Introduction to Dwarka Dham
This blog aims to provide a Complete Guide to Dwarka Dham containing all the material information you wish to know about Char Dham Yatra, including the ancient Dwarka that got submerged in the sea etc. Dwarka Dham Temple or Dwarka Dham Mandir, one of the Dwarka 4 Dhams in India, holds a special religious and spiritual significance in Hindu religion as Dwarka was established by Lord Krishna on the Arabian sea coast. Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, chose Rohini Nakshatra for himself to descend on Earth.
Dwarka Temple History:
According to the Dwarka Temple History, Dwarkadhish Temple was believed to have been constructed by Vajranabh, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna more than 2,500 years ago.
In the 8th century, it was reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya. The Dwarka Gujarat Temple or the Dwarka Mandir Gujarat was destroyed by Mahmud Begada in 1472 and was rebuilt in the 15th century.
Ancient Dwarka:
In the Anarta(Saurashtra) region, the ancient Dwarka’s grandeur can be gauged by the artifacts and relics found in the Dwarka, submerged in the sea. Ancient Dwarka was called Swarna (Golden) Dwarka. Anchors and pillars made of limestone have been found in excavations.
The ruins of ancient Dwarka reflects past grandeur and charm it had in the past. Ancient Dwarka, built on the land reclaimed from the sea is stated to have been submerged when the sea level rose.
Dwarka Architecture:
As far as Dwarka Architecture is concerned, the Dwarka temple is constructed in limestone in the Nagara style. In the Garbhagriha, largely, limestones are used in construction.
Dwarka Gujarat Temple’s intricately carved walls have engravings depicting the legendary figures and figurines that allure devotees from far and wide.
The Dwarka Sacred Site:
The Dwarka Sacred Site or the Dwarka Temple or the Dwarkadhish Temple, or the Dwarka Gujarat or the Krishna Dwarka Temple has been the soul of Dwarka tourism for ages. Pilgrimage to Dwarka Krishna temple or the Dwarka Shri Krishna Temple or the Dwarkadhish Temple Dwarka or the Shree Dwarkadhish Temple or the Dwarkadhish Temple Gujarat is an integral part of the dwarka dham yatra.
In the sanctum, Dwarkadhish or the Vishnu in Trivikrama form, is represented by 4 arms. The Idol of Balaram, Shri Krishna’s elder brother in the adjacent chamber and of Krishna’s son and grandson, Pradyumna and Aniruddha in the other chamber add grandeur to the temple. In the temple premises, the shrines of Radha, Jambavati, Satyabhama, Lakshmi and Durvasa Rishi have also been artistically built.
Dwarka Temple Flag (पताका):
Dwarka Temple Flag- पताका is made using 50 feet (15 meters) of good quality cloth, that majestically flutters atop the Krishna Dwarka Temple. Its hoisting, not less than thrice a day, is considered as a special religious ritual.
Dwarka Temple or Dwarkadhish Temple or Dwarka Gujarat or Krishna Dwarka Temple or the Jagat Mandir, is a sacred temple of Hindus and is considered as the gateway to heaven.
There are two doors, one Swarg Dwar leading to heaven and the other Moksha Dwar enabling Salvation in the form of Entry and Exit doors. There are 56 steps that lead to the Gomati River. Sudama Setu(bridge)connects to the Beach.
Best Time to Visit Dwarka Gujarat:
Best time to visit Dwarka Gujarat is during the winter season. Pilgrims also visit during Dwarka Janmashtami festival or Janmashtami in Dwarka i.e. early September, when the city remains soaked in the potion of religious and spiritual fervor.
Dwarka Festivals:
During the Dwarka Festivals, the lanes and bylanes of the temple town of Dwarka Gujarat come alive with religious and spiritual fervor. The Dwarka Janmashtami or Janmashtami in Dwarka celebrations in भादों (Bhadon), the Hindu calendar month are organized with grandeur and gaiety. The festival of colors- Holi at Dwarkadhish Temple brings joy and great enthusiasm.
Dwarka Rath Yatra is organized so as to afford devotees an opportunity to have darshan of the deity easily. A large number of devotees take part in the Dwarka Rath Yatra.
Dwarka Temple Timings or the Dwarka Temple Darshan Time or the Dwarkadhish Temple Opening Time:
Dwarka Temple Timings or the Dwarka Temple Darshan Time or the Dwarkadhish Temple Opening Time are as under:
Dwarka Temple Timings for Morning Darshan – 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Dwarka Temple Darshan Time for Evening Darshan – 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Dwarka Temple Aarti Time:
Dwarka Temple Aarti Time for :Abhishek Snan – 08:00 AM to 09:00 AM
Dwarka Temple Aarti Time: Anosar (Darshan Close) – 01:30 PM to 05:00 PM
Dwarka Temple Aarti Time:Shringar Arti – 10:30 am
Dwarka Temple Aarti Time: Mangal Aarti –6:30 pm.
Dwarka Temple Aarti Time:Sandhya Aarti-7:30pm; 7:45 pm.
Dwarka Temple Dress Code:
Dwarka temple Dress Code mandates men to enter into the temple wearing shirts and trousers and women wearing saree or churidar pajamas. People wearing Shorts or mini dresses, Bermuda, etc., are barred.
Dwarka Temple Height:
Dwarka Temple height is 78 meters (256 feet). The Triangular पताका (Flag) that flutters atop the temple, bears the motifs of both the Sun and the Moon, signifying the eternal presence of Krishna.
Nearest Airport to Dwarkadhish Temple Gujarat or the Nearest Airport to Dwarka Gujarat:
The nearest Airport to Dwarkadhish Temple Gujarat or the Nearest Airport to Dwarka Gujarat is Porbandar Airport which is approximately 100 km from the Dwarkadhish Temple. Jamnagar Airport is about 140 km from Dwarkadhish Temple or the Dwarka Temple Gujarat. Dwarka accessibility from Jamnagar Airport is good. Jamnagar Airport and Dwarka Railway Station provide reasonable Dwarka Accessibility from the major cities in India.
Dwarka Temple Nearest Railway Station or Dwarka Station to Dwarka Temple Distance:
Dwarka Temple nearest Railway Station is Dwarka. Dwarka Station to Dwarka Temple Distance is about 2 km.
Places to Visit in Dwarka Gujarat or the Dwarka Sightseeing places:
Places to Visit in Dwarka Gujarat or the Dwarka Sightseeing places include-
Akshardham temple, Ambaji Temple, Dakor Temple, Pavagadh Temple, Girnar Temple, Palitana Temple, Somnath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gir Forest.
Dwarka Tourism industry flourishes well as Lord Krishna has his eternal blessings. Dwarka Tourism industry provides connectivity and comfortable lodging facilities at the religious places.
Dharamshala Near Dwarka Temple:
Dharamshala Near Dwarka Temple Gujarat is near Dwarka Railway Station and also at Teen Batti Chowk. Other Dharamshala Near Dwarka Temple Gujarat can be found on Charkala Road Rampara, Near Ramdhun Mandir Vasai, Opposite Madwamath Rampara, Patel Samaj Road, Aaditya Bhavan, Gomti Ghat etc.
Krishna’s Influence on Astrology:
Krishna’s influence in Astrology has been a subject of keen interest for students enrolled for pursuing Astrology courses as Lord Krishna has left an indelible mark of his eternal presence.
He had been a savior of the poor, mentor for Pandavas, tormentor for monsters like Kansa and Jarasandh, protector of modesty of women and had played a pivotal role in the victory of Pandavas in the epic battle-Mahabharat at Kurukshetra by taking the mantle of a charioteer for Arjuna.
He turned into a preacher and guide to Arjuna when he was gripped with the feeling of dejection and remorse for being in the battlefield against his own kith and kin.
Lord Krishna Astrology:
Lord Krishna Astrology reveals that he was born in Rohini Nakshatra.
Owing to Krishn’s association with Dwarka, devotees are interested in finding the Astrological Connections to Dwarka Pilgrimage.
Krishna’s Influence in Astrology can be assessed by Krishna’s Birth Chart Analysis. Pilgrims have unflinching faith and trust in worship of Lord Krishna and devotees treat Dwarka as a Sacred Site in Astrology. The renowned Astrologers spell out Astrological Connections to Dwarka Pilgrimage.
Dwarka as a Sacred Site in Astrology:
Rohini Nakshatra occupies the fourth position in the Lunar constellation or Nakshatra in the Vedic Astrology and the Rohini Nakshatra is represented by the Symbol- a Chariot signifying exponential growth and development. Krishna’s Rohini Nakshatra Rashi is Taurus or Vrushabh. Dwarka’s Impact on Spiritual Growth is tremendous as it has been associated with Lord Krishna’s constellation at the time of birth. The ruling planet of Rohini Nakshatra is the Moon.
Astrological Significance of Dwarka or the Dwarka and Vedic Astrology:
As far as the astrological significance of Dwarka is concerned, the Rashi is Karka and the Nakshatra is Pushya.
By virtue of its association with Lord Krishna Astrology, Dwarka is having Krishna’s influence in Astrology. Dwarka’s impact on Spiritual Growth is beyond measure.
Dwarka as a sacred site in Astrology has been instrumental in evoking interests in the Astrologers. Dwarka and Planetary alignments have vastly been studied by renowned Astrologers in India and abroad.
Astrological predictions based on Dwarka as recommended by the renowned Astrologers have proved to be beneficial for the people. Dwarka and Astrological remedies provide a healing touch to the devotees.
Visit to Dwarka and Astrological Remedies recommended by reputed Astrologers, help devotees immensely. Dwarka and Planetary Alignments are much studied. Dwarka and Horoscope Insights can also be obtained from seasoned Astrologers.
Krishna’s Birth Chart Analysis:
Krishna’s Birth Chart Analysis has continued to be a most sought after topic of discussion amongst the scholars of Dwarka and Vedic Astrology owing to the mesmerizing persona of Lord Krishna.
Krishna’s Birth Chart Analysis has been done critically by the Dwarka and Vedic Astrology Astrologers who make their observations, based on the planetary positions at the time of the birth of Lord Krishna.
According to Dwarka and Vedic Astrology, Krishna’s Birth Chart Analysis can be summarized as under:-
Handsome appearance due to the positioning of the Moon in Taurus in the first house; Ketu- Dragon’s Tail positioning leads to tendency to enjoy pleasures but also to face trials and tribulations; Rahu- Dragon’s Head in the 7th House empowers with valor and gives a determined persona. ;Moon, Saturn and Mars were in exalted position.; Jupiter and Venus were in their own houses. Jupiter in Pisces in the 11th house provided sharp mental faculties.; Sun in Leo in the 1st house bestowed artistic abilities.;Mercury in Virgo in the 1st house led to be a moralist and to be an erudite scholar of scriptures.; Venus in Libra in the 6th house made him affable and adorable; Saturn in Libra in the 6th house made him aristocratic.; and Mars in Capricorn in the 9th house developed leadership skills to be a Ruler.
Thus, various Astrologers have their own Krishna’s Birth Chart Analysis as per their knowledge and wisdom.
Pilgrims show a keen interest in Astrological Predictions based on the Dwarka pilgrimage and in Krishna’s Birth Chart Analysis. A Dwarka travel guide according to Astrology is also in vogue. Dwarka and Horoscope insights and a Dwarka Travel Guide According to Astrology can be had by consulting renowned Astrologers.
Conclusion:
The Dwarka temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Dwarka Puri Dhams and the other two -Badrinath Dham, and Rameshwaram Dham constitute the Dwarka 4 Dham or the Char Dham Dwarka pilgrimage.
The Dwarka Temple Gujarat is 5 storeyed magnificent holy temple that stands tall on 72 strong pillars. It is at a distance of 3 km from Okha.
Pilgrims in large numbers, visit Dwarka Sacred Site, the Dwarka Dham to worship beloved Krishna and seek salvation.
FAQs About Dwarka Dham
Q.1. What is the history of Dwarka Dham and the Dwarka Temple?
Ans.1. It was believed to have been constructed by Vajranabh, the great grandson of Lord Krishna more than 2,500 years ago. In the 8th century, it was reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya.
Q.2. What are the Dwarka Temple timings and the best time to visit Dwarka Gujarat?
Ans. 2. Dwarka Temple Timings for Morning Darshan – 6:30 AM to 1:00 pm; Dwarka Temple Darshan Time for Evening Darshan – 5:00 PM to 9:30 pm. Best time to visit Dwarka Gujarat is between November and February, and also during Dwarka Janmashtami or Janmashtami in Dwarka i.e. August- September.
Q.3. What is the Dwarkadhish Temple opening time and Aarti time?
Ans. 3. Dwarkadhish Temple opening time is 6:30 am. Aarti starts at 8:00 am. Shringar Aarti and Sandhya Aarti are held later.
Q.4. What is the significance of Dwarka in Vedic astrology and Krishna’s influence on astrology?
Ans. 4. Lord Krishna established Swarna Nagri, the ancient Dwarka which later got submerged in the sea. The significance of Dwarka in Vedic astrology is very much as Krishna’s influence on astrology and Krishna’s birth chart analysis are the topic of discussion and research amongst the Astrologers. Krishna was born in Rohini Nakshatra and his life has been a kind of encyclopedia, constantly guiding people to lead life in a principled and righteous manner.
Q.5. How can I get to Dwarka Temple from the nearest airport or railway station?
Ans. 5. The nearest Airport to Dwarkadhish Temple Gujarat is Porbandar Airport which is at a distance of approximately 100 km from the Dwarkadhish Temple. Jamnagar Airport is approximately 140 km from Dwarkadhish Temple or the Dwarka Temple Gujarat. Pilgrims can go from the airport to Dwarka temple by taxi. Dwarka Railway Station to Dwarka Temple Distance is about 2 km and pilgrims can go to Dwarka Temple by auto or taxi.
Q.6. What are the places to visit in Dwarka Gujarat and what should I know about Dwarka’s architecture and festivals?
Ans.6. Places to Visit in Dwarka Gujarat or the Dwarka Sightseeing places are-Akshardham temple, Ambaji Temple, Dakor Temple, Pavagadh Temple, Girnar Temple, Palitana Temple, Somnath Jyotirlinga, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gir Forest. Dwarka’s architecture involving intricate carvings are spectacular. Janmashtami and holi festivals at Dwarka are celebrated with gusto.
