Dwarkadhish Temple

Lord Krishna

Dwarka, Gujarat

Folktale & Sacred Story

According to the Mahabharata, the sage Durvasa once visited Krishna and his wife Rukmini and insisted the couple pull his chariot like horses to their palace; partway there, an exhausted Rukmini asked Krishna for water, and Krishna is said to have struck the earth to summon a stream at that very spot. Durvasa, angered at the interruption, cursed Rukmini to remain there rather than continue -- and the site of the separate Rukmini Devi temple near Dwarka is traditionally identified as the place where she was left standing. In the same episode, finding no true fault in the couple, Durvasa also blessed Krishna with invincibility everywhere except the soles of his feet.

Most Revered Practice

Krishna Janmashtami, celebrating Krishna's birth, is the temple's single largest festival, drawing massive crowds for midnight celebrations; the twice-daily Mangla and Sandhya aartis are the core recurring devotional rituals, and the temple's flag is ceremonially changed atop the spire four times a day.

Prasadam & Offerings

Prasadam details not independently verified -- confirm locally.

Temple Speciality

The main shrine, known as Jagat Mandir, is a five-story structure supported by 72 pillars in Maru-Gurjara architectural style, with a carved spire rising to about 78 meters. It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, with archaeological evidence at the site dated to as early as around 200 BCE, though the present structure was rebuilt in the 15th-16th century after earlier destruction.

Why Pilgrims Visit

Pilgrims visit as part of the Char Dham circuit to seek the blessings of Krishna worshipped here as 'Dwarkadhish,' Lord of Dwarka, and to walk through a temple town steeped in Mahabharata-era mythology at the meeting point of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea.

History & Legend

Believed to have been first built over 2,500 years ago by Krishna's great-grandson Vajranabha, the current five-storey structure dates mainly to the 15th-16th centuries, one of India's Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

Divine Significance

Dwarka is revered as Krishna's kingdom submerged by the sea, and the temple anchors both the Char Dham and Sapta Puri pilgrimage circuits.

Darshan Timings

The temple is generally open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, closing in between; Sandhya Aarti is typically held around 7:00-8:00 PM (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).

How To Reach

Nearest airport: Jamnagar (~110 km) or Porbandar. Nearest railway station: Dwarka, close to the temple.

Where To Stay

Numerous dharamshalas and hotels throughout Dwarka town.

Local Food Nearby

Dwarka town offers Gujarati vegetarian thalis and coastal Saurashtra-style fare in eateries around the temple and along the Gomti ghats, along with numerous shops selling sweets and prasad items.

Contact & Official Info

Contact Dwarkadhish Temple Trust / Gujarat Tourism.

Location Map

View on Google Maps → (22.2378861, 68.9675611)