Dwarkadhish Temple Gujarat: Situated at the cusp of Gomti River and the Arabian Sea in Gujarat is the majestic Dwarkadhish Temple. An important Hindu pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites, especially the devotees of Lord Krishna, Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the Char Dham. The temple is also a key religious tourism site in the country, and is of architectural as well as religious importance. Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir (universal shrine) or Trilok Sundar (the most beautiful in all three worlds), is a site protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Seeming to rise from the Arabian Sea, it is the main temple situated in the Dwarka city of Gujarat’s Devbhoomi Dwarka district.

The temple’s prime deity is Lord Krishna, who is called Dwarkadhish or King of Dwarka. Travellers may be fascinated to know that it is also believed that in order to build the city of Dwarka, Lord Krishna had reclaimed a land of about 96 square kilometres from the sea. These are popular legends and beliefs related to the temple which travellers can confirm on interactions with the local community around the temple city. Lord Krishna is believed to have been the eighth avatar or reincarnation of Lord Vishnu as per religious beliefs. A sect also believes that Krishna is the supreme deity of the universe and hence this temple is also known as the Jagat Mandir.

According to local beliefs, the Dwarkadhish Temple had been originally built by Lord Krishna’s great grandson Vajranabha in honour of the Lord over 2,500 years ago. The original temple had an umbrella-like structure and an idol of Lord Krishna, according to the temple administration. Among the various folklores that surround the history of this temple, travellers will also find a version as per which, the temple was built overnight with the help of superpowers under the direction of Vajranabha. In 800 AD, the temple was renovated by philosopher and theologian Adi Shankaracharya, and a memorial of his visit is placed within the temple’s complex.

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