Dwarka Temple Schedule:
Mangala Aarti – 4:30 AM
Tulasi Aarti – 5:00 AM
Shringar Dharshan & Guru Pooja – 7:30 AM
Srimad Bhagavatam Class – 8:30 AM
Dhoop Aarti – 8:30 AM
Raj Bhoga Aarti – 12:30 Noon
Temple Closes – 1:00 PM
Utthapan Aarti – 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Sandhya Aarti – 7:00 PM to 7:20 PM
Narsinmha Aarti – 7:20 PM
Bhagavad Gita Class – 7:30 PM
Dwarka: Krishna’s house is a gateway to the sky and an underwater city
The modern city of Dwarka (which means “door to paradise” in Sanskrit) is located in the state of Gujarat, northwestern India. This city is considered one of the most important of Chardham (the four sacred pilgrimage sites of Hinduism) and one of the seven oldest religious sites in the country (the other six are Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Banaras, Kanchi and Ujjain).)
Dwarka and the Sacred City Dvaraka:
The reputation of Dwarka is mainly due to the identification of the modern city with the sacred mythological city of Dwarka, which would be the first capital of Gujarat. Dwarka is mentioned in the Mahabharata, one of the two great epics of ancient India, as well as Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Skand Purana, Vishnu Purana and Harivamsha.
According to Hindu mythology, Dwarka was a city where Krishna lived, the eighth avatar of Sri Maha Vishnu. It is believed that Sri Krishna was born in Mathura, south of Delhi, in the present state of Uttar Pradesh. His uncle, Kansa, was the tyrannical ruler of that city and was eventually killed by Sri Krishna. Kansa’s father-in-law, who was Jarasandh, the king of Magadha, was furious when he heard about the murder of Kansa and tried to avenge his death.
Although Mathura was attacked for 17 times, it was not Jarasandh’s turn. However, his clan, the Yadavs, suffered great losses during the long conflict. When Krishna realized that his people could not stand another war with Jarasandh, he decided to leave Mathura with the Yadavs.
Krishna Builds Dwarka:
In one version of the story, it is said that Sri Krishna was taken by Garuda (Vishnu) on the coast of Saurashtra in northwestern India. This is where Krishna founded the city of Dwarka. In another version of the story, Sri Krishna invoked Vishwakarma, the deity of construction, when he decided to build his new city. The deity, however, informed him that the task could only be accomplished if Samudradev, the lord of the sea, provided some lands. Krishna worshiped Samudradev, who was happy, and gave him 12 yojanas (773 square kilometers / 298.5 square miles) of land. With the land granted, Vishwakarma was able to build the city of Dwarka.
The Layout of the Mythological City of Dwarka:
Dwarka is purported to have been thoroughly planned. The city is said to have been divided into six sectors which contained residential and commercial areas, wide roads, plazas, palaces (700,000 that were made of gold, silver and precious stones), as well as numerous public facilities, including beautiful gardens and lakes. A hall called the sudharma sabha (‘Meeting of True Religion’) was the place where public meetings were held. As the city was surrounded by water, it was connected to the mainland via bridges and a port.
Seven Cities on the Site of Dwarka:
Krishna lived for the rest of his life in this newly built city. However, after being accidentally shot by an arrow while meditating under a tree in a forest in Bhalka Tirtha, Krishna separated from this world. After Krishna’s death, the city he founded was absorbed by a massive flood, returning it to the ocean. It is said that over the centuries, many civilizations built their cities in the area where the city of Dwarka once stood. It is believed that the present city of Dwarka is the seventh that was built there.
A Mix of History and Myth:
Dwarka and its fate have been rejected by some as a myth. However, there are also those who fervently believe that there is a historical basis for this story. Archaeological excavations were carried out in front of the famous Dwarkadhish temple of the modern city (the current structure dates from the 16th century). The results of these excavations suggest that there is evidence of a destroyed protohistoric settlement dating back to the 15th century BC.
This discovery has encouraged archaeologists to conduct research on the high seas. The results of underwater archaeological research show that there are indeed submerged structures off the coast of the modern city. These include stone anchors of various shapes and sizes, used stone blocks that were used for the construction and fortification walls of an ancient city. It has been speculated that these underwater structures also date from the 15th century BC. Therefore, it is quite possible that the mythological city of Dwarka founded by Krishna has its historical base in this protohistoric colony submerged under water.
Temple Facilities:
There are 23 comfortable and spacious rooms in the Guesthouse.
Well Furnished, AC Rooms
Room Service and Hot Water Round the Clock
Local sightseeing facility
For Booking:
+91 9898550185
+91 2892-234606
Email: iskcondwarka108@gmail.com
ISKCON Dwarka Dham Address:
Sri Sri Rukminidevi Dwarkadhish Mandir
Bharatiya Bhavan,Devi Bhuvan Road,
Dwarka, Gujarat – 361335.
Email: iskcondwarka108@gmail.com
Phone: +91 9898550185, +91 2892-234606