Dwarka is an important city for Hindu Pilgrimage. This was the kingdom of Lord Krishna. The entire city was revealed by marine excavations. The city of Dwarka, renowned in myth and legend, was once the capital of Lord Krishna's empire. He is believed to have settled there after leaving Mathura, thousands of years ago. The site is undoubtedly ancient but its association with Lord Krishna gives it a sanctity which draws millions of pilgrims. It is one of India's seven oldest towns or sapta puris, where he reigned for decades as leader of a growing clan.

On the eve of the great battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna set out from Dwarka to the site of the battle, to instruct Arjuna, the Pandava, and these instructions form the text of the Bhagavad Gita. Famous for his divine compassion, Krishna was devoted to those whom he loved. When Sudama, the humble friend of his childhood, visited him hesitantly at Dwarka, he was received like a royal prince by Lord Krishna and his queen, the beautiful Rukmini. There are many other legends connected with Dwarka. It is said that when the Lord finally abandoned his body, the city slipped into the sea and its waves closed over it for ever.

Today's Dwarka, like its ancient counterpart, stand poised on the edge of the Kutchh peninsula, facing the Arabian sea. In times gone by, it was a seaport from where goods were borne to the Mediterranean world. The city was also the gateway to western India. It is clear that Dwarka was a populour town with buildings constructed of stone and brick, even before the Christian era. Its archaeological remains point to a level of prosperity unusual at that time. Throughout the centuries, Dwarka has been visited by many persons whose names illuminate the pages of history. Among these were Adi Shankaracharya (c 780 to 820 AD), Ramanuja (12th century A.D), the great mystic Narsinh Mehta, Mira, the devout princess from Chitor, and the great saints Kabir and Nanak.

Places to Visit

Jagat Mandir
Dwarka is famous for the temple of Dwarkadhish, the ` Lord of Dwarka' also known as Jagat Mandir or temple of the world. It is sup- posed to have been constructed over 1400 years ago, although many claim that it is even older. It houses the image of Lord Krishna and is the beacon which draws pilgrims from all over India and abroad. Magnificently built on traditional lines, the temple has five floors and is profusely carved from base to pinnacle. The festival of Lord Krishna's birth is celebrated there every year in the auspicious month of Shravan with great splendour and amidst great rejoicing. Navratri and other festivals celebrated there during the year recall special events in the Lord's life. It is during these festivals, redolent as they are with mystic fervor and joy, that the true significance of Dwarka can be understood.

The Sharada Peetha
This is one of the four Mathas established by Jagat-guru Shankaracharya, all of which survive to this day. The Matha runs an educational society, an arts college and a Sanskrit Academy, which prepares scholars for doctorates in Sanskrit and Indology.

Bet Dwarka
Also known as Bet Shankhoddar, Bet Dwarka is only 5 kms from Okha Junction in sea and Okha is 30 kms from Dwarka. It is said to be the place where Lord Krishna lived with his family when the ruled at Dwarka. It is also the place where Vishnu slew the demon Shankhasura. Visitors make it a point to visit the Krishna temple at this site which holds much of interest to be seen and experienced.

Nageswar Mahadev
The Puranas mention 12 Jyotirlingas or columns of light representing Lord Shiva, who manifested himself in that form in different parts of India. This shiva shrine near Dwarka is one of these and is there- fore accorded great respect.

How to get there ?

Air
Jamnagar is the nearest airport and is about 150 kms away. Visitors can travel to Dwarka from Jamnagar either by road, rail or bus.

Rail
Dwarka lies on the metre gauge railway line that runs from Viramgam to Okha. By rail, Dwarka is 378 kms from Ahmedabad, 217 kms from Rajkot and 137 kms from Jamnagar.

Road
An excellent State highway links Dwarka. State Transport Buses ply to Dwarka from various places.