it will liberate one from the sins committed

in the previous births and is regarded as the gate way to salvation. His

ancestors belonging to three generations go to the abode of Vishnu and his

accumulated sins of thousands of years get destroyed. Mere darshan of

Gomati at Dwarka destroys all the sins, which are committed by thoughts,

words and deeds.

It is said that during Dwapara Yuga, sage Durvasa came to this place to

have Darshan of the Lord Chakra Narayana who got manifested there and

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for a holy bath in the sacred river Gomati. But he was obstructed by the

demons there. It is said that the sage went straight to Pathala Loka and

informed the same to Lord Trivikrama who was fulfilling the boon given to

his ardent devotee King Bali. Soon the Lord Trivikrama came to the rescue

of Sage Durvasa at Dwarka and hence, this place is also known as

Trivikrama Kshetra. It is also significantly holy place where prominent sages

like Athri, Marichi, Durvasa and Angirasa etc… made it as their abode and

performed sacred penance and austerities.

Dwarka is also called as Kushasthali the place where Kusa (Dharbha) used

by Lord Brahma fell on the earth while He was taking measurement of the

Earth. There is also another version of Kushasthali. It is said and believed

that there used to live a demon called Kusha at this place which is known as

Kushasthali and later Lord Sri Krishna killed him at this spot.

The coastal area of western region of which Dwarka forms a part of it was

the kingdom of Lord Sri Krishna‟s forefathers belonging to Yadu lineage.

Later on, during the end of Dwapara Yuga Lord Sri Krishna migrated to this

place and made Dwarka as his abode and capital of his kingdom.

Migration of Lord Sri Krishna to Dwarka

Lord Sri Krishna migrated to this place in order to protect his people in

Mathura from the frequent attacks of Jarasandha and Kalayavana. After the

killing of Kamsa (maternal uncle of Lord Sri Krishna) by the Lord Sri Krishna,

Jarasandha the father-in -law of Kamsa in order to take revenge against

Lord Sri Krishna, attacked Mathura as many as 17 times. Every time he

used to get defeated at the hands of Lord Sri Krishna and Balarama. On the

18th occasion, Jarasandha took the help of Kalayavana who also got

provoked from the words of Sage Narada and joined Jarasandha in attacking

Mathura. By that time Sri Krishna had pressure to move out of Mathura and

already had planned to shift to Dwarka considering it as the safest place.

When Mathura was thus attacked by both Jarasandha and Kalayavana, Lord

Sri Krishna overnight moved all his people from Mathura and made them

comfortable at Dwarka. His move from Mathura was quite dramatic. He

came back to the war field at Mathura and while Balarama was confronting

with Jarasandha, Lord Sri Krishna took on Kalayavana. He faced Kalayavana

without carrying any weapon and came to the war field by foot. Instead of

fighting with him, he pretended as if He is running away from the war field

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and provoked Kalayavana to catch him. Kalayavana chased Sri Krishna

assuming that He was really running away from the war. Sri Krishna in the

process was moving towards Dwarka, entered into a cave on the way and

hided himself behind a Sage who was in deep slumber. The sage was none

other than King Muchukunda. Sri Krishna pulled his upper cloth (Pitambara)

and spread it on Muchukunda.

Chasing Sri Krishna, Kalayavana entered the cave and mistook the person

sleeping there as Sri Krishna and hit him with his leg disturbing Muchukunda

from his sleep. When Muchukunda got disturbed, he got up from his sleep

and opened his eyes. Soon Kalayavana standing in front of him got burnt in

the fire emanated from his eyes and became ash within no time. Thus, Lord

Sri Krishna got rid of the mighty Kalayavana with his trick and in the process

crossed the border and migrated to Dwarka once for all. Since the mode of

his migration was a pretended running away from the war field Lord Sri

Krishna is also called as Ranchodrai (one who fled from the war) in Dwarka.

It was only a Leela of Bhagavan Sri Krishna apart from Kalayavana also had

a boon from Lord Shiva that, he would not get killed by Yadavas. Knowing

this, Sri Krishna had to adopt Muchukunda and also utilized his boon in

getting Kalayavana killed.

Story of Muchukunda

Muchukunda was belonging to Ikshvaku Dynasty in which Lord Sri Rama was

born and was the son of King Maandhatha. Muchukunda during his time had

helped a lot to the Deities in their war against Asuras. As a result of which

the Deities wanted to give him a boon. Muchukunda wanted Moksha as a

boon which the Deities expressed their inability. Only Lord Sri ManNarayana

is capable and empowered to give Moksha to anyone. Then, Muchukunda

asked for a boon of deep and undisturbed sleep for a long time which was

accorded on him. Besides he was also blessed that whoever disturbs him in

his sleep would get reduced into ashes from his glance. During the course of

his deep slumber Muchukunda got disturbed by Kalayavana and his glance

reduced Kalayavana into ashes. In the process Muchukunda had the darshan

of Lord Sri Krishna, the Paripoorna avathara of Lord Sri ManNarayana, the

Supreme Being. Lord Sri Krishna blessed him with Moksha in his next birth

and advised him to take up penance and accordingly he went to

Badarikasrama for performing penance.

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We find this story of Muchukunda and Kalayavana in Sri Mad Bhagavatham

in the 10th chapter (Dasamaskhandam)

When Lord Sri Krishna wanted to move to Dwarka and construct a city there,

there was water and forest all around. Then He requested Samudra (Lord of

the ocean) to move back 12 yojanas (approx 108 square miles). Then,

Viswakarma the Divine architect constructed a beautiful, magnificent,

glorious and majestic city on this land within no time where, Lord Sri Krishna

settled along with his people. It is said that Lord Sri Krishna lived in Dwarka

for 100 years with all his majesty and prowess till his Niryana. Sri Krishna‟s

era in Dwarka was considered as the Golden period and Dwarka was called

as the Golden city. Dwarka was considered as the capital of Lord Sri

Krishna‟s kingdom from where He used to administer his government, while

Bhet Dwarka an island 35 km way from Dwarka was considered as His

residence where He used to live with all his Queens. With the Niryana of

Lord Sri Krishna the legendary city of Dwarka got submerged along with its

glory more than 5000 years back.

It is believed that since then due to the damage and destruction by the sea

Dwarka has submerged six times and the present city of Dwarka is the 7th

such version built in the area. Though the original Dwarka is not present

today it is said to be the same land where the legendary Dwarka existed. It

is believed and said that the remains of the original Dwarka are still present

deep in the ocean. Lot of research work has been done in this regard and

some of the evidences have been unearthed.

Dwarka is surrounded by many other sacred and celestial places like Bhet

Dwarka, Nageshwar, Somnath, Harsiddhi Mata temple etc... Sun set view

at Dwarka is worth seeing. Dwarka is also the seat of one of the four

spiritual centers “Sharada Peeta” established by the great Hindu Philosopher

and Saint Sri Adi Sankaracharya.

Mere thought of going on a pilgrimage to Dwarka in a person‟s mind is said

to liberate his ancestors from their sins and hell. Providing food to a person

going on a pilgrimage to Dwarka is said to give virtues similar to that of

performing Shraaddha at Gaya. Giving Charity at Dwarka or on the way to

Dwarka, listening to the divine stories or songs in praise of Lord Sri Krishna

is highly meritorious and one will surely receive the blessings of Lord Sri

Krishna known as Dwarkadheesh. Donation of cow (Go-Dana) at the banks

of river Gomati is said to yield highly meritorious results.

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It is said that Gomati darshanam, Gomati Snanam (bath), Go-daanam

(donation of cow), Gopichandanam and darshan of Gopinatha (Lord Sri

Krishna) at Dwarka are very rare, sacred, celestial and highly meritorious.

Blessed are those who live in Dwarka and one who gets an opportunity to

see the face of Lord Sri Krishna (Dwarkadheesh) at Dwarka at least once in

their life time. With all its grandeur Dwarka is standing as an epitome of

Hindu Dharma, religion and culture attracting pilgrims from across the globe.

As per the temple sources more than five million devotes visited Dwarka

during the last financial year.

JAGAT MANDIR

THE TEMPLE OF DWARKADHEESH

Located in the heart of the city approximately two kilometers from Dwarka

railway station, Jagat Mandir is the seat of Lord Sri Krishna‟s main temple at

Dwarka situated on the banks of river Gomati. It was called as Trailokya

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Sundar Jagat Mandir, the temple of the Universe during Sri Krishna‟s era.

The presiding deity Lord Sri Krishna represents the four armed form

(Chaturbhuja) of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu known as Trivikrama with Kounch,

Disc, Mace and Lotus (Shanka, Chakra, Gada, Padma) in his four arms.

Seated in the centre of the altar on a silver throne, the Deity is called as

Dwarkadheesh (Ruler of Dwarka) and also known as Ranchodrai. The 2.25

ft. height majestic, charming and fascinating idol of the Deity is black in

colour with the sanctum sanctorum fully decorated.

The temple has two entrances. The main entrance (north entrance) is called

“Moksha Dwar” (Door to Salvation) from where devotees enter the temple.

This entrance leads to the main market. Other one, the south entrance is

called “Swarga Dwar” (Gate to Heaven) with 56 steps leading down to the

river Gomati where pilgrims exit. In view of its national heritage the temple

entry is fully secured with every one entering the temple are required to

pass through a security check. Carrying of Mobile phones and Cameras

inside the temple is prohibited.

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Legend behind the idol

It is said and believed that the original idol installed by Vajranabha has

moved to a place called Dakor (50 km from Vadodara) where one can find a

similar temple of Lord Sri Krishna called as Ranchodrai temple. As per the

legend it is said that during 15th century an ardent devotee of Lord Sri

Krishna, by name Badana used to come to Dwarka daily to have a glimpse of

Lord Sri Krishna. Appeased with her devotion it is said that the Lord one day

went along with her to Dakor and settled there. In its place a similar

(replica) idol was installed at Dwarka that was found in the lake called

Gomati Lake at Dakor. Only difference that we find between the two is that

the eyes of the idol are fully open in the original one that is currently in

Dakor while the one that is enshrined at Dwarka is with eyes half opened. It

is so because, as per the directions given by the Lord to the priests of

Dwarka, they were supposed to find a replica idle at Dakor on a particular

day. Whereas, the priests in their anxiety and inquisitiveness, excavated the

suggested site quite early and found an idol with eyes half opened.

Originally the Dwarkadheesh temple is said and believed to have been built

by Vajranabha the great grand son of Lord Sri Krishna more than 2500 years

back on the Hari Gruha, the erstwhile palace of Lord Sri Krishna in Dwarka.

It was in an umbrella shape initially. Since then temple structure has

undergone many changes. Currently called as Jagat Mandir also known as

Nija Mandir, the 16th century old structure of the main temple is a glorious

one exquisitely carved with the temple tower reaching a height of 52 meters.

Built in an area of approx 600 square meters the splendid Jagat Mandir

situated on the banks of river Gomati at a height of 70 feet above the sea

level has two gigantic towers. One with a height of 170 feet which is seven

storied called as Ladwa Shikar and the other with a height of 157 feet which

is five storied called as Nija Shikar. The idol of Lord Dwarkadheesh is

enshrined in the Nija Shikar in the Sabha Mantap supported by 60 pillars.

Construction of the chariot like temple is based on 72 exquisitely carved

monolithic pillars built with granite and stone without any arch. The temple

consists of a sanctum, vestibule and a rectangular hall with porches on three

sides. A huge multi coloured majestic flag mounted on the top of the temple

tower keeps flying always that can be seen from as far way as 10 km. The

flag is made from 52 yards of cloth that is changed four times in a day.

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Till today natural disasters have not caused any damage to the temple even

though it is situated on the coast of Arabian Sea at the banks of Gomati

River. It is said that Pakistan Air Force had made an unsuccessful attempt

to bombard this temple during 1965 war.

The priests who conduct the pooja and other rituals in the temple are called

as Aboti/Gugali Brahmins. The temple has a set of scheduled pooja and

rituals performed every day starting from morning 7.00 am to night 9.30 pm

with breaks in between. During the morning Aarati time at 7.00 am even

the local residents also join the pilgrims to have a glimpse of Lord Sri

Krishna when there will be a big rush in the temple. The occasion is worth

seeing. Jagat Mandir is managed by a separate trust called Dwarkadheesh

Devasthan Samithi comprising of representatives from local bodies,

residents and bureaucrats with District Collector as its President. Number of

pilgrims visiting the temple is increasing year by year. As per the temple

sources more than five million people have visited the Jagat Mandir during

the last financial year.

Other Temples of Jagat Mandir

Apart from the main temple of Dwarkadheesh there are many other temples

surrounding it within the complex of Jagat Mandir.

There is a temple to the right of the main Deity that contains the Deity of

Lord Balarama, Sri Krishna‟s brother. The temple to the left of the main

Deity contains a large deity of Pradhyumna and a smaller deity of Aniruddha,

the son and grandson of Lord Krishna respectively. Opposite this shrine is

the shrine of Purushottama (Vishnu). The shrine across from Lord

Dwarkadheesh (exactly opposite) holds the deity of Devaki, Lord Krishna‟s

mother. Next to her is a temple dedicated to Veni-Madhava (Lord Vishnu).

On the right hand side of the Moksha Dwar entrance, is Shri Kusheshwar

Mahadev, Sathyanarayana temple and Navagraha temple. Moving ahead

comes, a temple of Lord Krishna's family Goddess Ambaji (Durga). Going

back to the Moksha Dwar entrance, to the left comes, the temple of Kashi

Viswanath. Moving ahead are the temples of Sri Gayathri and Lord

Dattatreya.

On the backside of Shri Dwarkadheesh temple is the temple of Sage Durvasa

the family priest of the Lord Sri Krishna. To its back is the Patrani temple

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which is surrounded by various other temples including that of Jambavathi,

Radhika with Lord Krishna, Laxmi Narayana, Sri Gopala Krishna, Sri Laxmi,

Sathyabhama and Goddess Saraswati temple. Adjacent to the Patrani temple

is Sri Sankaracharya Mutt.

The idol of goddess Shakti is at the fourth floor of Lord Dwarkadheesh

temple. Due to security reasons all are not allowed to go to the upper floors

of the temple complex. Only those who perform the Dhwajaarohan Seva

(Flag hoisting) are allowed to go to upstairs for hoisting the flag.

One can also find the temples of Lord Ganesha and Garuda inside the Jagat

Mandir. There is also a snake bill near the Dwarkadheesh temple

representing Balarama who was the avathara of Lord Adi Sesha.

Kusheshwar Mahadev Temple

In the Jagat Mandir temple premises, a temple of Kusheshwar Mahadev

(Lord Shiva) near Moksha Dwar on the right side has significance of its own.

Kusheshwar Mahadev is said to be the equal partner with the Lord Sri

Krishna in Dwarka's pilgrimage and not having Darshan of Kusheshwar

Mahadev is synonym of incomplete pilgrimage. The story of Kusheshwar

Mahadev goes like this. There was a demon called Kush in the area long ago.

The area was then called 'Kushasthali' a place of Kush under his influence.

Everyone was scared of his devilish awe. People prayed to Lord Sri Krishna

to free them from the clutches of Kush. Sri Krishna killed and crushed him

till he went much below the ground beneath. Sri Krishna then set up a

temple of his family Deity, Mahadev (Shiva) and hence the name

Kusheshwar Mahadev. The specialty of the temple is that the Shiva lingam is

installed 20 ft below the ground. Devotees offer prayers to Kusheshwar

Mahadev and then go for Darshan of Sri Krishna.

DHWAJAAROHAN AT DWARKA TEMPLE - SIGNIFICANCE

Generally we observe our country‟s national flag hoisted on the top of

Parliament House, Rashtrapathi Bhavan, Assembly Hall, residences of VVIPs,

Prime Govt. Offices, National monuments etc… Even the vehicles of VVIPS

carry the national flag. We also find important temples and religious places

across the country adorned with their own flags. A flag thus hoisted is

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denoted as a symbol of pride, honour, recognition and prestige of that

particular office, or person. In religious parlance, such flag is known as

Dhwaja. We find generally, all the temples in Hindu religion have a pillar in

front of its Deity known as Dhwaja Sthambam. In olden days, Emperors and

Kings used to have their flag on the top of their chariots. In Mahabharata

war we find Arjuna‟s chariot adorned with a flag having a symbol of Lord

Hanuman.

Similar such Dhwaja (flag) we find on the peak of Dwarkadheesh temple,

adorned by a unique multi coloured flag, having symbols of Sun and Moon

depicted on the flag that keeps waving continuously. Hoisting of flag on the

temple top of Dwarkadheesh at Dwarka has a unique significance. Devotees

of Dwarkadheesh attach special importance to offering Dhwaja to

Dwarkadheesh's Jagat Mandir. Devotees volunteer to offer Dhwaja to the

Lord out of faith. This flag or Dhwaja is changed four times in a day and on

Thursdays it is changed five times. Booking has to be made three months in

advance for performing this ritual.

Several devotees vow to hoist Dhwaja of their own on the Dwarkadheesh

temple on fulfillment of their desires. It is a kind of faith, worship and form

to offer prayers to the Lord Sri Krishna. It is a form of expressing their

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gratitude to the Lord by unfurling a new flag on the summit of the temple.

It becomes a festival, a religious ritual in the family. A devotee celebrates

and performs Dhwajaarohan as per his wish and capacity. He invites his

friends and relatives. They ceremonially carry the Dhwaja (flag) on their

heads, moves towards Dwarkadheesh temple in a procession, chanting

songs and slogans in praise of the Lord. A prayer is offered to Dhwaja

traditionally with the help of learned priests. Dhwaja is placed at Lotus feet

of Dwarkadheesh with offerings and then it is handed over for hoisting. As

an accomplishment of the whole process, the priest throws a coconut from

top of the peak to mark the Dhwajaarohan. The pieces of the broken coconut

are distributed as the Lord's prasadam. Dwarka Gugali Brahmin Samaj

manages this ritual of Dhwajaarohan by the devotees.

Overwhelming response to booking of such Dhwaja speak volumes of faith

devotees have in Dwarkadheesh (Lord Sri Krishna). Incidentally, till 1965

only one Dhwaja used to be offered to the Lord in a day. After Dwarka got

unscathed despite bombing on Dwarka by the Pakistani Air force during

1965 war, people‟s faith in Dwarkadheesh got multiplied. As a result it was

decided to have four Dhwaja during the day.

Significance of Dwarkadheesh Flag

Dwarkadheesh's flag (Dhwaja) always fly high. It has a special meaning to

the devotees. The worshippers of Dwarkadheesh have a lot to say in praise

of hoisting the flag on the peak. In fact, for the devotees it is more than any

other family event or a festival.

52 yards of woven cloth is used for making the Dhwaja out of which fifty-two

nos. of small flags are made and joined together to make a single flag. Each

small flag has its own significance & identity. Each yard indicates the

entrance to Dwarka of Sri Krishna‟s era and it also symbolizes flags on the

residences of fifty-two officers of Dwarka in the ministry of Lord Sri Krishna.

These 52 yards symbolizes, fifty entrances (gates) to the palace of

Dwarkadheesh Lord Sri Krishna, with each gate having a Dhwaja (flag)

besides the two main gates Swarga Dwar & Moksha Dwar of Dwarkadheesh

palace.

It is said that the Dhwaja of Dwarkadheesh has a combined significance of

Aadibhautik, Aadhyatmik and Aadidaivik elements. Aadibhautik the flag

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represents the entrances to the palace of Lord Sri Krishna & residences of

Yadavas officers. Devotees offering obeisance and devotion to the flag

indicates Aadhyatmik element. Dhwaja of Dwarkadheesh indicates its Divine

nature. When each yard of cloth is separate and isolated, it is merely a

piece of cloth. But when it is tailored to make a Dhwaja, it incarnates the

divine nature and becomes an abode of Dwarkadheesh's Aadidaivik

swaroopa. The flag that is hoisted is of seven different colours like that of a

rainbow with each colour representing for its unique qualities and

characteristics.

Dwarka considered as the Mokshapuri, one of the seven most revered

pilgrim centers of India, hoisting of flag (Dhwaja) on the temple top of

Dwarkadheesh at Dwarka is considered as highly auspicious, sacred,

celestial and meritorious. It is believed and said that since Hari- Vishnu–

Trivikrama who relieves mankind from the Karma bhandhana always resides

at Dwarka, the ritual has gained even spiritual significance. The 52 yards

flag waving from the summit of the temple can be seen from a great

distance and people believe and consider a glance at it as a holy sight.

Holy Places of Dwarka (Outside Jagat Mandir)

Gomati Sangam Ghat:

Going out of the south gate of Jagat Mandir called Swarga Dwar, climbing

down 56 steps, one can reach Gomati ghat where sacred river Gomati flows.

At the request of great Sages the river Ganges descended from Heaven

along with the sage Vasista and manifested at this place as Gomati.

Moving further down to the right side, the river Gomati meets the ocean and

the point of confluence is known as Gomati Sangam. This is the point where

Lord Sri Maha Vishnu manifested along with his Sudarshana Chakra and

gave darshan to Brahma Manasa Puthras (mind born sons of Lord Brahma).

From Gomati Sangam 32 miles area along the banks of river Gomati on

either side is called as Chakratheertha where one can still find wheel marked

white porous type stones called as Dwarkashila or Chakrankitha. To the

extreme end of the Sangam point across the Gomati Ghat on the right side

one can find an imposing temple of Samudra Narayana.

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There are as many as 12 Ghats across the sangam point which are

renovated and made accessible to the pilgrims for taking bath as well as for

performing sacred rites. Climbing down the steps from Swarga Dwar as you

walk across these Ghats you will find number of small temples including that

of Gomati Devi (the river Goddess). The temple of Jagat Mandir is located

almost at the spot where Gomati meets the ocean.

There is a great significance for taking holy bath and performing sacred rites

to forefathers at this Sangam point of sacred river Gomati where Lord Sri

Krishna known to have taken bath several times. It is said that it will

liberate one from the sins committed in the previous births and is regarded

as the gate way to salvation. His ancestors belonging to three generations

go to the abode of Vishnu and his accumulated sins of thousands of years

get destroyed. Mere darshan of Gomati at Dwarka destroys all the sins,

which are committed by thoughts, words and deeds.

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PANCHNAD THEERTHA

On the other side of river Gomati there is a place called Panchanad

Theertha. Having heard about the arrival of Lord Vishnu at Dwarka, five

prominent sages like Marichi and others came to Dwarka to have a darshan

of Dwarkapuri. They established a pilgrimage known as Panchanad

Theertha and on their invocation five rivers arrived at their location. River

Gomati came at the invocation of Sage Marichi, river Laxmana came at the

invocation of Sage Athri, river Chandrabhaga came at the invocation of Sage

Angirasa, river Kushawati came at the invocation of Sage Pulah and river

Jambavathi arrived at the invocation of Sage Kratu respectively.

Today these five rivers are resembled as five sweet water wells surrounded

by sea water. Generally on the sea shore we find water to be salty in taste.

Whereas in Panchanad Theertha water from these wells taste sweet. This

area is said to be the Tapo Bhoomi of eminent sage Durvasa. There is also a

temple of Lord Lakshmi Narayana mounted on his vehicle Garuda. Outside

the temple we find a portrait of Sage Durvasa under a tree. It is said that

who ever aspires for salvation should take a bath in these wells. Since it is

not possible to take bath here, one can at least taste the water. Panchanad

Theertha is also referred to the visit of Pandavas to this place during

Dwapara Yuga and five wells are called by their names. Water in each well

differs in taste from that of the others.

RUKMANI MANDIR

Rukmani Devi considered as the prime queen (Patrani) of Lord Sri Krishna,

doesn‟t have an exclusive temple inside the Jagat Mandir. The temple is

located 2 km away from Dwarka on the way to Bhet Dwarka. There is a

myth associated with it.

Once, Sri Krishna and Rukmani went to sage Durvasa to invite him to

Dwarka. He agreed to it on a condition that they (Sri Krishna & Rukmani)

have to pull the chariot carrying sage Durvasa. Sri Krishna & Rukmani

happily agreed to do so. While driving the chariot, Rukmani became thirsty.

She sought the help of Lord Sri Krishna. In order to bail her out, Sri Krishna

stopped the chariot and made water of Holy River Ganga by digging with his

toe on the ground. Annoyed by her action Sage Durvasa cursed Rukmani to

live apart from Shri Krishna. As per local version it is said that, Rukmani

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Devi did penance for 12 years at this spot to get rid of the curse and finally

pleased with her prayers, Lord Sri Maha Vishnu appeared and the curse got

absolved.

At the spot where Rukmani Devi did the penance and Vishnu Padodhbhavi

(Ganga) manifested as a spring through a Leela of Lord Sri Krishna a temple

has come up, located 2 km away from Dwarka's Jagat Mandir. It is widely

believed among the devotees that the pilgrimage is incomplete if a devotee

doesn't go to offer prayers at Rukmani Temple even if he has worshiped the

Lord at Dwarkadheesh temple. The temple is an architectural masterpiece.

The temple walls are decorated with beautiful paintings depicting her

pastimes with Sri Krishna. This temple is said to date back to the 12th

century and is a holy place to be visited.

There is a beautiful marble idol of Rukmani Devi with Chaturbhuja, holding

Shanka Chakra, Gada and Padma in four hands indicating that she is the

avathara of Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi the consort of Lord SriManNarayana.

GOPI THALAV (GOPI TALLAVA)

During His Childhood, Sri Krishna had played Rasa Leela many times with

Gopikas (young female inhabitants of Brindavana). There is a myth that,

after leaving Gokul Lord Sri Krishna never gone back to Brindavana, in spite

of fervent appeals made by them. One day in order to provide them an

opportunity to have his darshan, Lord Sri Krishna sent a message to Gokul

through his close friend Uddhava. All the Gopis then followed Uddhava to

Dwarka to have darshan of Lord Sri Krishna. After reaching Dwarka, the

Gopis had darshan of Lord Sri Krishna on the banks of a Sarovar (lake)

known as Maya Sarovar. After taking a bath in the Sarovar and playing

Rasa Leela with Lord Sri Krishna once again, all the shackles of Gopis were

shattered and the Maya got removed from their hearts.

Gopis are very dear to Lord Sri Krishna and He got another lake constructed

at this place named after them and all the Gopis lived there and achieved

salvation at the end. Hence, this lake became a sacred and holy place

known as 'Gopi Talav'.

Taking bath in this lake and offering sacred rites to forefathers is considered

to be sacred and highly meritorious. The sacred clay from Gopi-Tallava is

yellow in colour and is extremely smooth. It is known as Gopi Chandana

and is used regularly by followers of Lord Vishnu (Sri Krishna) especially the

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followers of Madhwa philosophy to make thilak marks on their bodies with its

paste. Gopi Thalav also called Gopi Tallava is located 20km to the north of

Dwarka on the way to Bhet Dwarka.

BHET DWARKA

While Gomati Dwarka was the seat of Lord Sri Krishna‟s administration, Bhet

Dwarka was His residence where He used to reside along with his Queens.

It is believed to be the same place where Sudhama (Kuchela), Lord Sri

Krishna‟s boyhood friend had met Him and gave "Bhet" (Gift) of "Tandulam-

Poha (Rice). Hence, it is called as Bhet-Dwarka. Also known as Bhet

Shankhoddhar it is said to be the place where Lord Sri Maha Vishnu slew the

demon called Shankasura during his Matsyavtar.

There is a temple of Dwarkadheesh similar to the one at Dwarka (Jagat

Mandir). Only difference we find is that, in Bhet Dwarka the Lord is holding

his Conch in an oblique position whereas in Jagat Mandir it is held in a

vertical position. Regular pooja/rituals are held in the temple on similar lines

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of Jagat Mandir. There is also a temple of Balarama next to Dwarkadheesh

temple within the complex. There is a huge hall outside the temple said to

have been the place where Lord Sri Krishna along with his consorts received

and honoured Sudhama (Kuchela). There is big portrait depicting the picture

of Lord Sri Krishna as said above. Before entering into the temple one has

to go through the security check outside. Cameras and mobiles phones are

not allowed inside the temple complex.

It is said that, there are 20 Vishnu temples, 23 Shiva temples, 14 Devi

temples, and 9 Hanuman temples in and around Bhet Dwarka. Famous

among them are, Neelakanta Mahadev, Dhingeshwar Mahadev, Shankh

Narayan and Abhay Mata temples, which are built on the old places in later

part of eighteenth century. Bhet Dwarka also has an old temple of

„Matsyavtar‟ of Lord Vishnu. All these temples are outside the main temple

of Dwarkadheesh. Among Hanuman temples the one at Hanuman Dandi,

five km away from Dwarkadheesh temple is said to be worth mentioning.

Bhet Dwarka is said to be the remains of the land borrowed from the God of

Ocean to build the original city of Dwarka that is believed to have

submerged into the ocean after Sri Krishna‟s Niryana. The sea around

Dwarka is full of remains of sculptural and archeological significance and

hence attracts scholars of history, archeology equally. Lot of research and

excavation has taken place around Bhet Dwarka and some of the remains

found have been assumed to be of historical period. From the excavations

made at this place it is assumed that Bhet Dwarka was a port once upon a

time and was destructed due to sea storms. It is said that a team of

archeologists lead by Prof. S.R. Rao have conducted series of search

campaigns at this place. They are said to have unearthed some of the

remains of a well organized town assumed to have been Dwarka of Sri

Krishna‟s era that got submerged.

Bhet Dwarka is located 35 km to the north of Dwarka on an island in the

middle of the Arabian Sea, next to the port town of Okha. From Okha port

Bhet Dwarka is about 5 km distance by sea and it takes about twenty

minutes by boat to reach this place. One has to necessarily cross the sea to

reach Bhet Dwarka. Boats usually depart only when they are full, and they

can seat a hundred passengers. Entire trip to the island from the town of

Dwarka will take at least four hours. Okha is well connected by both rail and

road.

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NAGESHWAR THE JYOTHIRLINGA KSHETRA

Among the holy places of Dwarka outside the Jagat Mandir, Nageshwar is

one of the most revered places worth visiting where, the presiding Deity

Lord Shiva is in the form of a Jyothirlinga. It is said to be one of the

Dwadasa (12) Jyothirlinga Kshetras, the most sacred places for worshipping

Lord Shiva. It is located at a distance of 15 km from Dwarka on the way to

Bhet Dwarka.

According to a popular legend behind the origin of this Kshetra it is said that,

this place was originally known as Darukavana. As per the Dwadasa

Jyothirlinga Sthothra it is referred to as „Nagesham Darukavane‟. There used

to live a demon called Daruka in this place who used to tyrannize people on

their pilgrimage and make them his captives. On one such occasion an

ardent devotee of Lord Shiva by name Supriya was waylaid by Daruka while

she was travelling in a boat and held her in captive along with others.

Supriya being a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva started praying Him with the

holy Panchakshari Mantra Om! Namah! Sivaayah! When Daruka attempted

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to kill her, Lord Shiva instantly appeared and vanquished the demon and

manifested there in the form of a Jyothirlinga.

It is said as per another legend that, the Jyothirlinga got revealed by

Pandavas while residing in this region during their exile. Their cows used to

go to a river in that place daily to drink water. After drinking water their

milk used to flow automatically from their udders into the river.

Bheemasena happened to see this and immediately reported it to his elder

brother Dharmaraja. Assuming that there must be some shrine in the river

the Pandavas entered the river to locate the shrine. They found that the

center of the river was so hot that the water there was boiling. At the

intervention of Bheemasena the river parted its way revealing the Jyotirlinga

of Lord Shiva. It seemed that the cows were offering milk in prayer.

Unlike normal Shiva Linga which will be black in colour that resembles a

pillar rounded at the top, the one that is enshrined at Nageshwar is unique

in its form and colour. It is made from a stone popularly known as Dwarka

Shila (Chakrankitha) with small imprints of a disc. Chakrankitha stones are

found only in Dwarka Kshetra which is hardly 15 km from Nageshwar. The

Shiva Linga enshrined in an underground sanctum is more or less in the

shape of a three faced oval Rudraksha. Behind the Shiva Linga there is an

idol of Goddess Parvathi.

Another unique feature at this Shiva Kshetra is that the Shiva Linga faces

south while the Gomukham faces east. Usually the Shiva Lingam and

Gomukham face in the same direction, but not so in the Nageshwar temple.

It seems initially both faced east direction. But according to a legend once a

devotee named Namdev was singing hymns in front of the Lord. The other

devotees were obstructed and asked him to move aside. Namdev then stood

to the south of the lingam. To the astonishment of everyone only the lingam

turned south to face Namdev, while the Gomukham continued to point

eastwards.

The Jyotirlinga enshrined in the temple is known as Nageshwar Mahadev and

attracts thousands of pilgrims all round the year. This powerful Jyotirlinga

symbolizes protection from all poisons. It is said that those who pray to the

Nageshwar Linga becomes free from poison of both the body and the mind.

To get a close darshan of the Jyothirlinga and to perform abhishekam the

male persons are required to wear a dhoti. On festival occasions like Maha

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Shivarathri, Kartheeka Masam, many devotees come from far off places to

seek the divine blessings and there will be a big rush of pilgrims on those

days. A 25 m tall statue of a sitting Lord Shiva and a large garden with a

pond are major attractions of this rather serene place.

It is believed and said that this place was once a Naga Kshetra (city of

Snakes) and Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Vasuki the king of Cobras

for a long time. Thenceforth, Lord Shiva manifested in the form of a

Jyothirlinga at this place came to be known as Nageshwar.

There is a controversy on the location of the epic forest Darukavana to

identify the location of Nageshwara Jyothirlinga (Nagesham Darukavane)

with two other places contesting viz…Almora in Uttarakhand and Aundha in

Maharastra. Whatever may be the controversy, Nageshwar located on the

way to Bhet Dwarka from Dwarka in the land of Lord Sri Krishna, with its

unique positioning of the Shiva Linga is reverentially worshipped as a

powerful Shiva Kshetra.

DWARKA SHILA (CHAKRANKITHA)

Dwarka Shila also called as Dwaravati Shila is a wheel (chakra) marked

white porous type stones that are found in Gomati River at Dwarka. Chakra

(Disc) mark is the most distinguishing feature of these stones, and hence

they are also called as Chakrankitha Shila. The place where the river Gomati

meets the ocean at Dwarka is known as Chakra Theertha as it is said that

Lord Maha Vishnu had manifested here along with Sudarshana Chakra in the

form of Dwarka Shila. The famous Nageshwar Jyothirlinga near Dwarka is

made up of a large size Dwarkashila (Chakrankitha).

Many Pouranic scripts like Varaha Purana, Skhanda Purana, Garuda Purana,

Brahma Purana, and Prahlada Samhita are said to have made reference to

the merits and glory of Dwarka Shila. As per these scripts it is said that,

whoever touches a Dwarka Shila having the mark of a Vishnu-Chakra will

become free of all sins. Mere Darshana of a Dwaraka-Shila is said to fulfill

all the desires. It is said that, without a doubt even if a sinful person

worships a Dwaraka-Shila he becomes free from all his sins. According to

Dwaraka Mahatmya, it is said that a Shila marked with Chakras coming from

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Dwaraka is also called as Chakra-Tirtha. It is highly sacred and meritorious

to worship a Salagrama Shila along with Chakrankitha (Dwarka Shila) since

both are the manifested forms of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and Dwarka Shila is

assumed as Lord Sri Krishna.

These Dwarka Shilas are identified with different names based on the

number of Chakra marks on it, ranging from one to twelve and worshipping

each specific one has its own merits. It is said that a Dwarka Shila with one

prominent Wheel (Chakra) is known as Sudarshana, a Shila with two

Chakras is Lakshmi-Narayana, and one with three Chakras is Trivikrama.

The Shila marked with four Chakras is Janardhana, with five Chakras is

Vasudeva, with six Chakras is Pradhyumna, and with seven Chakras is

Balabhadra. The one that has eight Chakras is called Purushottama, one with

nine Chakras is known as Navavyuha, with ten Chakras is Dashamurti

(Dasavathara), and with eleven Chakras is Aniruddha. That Dwaraka-Shila

with twelve Chakras is Dwadasatmaka, and one with more than twelve

Chakras is known as Ananta. Besides giving materialistic benefits,

worshipping these shilas along with a Salagrama shows the path to

salvation.

Generally we come across the Dwarka Shilas that have more than twelve

chakras. It is said that, in such a case the one with even numbered chakras

are to be preferred. The shape of the Dwarka Shila also determines the type

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of the Shila. Generally round and square shilas are preferred for worshipping

which are but rare. These stones also occur in different colours, but white

stones are considered most suitable for worship. One can easily find these

stones in the river bed of Gomati River while they are also sold across the

Gomati Ghat. It is believed and said that one should not buy or sell a

Salagrama or Chakrankitha (Dwarka Shila) and worshipping the one which is

acquired by themselves is highly auspicious. One has to take proper care in

selecting these stone which has proper formation of Chakras with proper

shape, without a hole, which is white in colour and unbroken. Worshipping

a Chakrankitha with Thulasi Dala is very sacred and highly meritorious.

PILGRIMAGE TO DWARKA

USEFUL INFORMATION

Location

Dwarka is one of the most important and holy places of India situated on the

western coast of the country on the banks of sacred river Gomati where it

meets the Western Sea. It is in the Sourashtra region of Gujarat state in

Jamnagar District, located on the confluence of Gomati River and the Gulf of

Kutch between 22.14‟ N latitude and 68.58‟ E longitude. Dwarka the

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headquarters of Okhamandal taluka is in the extreme west of the Saurashtra

peninsula on the Arabian Sea.

Languages spoken: Gujarati, Hindi, and English

How to reach Dwarka?

By Rail

Dwarka is on the rail map of India coming under the Western Railway,

connecting major towns and cities across the country via Vadodara,

Ahmadabad, Surat, Rajkot and Jamnagar. It is on the Ahmadabad - Okha

broad gauge railway line, about 137 km from Jamnagar, 225 km from Rajkot

and 471 km from Ahmadabad, 570 km from Vadodara. Some of the trains

passing via Dwarka are also extended up to Okha the port town 30 km away

from Dwarka.

By Road

Dwarka is on the state highway connected with major towns and cities of

Gujarat by road. There are regular buses from Dwarka to

Veeraval/Somnath, Porbandar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Ahmadabad,

and Vadodara (Baroda).

By Air

The nearest airports connecting Dwarka are Jamnagar (145 km) and Rajkot

(225 km) with regular flights from Mumbai. Jet Airways and Indian Airlines

operate regularly in this sector.

Local Sight Seeing (Dwarka Darshan)

For local sight seeing to places nearby Dwarka, taxi facilities are available

and they charge Rs.600/- covering Rukmani Mandir, Nageshwar, Gopi Thalav

and Bhet Dwarka. However to go to Bhet Dwarka the road is up to Okha

port only, from where one has to necessarily go by boat and cross the sea.

There is also a local bus service facility available, operating twice in a day

that takes pilgrims to the nearby places up to Okha Port.

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Distances from Dwarka

Rukmani Mandir – 2 km

Nageshwar – 15 km Gopi Thalav – 20 km

Okha Port – 30 km

Okha to Bhet Dwarka – 5km (by boat)

Somnath – 230 km Porbandar – 100 km

Rajkot – 225 km Ahmadabad – 472 km

Baroda (Vadodara) – 570 km Mumbai – 962 km

Accommodation at Dwarka

There is no dearth for accommodation at Dwarka. There is good number of

hotels Dharmashalas and Guest houses available at Dwarka with all ranges

(moderate to deluxe facilities). Reliance Industries are running a guest

house (Kokila Dhiraj Dham) at Dwarka with good number of rooms at

reasonable cost. Udupi Sri Palimar Mutt (contact No. 09924090326) is

running its branch at Dwarka providing accommodation to the pilgrims.

Check out time at Dwarka hotels is 24 hours. One can enjoy a good Gujarati

Thali in Dwarka Hotels.

What to see at Dwarka?

Inside Jagat Mandir:

Moksha Dwar, Kusheshwar Mahadev, Devaki Devi, Veni Madhav Temple,

Balaram Temple, Sabha Mantap, 60 pillared sanctum, Dwarkadheesh

Temple, Pradhyumna & Aniruddha Temple, Purushottama Temple, Temples

of Radha Devi, Jambavathi, Sathyabhama, and Lakshmi, Shakthi Temple on

the 4th floor, Dhwaja (Flag) on temple top, Sri Sharada Peeta.

Outside Jagat Mandir: Swarga Dwar, Gomathi Temple, Gomati Ghat, Gomati River, Sangam,

Samudra Narayan temple, Panchanad Theertha, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev, Light House (open between 16.30 to 18.00 hours), and Sunset point.

On the Way to Bhet Dwarka:

Rukmani Devi Mandir, Nageshwar (Jyotirlinga), Gopi Tallava, and Okha Port

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At Bhet Dwarka:

Dwarkadheesh Temple, Balaram Mandir, Shankha Narayan temple,

Matsyavtar temple, Neelakanta Mahadev, Dhingeshwar Mahadev, and

Hanuman Dandi.

Temple Timings (Jagat Mandir)

Jagat Mandir is open for public from 7.00 am to 12.30 pm and 5.00 pm to

9.30 pm. Darshan also remains closed in between for an interval of 15

minutes while performing certain rituals. Aarati darshan takes place three

times in a day at 7.00 am, 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm. Timings of daily

pooja/rituals and darshan may vary during festive occasions.

Festival Occasions: Janmastami (Krishnaastami), Holi, Dussera, Akshaya

Thrutheeya, Deepavali, Govardhana Pooja, are some of the festive occasions

when celebrations are held at Dwarka on a large scale with lots of people

coming from far off places.

Contact Details:

Administrator

Dwarkadheesh Devasthan Samithi

Shree Dwarkadheesh Temple, Dwarka - 361 335

Jamnagar District, Gujarat State

Tele: 02892-234080

Web Address: For more details please refer to

Official website: www.dwarkadhish.org Other useful site: www.pndwarka.com

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

bhargavasarma