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Information on
Dwaraka
Dwaraka is located on the extreme western end of Kathiawar peninsula, where the River Gomti meets the
Arabian Sea. Dwaraka is one of the four most important
holy places of the Hindus and attracts tourists from
all over the world. The Lord Krishna also established
his capital at Dwaraka after he left Mathura. The
importance, foundation, planning and glory of Dwaraka
as the golden city is described in various Hindu epics
like Mahabharata, Harivamsha, Sijupdlavadha, Bhagvad
Gita, Skand Purana, Vishnu Purana and Mahabharat. The
architecture of the old Dwaraka city was majestic and
wonderful. |
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History of Dwaraka
The city of Dwaraka has a very large and old traditional
history. Dwaraka was the capital of the western coast of
Saurashtra. Dwaraka was a large, well fortified and the
prosperous city due to the sea trade which prevailed in this
city. This region was full of flowering and fruit-bearing
trees. Due to fear of the attack by Jarasangh and Kaalayvan
on Mathura, Shri Krishna and Yadavas left Mathura and
arrived at the coast of Saurashtra. They decided to build
their capital in the coastal region and invoke the
Vishwakarma, the deity of construction. However, Vishwakarma
said that the task can be completed only if Samudradev, the
Lord of the sea provide some land. Shri Krishna worshipped
Samudradev, who pleased by the prayers decided to gave them
the land measuring 12 yojans from the sea near the western
shores of Saurashtra and thus the Lord Vishwakarma laid the
foundation of Dwaraka. Lord Krishna later set up his capital
at Dwaraka, on the banks of river Gomti. This beautiful
city was also known as Dwaramati, Dwarawati and Kushsthali.
It was a well planned city and had well organized six
sectors, residential and commercial zones, wide roads,
palaces and many public utilities. A hall called "Sudharma
Sabha" was built to hold public meetings. The city was one
of the busiest ports during the Mahabharata period. After
the end of the war of Mahabharata, Shri Krishna lived for 36
years at Dwaraka. It was also the land of the Ekalavya and
the saint Dronacharya. According to the legends, the Dwaraka
city met a sudden end due to the fury of the sea. According
to some other legends, immediately after the death of the
Lord Krishna, Dwaraka disappeared into the sea. Attempts are
being still made to rediscover the lost Dwaraka from the
sea. In the early eighties, an important archaeological site
was found at Dwaraka.
Tourist Attractions in Dwaraka
The major tourist attraction in Dwaraka is the famous
Dwarkadhish temple, the 'Lord of Dwarka', also known as the
Jagat Mandir or temple of the world. This temple is
dedicated to the Lord Krishna and was constructed over 1400
years ago. This temple has a 5 floors supported by 60
columns. This temple attracts pilgrims from all over the
world. Besides the Dwarkadhish temple, there are various
other temples in Dwarka.
More...
How to reach Dwaraka
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Ahmedabad which is about
216 kms from Dwaraka.
By Rail:
Dwaraka is connected with direct trains with Ahmedabad on
the western railway.
By Road:
Dwaraka is easily connected with various cities of Gujarat.
It is about 216 kms from Ahmedabad and 798 kms. from Mumbai
via Ahmedabad. |
