The Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the four most prominent sacred pilgrimages of Lord Vishu in the country. The Char Dham or the sacred pilgrimages of Lord Vishu has a fascinating historic significance behind its existence. The Charm Dham consists of Badrinath, Jagannath Puri, Rameswaram, and Dwarka. Situated in Gujarat, the Dwarakadheesh temple of Narayan also goes by the name Jagat Mandir. The temple is built in the city of Dwarka which is widely believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna himself. As per the scriptures, the temple was constructed by Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna was the eighth reincarnation or avatar of Lord Vishnu. The Krishna avatar remains the most widely known avatar of Lord Vishu. The Dwarka Dham is said to be the resting place of Lord Vishu. Here's all you need to know about the Dwarka Dham of Lord Vishu:
1. The monumental architecture of the Dham situated in India's west coast holds great religious importance for the followers of the Sanatan religion, especially the devotees of Lord Krishna. The temple is built at the cusp of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. The devotees have to climb 50 steps upwards to reach the temple from land.
2. Lord Krishna was also called Dwarkadhish which meant the King of Dwarka and this is the origin of the name of the Dwarka Dham. The Dwarkadeesh temple takes after the name of its prime deity.
3. The Gujarat-based Dwarka Dham was established more than 2500 years ago and was constructed by Lord Krishna's great-grandson Vajranabh. The Dwarakadheesh temple is surrounded by smaller shrines around the complex similar to the Jagannath temple. The temple was renovated by philosopher and theologian Adi Shankaracharya in 800 AD. A memorial to mark his visit has been made within the temple's complex.
4. In addition to this, the Dham has magnificent carvings around its walls which are extremely intricate and detailed. The sculptured premises of the temple have wondrous mythical characters engraved onto them.
5. According to the temple administration and various folklores, it is believed that the temple was built overnight and it was submerged in the water six times along with the whole city of Dwarka. The current form of the temple is said to be the seventh form and all the Dhams including Dwarka was defined by the 8th-century Indian Vedic scholar and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya.
6. As per multiple temple authorities, locals, and stories revolving around the legends, the Dwarka Dham has undergone several levels of renovations after the 16th century. Currently, the temple was two doors for each entry and exit. The entrance towards the north is called the "Moksha Dwara" (Door to Salvation) and the one towards the south is called "Swarga Dwara" (Gate to Heaven). The 7 storey temple is supported by 72 pillars.
7. The original structure of the temple was destroyed by Mahmud Begada in 1472. The reconstruction of the temple in the early 15th - 16th century was done based on the Chalukya style of architecture which is believed to be quite different from the original temple structure which resembled an umbrella-like dome.
8. One of the most significant tales surrounding the temple of Dwarka is that Meera Bai had merged herself with the idol of Lord Krishna here. Meera Bai was one of the greatest devotees of Lord Krishna and tales of the purity in her devoting continue to be sung to date.
9. The impressive 43 m high spire is topped with a flag made from 52 yards of cloth that flutters in the soft breeze from the Arabian Sea behind the temple.
10. The ideal time to visit the Dwarkadheesh temple is between November and February. The temple is open to visitors between 6 am to 1 pm and then from 5 pm to 9:30 pm. The festival celebrating Lord Krishna's birth, Janmashtami in the temple is an extremely miraculous experience to witness. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandiose.
