Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka

Significance

Dwarkadhish, the lord of Dwarka, is Krishna, and his temple is one of the four Char Dham. It is also one of the 108 Divya Desams of Vishnu. The main shrine, known as the Jagat Mandir, is a five-storey building supported by 72 pillars.

History and legend

Dwarka is identified with Krishna’s ancient kingdom. Archaeological findings suggest the earliest temple here dates from 200 BCE at the earliest; the present temple was rebuilt and enlarged in the 15th and 16th centuries. Adi Shankara visited the shrine, and a memorial to his visit stands within the temple.

The temple has two main gates: the Moksha Dwara, the door to salvation, opening onto the market to the north, and the Swarga Dwara, the gate to heaven, from which 56 steps descend to the Gomati river.

Before you go

• The flag on the spire is changed several times a day, a ceremony many pilgrims wait to see.
• Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and Beyt Dwarka are nearby; Beyt Dwarka is reached from Okha.
• The temple closes in the afternoon; check current darshan timings before you go.