Dwarkadhish Temple

About the temple

The Dwarkadhish temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir and occasionally spelled Dwarakadheesh, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Krishna, who is worshiped in the temple by the name Dwarkadhish (Dvārakādhīśa), or 'King of Dwarka'. The temple is located at Dwarka city of Gujarat, India, which is one of the destinations of Char Dham, a Hindu pilgrimage circuit. The main shrine of the five-storied building, supported by 72 pillars, is known as Jagat Mandir or Nija Mandir. Archaeological findings suggest the original temple was built in 200 BCE at the earliest. The temple was rebuilt and enlarged in the 15th–16th century.

The temple became part of the Char Dham pilgrimage considered sacred by Hindus in India. Adi Shankara, the 8th century Hindu theologian and philosopher, visited the shrine. The other three being comprising Rameswaram, Badrinath and Puri. Even today a memorial within the temple is dedicated to his visit. Dwarakadheesh is the 98th Divya Desam of Vishnu on the subcontinent, glorified in the Divya Prabandha sacred texts. The temple is at an elevation of 12.19 metres (40.0 ft) above mean sea-level. It faces west. The temple layout consists of a garbhagriha (Nijamandira or Harigraha) and an antarala (an antechamber). The original structure was destroyed by Mahmud Begada in 1473. The existing temple is dated to 16th century.

Location

The Dwarkadhish Temple is located in the city of Dwarka, in the state of Gujarat, India. This ancient temple is a prominent pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Krishna and is also known as Jagat Mandir.  

Key Information:

• Location: The temple is situated in the holy city of Dwarka, on the coast of the Arabian Sea in the Devbhumi Dwarka district. 

• Significance: It is one of the four holy sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage and is closely associated with the life of Lord Krishna. 

• Architecture: The five-storied temple is a magnificent structure, noted for its intricate carvings and a high spire. 

History 

The Dwarkadhish temple, also known as Jagat Mandir, is a Hindu shrine in Dwarka, Gujarat, dedicated to Krishna. Legend says its original structure was built by Krishna's great-grandson, Vajranabh, more than 2,500 years ago, though the current 15th-16th century building is more recent. The 5-storied temple, built in the Chalukya style, features the main shrine, Jagat Mandir, and is supported by 72 pillars. It is an important pilgrimage site, situated on the Gomti River and a vital part of the Quadruple Dhams, or the four holy sites of Hinduism.  

Historical Overview

• Origins: The original Dwarkadhish Temple is believed to have been established by Vajranabh, Lord Krishna's great-grandson. 

• Ancient Roots: Archaeological findings suggest the temple's foundations are at least 2,000-2,200 years old. 

• Later Renovations: The ancient structure was renovated multiple times, with the most significant imprints being from the 16th and 19th centuries.