Dwarkadhish Temple – The Kingdom of Krishna in Dwarka, Gujarat

📍 Address:
Dwarkadhish Temple, Jagat Mandir, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335, India

Temple Specifications:

• Deity: Lord Krishna (as Dwarkadhish – “King of Dwarka”)
• Built By: Vajranabh, the great-grandson of Krishna
• Architectural Style: Chalukya style with intricate carvings
• Main Features:
  • 5-storeyed structure standing on 72 beautifully sculpted pillars
  • 52-yard flag hoisted daily by priests
  • Temple tower (Shikhara) is around 78 meters high
  • Sanctum made of limestone and sand
  • Entry through Swarg Dwar (Gateway to Heaven) and exit through Moksha Dwar (Gateway to Salvation)
• UNESCO Tentative List: Nominated under “Sacred Ensembles of the Dwarka Region”

The Story Behind Dwarkadhish Temple:

Dwarka, once a submerged city, is believed to have been founded by Lord Krishna after he left Mathura. The Dwarkadhish Temple marks the very site of Krishna’s kingdom. According to legend, Krishna settled here with the Yadava clan, building a magnificent city. After his earthly departure, the original city is said to have been submerged by the sea. The current temple was built by Vajranabh on the ruins of the original palace.

The sanctity of Dwarka is mentioned in the Skanda Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and other ancient Hindu texts, highlighting it as one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

Nearby Temples to Visit:

1. Rukmini Devi Temple
   • Located 2 km from Dwarkadhish Temple
   • Dedicated to Rukmini, Krishna’s consort
   • Features beautiful wall carvings and a distinct architectural style
2. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
   • One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
   • Located around 18 km from Dwarka
   • Known for the giant 25-meter Shiva statue and tranquil surroundings
3. Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir
   • Small Shiva temple surrounded by the Arabian Sea
   • Located on a rocky outcrop near the main temple
   • Visited during low tide; temple gets submerged during high tide
4. Gomti Ghat
   • Sacred ghat on the banks of the Gomti River
   • Used for ritual bathing before entering the temple
   • Features shrines of various gods and goddesses along the ghat
5. Bet Dwarka
   • Believed to be the residence of Lord Krishna
   • Located on an island accessible by boat from Okha port
   • Houses the ancient Krishna temple and other Vaishnava shrines