Hey guys,
just back from Dwarka (in Gujarat) a couple of days ago.
Its about 900km from Mumbai by car and 1 hour by plane.
Its quite a cool place and it has a really good temple of Lord Krishna.
Infact our neighbourhood spiderman has also built a Lord Shivas temple 10 mins from Dwarka.
I will post pics soon.
Some history -
Info sourced through
www.google.com
Dwarka is an important city for Hindu Pilgrimage. This was the kingdom of Lord Krishna. The entire city was revealed by marine excavations. The city of Dwarka, renowned in myth and legend, was once the capital of Lord Krishna's empire. He is believed to have settled there after leaving Mathura, thousands of years ago.
Places to visit
Jagat Mandir
Dwarka is famous for the temple of Dwarkadhish, the ` Lord of Dwarka' also known as Jagat Mandir or temple of the world. It is sup- posed to have been constructed over 1400 years ago, although many claim that it is even older. It houses the image of Lord Krishna and is the beacon which draws pilgrims from all over India and abroad. Magnificently built on traditional lines, the temple has five floors and is profusely carved from base to pinnacle. The festival of Lord Krishna's birth is celebrated there every year in the auspicious month of Shravan with great splendour and amidst great rejoicing. Navratri and other festivals celebrated there during the year recall special events in the Lord's life. It is during these festivals, redolent as they are with mystic fervor and joy, that the true significance of Dwarka can be understood.
The Sharada Peetha
This is one of the four Mathas established by Jagat-guru Shankaracharya, all of which survive to this day. The Matha runs an educational society, an arts college and a Sanskrit Academy, which prepares scholars for doctorates in Sanskrit and Indology.
Bet Dwarka
Also known as Bet Shankhoddar, Bet Dwarka is only 5 kms from Okha Junction in sea and Okha is 30 kms from Dwarka. It is said to be the place where Lord Krishna lived with his family when the ruled at Dwarka. It is also the place where Vishnu slew the demon Shankhasura. Visitors make it a point to visit the Krishna temple at this site which holds much of interest to be seen and experienced.
Nageswar Mahadev
The Puranas mention 12 Jyotirlingas or columns of light representing Lord Shiva, who manifested himself in that form in different parts of India. This shiva shrine near Dwarka is one of these and is there- fore accorded great respect.
Quite a cool place if anybody wants to go there.
Excellent highwaysfrom Mumbai to Gujarat mean that it will be a fun drive too.
Pics coming soon.