The Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir) is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites, located in Dwarka, Gujarat. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra and is believed to be over 2500 years old, originally built by Vajranabh, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna.
🌊 Temple Overview
Dwarka is revered as the “Gateway to Moksha.” The temple stands atop a hill, with over 50 steps leading up to its intricately sculpted stone structure. The 43-meter-high spire of the temple is crowned with a 52-yard cloth flag that flutters toward the Arabian Sea.
The complex houses several smaller shrines, and its walls are adorned with mythical carvings. Entry is through the Swarg Dwar (Heaven Gate) and exit via the Moksha Dwar (Salvation Gate). A pedestrian bridge, Sudama Setu, connects the temple to the Gomti Creek beach.
🕉️ The Deities
The sanctum houses a magnificent four-armed idol of Lord Krishna as Trivikrama (form of Vishnu). Also worshipped are idols of Baldevaji, Pradyumna, Aniruddha, and Devaki. Other shrines within the complex are dedicated to Radhika, Satyabhama, Lakshmi-Narayan, Saraswati, Jambuvati, and Kuseswara Mahadeva (Shiva).
🙏 Rituals & Festivals
Puja and Arti are performed daily by Aboti Brahmins, a lineage serving the temple for centuries. Rituals include Abhishek (bathing ceremony), dressing the Lord with flowers and ornaments, and multiple artis throughout the day.
Janmashtami is the grandest festival, drawing millions of devotees. The temple is illuminated with thousands of lights during this time.
📜 The Legend of Badana
According to legend, a devout woman named Badana visited the temple daily from Dakor. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Krishna accompanied her back to Dakor in idol form. When priests pursued her, she offered them gold in return for the idol. The idol weighed only as much as her nose-ring—a miracle from the Lord.
Later, priests discovered a replica idol at Dwarka, as foretold by the Lord. This idol is now enshrined in the temple.
🏛️ History & Architecture
As per the Harivansh (appendix to the Mahabharata), Lord Krishna ruled Dwarka for 100 years before it submerged into the sea. Archaeological evidence suggests coastal submersion occurred around 1500 BCE.
The current structure, built in the Mughal period, includes architectural elements from the 15th to 19th century. Built on 72 pillars, the 78.3-meter-tall temple is a five-story marvel. The Moksha Dwara (north gate) leads to the sanctum, while the Swarga Dwara (south gate) leads to the Gomti River via 56 steps.
⏰ Visiting Hours
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
November to February offers pleasant weather. The temple is most vibrant during Janmashtami celebrations.
🚍 How to Reach Dwarkadhish Temple
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jamnagar (146 km)
- By Rail: Dwarka is well-connected by train; local transport is available
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis operate across Gujarat
