Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the present Dwarkadheesh Temple was built in the 16th century CE. The ancient city of Dwarka was the capital city of the kingdom of Krishna, is said to have been submerged into the Arabian Sea along with the original temple built by Krishna's grandson Vajranabha. With a history dating back centuries to the legendary period of Mahabharata, raging sea waters are believed to have submerged Dwarka City 8 times in the past. Situated on the banks of River Gomti, the Dwarkadheesh Temple is a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage considered as one of the most sacred sites of worship by the Hindus.
Present Dwarkadheesh Temple Structure
Built in the Chalukyan architectural style, the main shrine is a five-storey building well supported by a total of 72 exquisitely carved pillars. Featuring several sculptures depicting influences from the Guptas, Pallavas and the Chavda dynasties that subsequently ruled over Dwarka, the Dwarkadheesh Temple which is also known as the Jagat Mandir has two Shikharas, or spires. Rising up to a height of 51.8 meters, the entrance to the temple on the northern side is called Moksha Dwar. Another entrance to the south is known as the Swarg Dwar, leads visitors to Lord Dwarkadheesh, the main deity made of shiny black stone standing 2.25 feet in height.
Temple Specifics
- The flag atop the Dwarkadheesh Temple shows images of the sun and the moon.
- The historic credibility of the temple and an important discovery within the surroundings prompted nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Dwarkadheesh Temple is built in the Shaiv style, while the Bet Dwarka Temple is built in the Vaishnav style.
