Dwaraka

Dwaraka is located on the extreme western tip of Kathiawar peninsula, where the River Gomti meets the Arabian Sea. Dwaraka is one of the four most important holy places of the Hindus. The Lord Krishna also established his capital at Dwaraka after he left Mathura. Dwaraka is a very important place of Hindu pilgrimage and attracts tourists from all over the world. The importance, foundation, planning and glory of Dwaraka is also described in various Hindu epics like Mahabharata, Harivamsha, Sijupdlavadha and Puranas. Dwaraka was described as the golden city in Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, Skand Purana, Vishnu Purana, Harivansha and Mahabharat. The architecture of the old Dwaraka city is majestic and wonderful. According to the legends, the original Dwaraka which was an island was submerged in the sea after the death of Lord Krishna. In the early eighties, an important archaeological site was found at Dwaraka. Attempts are being made to rediscover the lost Dwaraka from the sea. Dwaraka is known for the famous Dwarkadhish temple also known as the Jagat Mandir, dedicated to the Lord Krishna.

History of Dwaraka
The Dwaraka city 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 prevails 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 provided 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 and named the new city as Dvaravati. Dwarka was a planned city, on the banks of river Gomati. This beautiful city was also known as Dwaramati, Dwarawati and Kushsthali. It had well organized six sectors, residential and commercial zones, wide roads, plazas, palaces and many public utilities. A hall called "Sudharma Sabha" was build 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 the land of the hunter Ekalavya. Dronacharya had also lived here. 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. There was no trace of the beautiful city which had been the favourite place of the Lord Krishna and the Pandavas. In the early eighties, an important archaeological site was found at Dwaraka. Attempts are being still made to rediscover the lost Dwaraka from the sea.

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.
How to reach there:
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Ahmedabad which is about 216 kms from Ahmedabad. Various domestic airlines connect Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
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.