By: David H.
Submitted: 2009-10-12 22:36:13 | Word Count: 629
The prominent temples of Dwarka are sacred edifices of antiquity of Hindu. These temples are also products of architectural brilliance and beauty, have importance in the history of Dwarka and much more. These and more will make your vacation in Dwarka an event to remember.
Dwarka is a sacred city in western coast of the Gujarat peninsula. Jamnagar Airport is the closest airport that connects well to Dwarka. The most appropriate time to visit the city is between the months of November and March.
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Dwarka is home to pilgrimage attractions like the temples. The prominent ones constructed in ancient times are made of brilliant architecture and enjoy solemnity for religious rites.
Dwarkadheesh Temple is also known as Jagat Mandir. It is located on the north bank of the Gomti Creek. This is built of limestone and sand was constructed 2,500 years ago.
Dwarkadheesh Temple is a 5 storey structure. It comprises of 60 beautiful columns which firmly support the roof of the hall intended for the audience. The exterior of this splendid structure has richly carved conical spire. This tip portion of the temple soars high at a height of 157 feet.
The Nij Mandir is the name of the sanctorum of this temple attributed to the great grandson of Lord Krishna. Moreover, the 84 feet flag of the temple is an eye catcher and seems to welcome the pilgrims and visiting tourists. This flag is hoisted regularly and faces beautifully in the air.
Besides this, the four handed black idol of Ranchhodrai, ruler of Dwarika is housed in this remarkable creation. This idles at the temple stands one meter tall.
Photography is not allowed inside the Dwarkadheesh Temple. Cameras should be entrusted over at the entrance before going inside the complex. Visitors are expected to respect this policy.
Another product of architectural beauty in Dwarka is Rukshamanee Mandir Temple. This 12th century building is a small structure situated in 1.5 kilometers north of town. Lord Krishna dedicated this temple to beautiful Devi Rukmini. Rukmini was Krishna’s most beloved and important wife out of his 16,108 wives.
Rukshamanee Mandir Temple boasts of having richly embellished walls and lavish curved columns. The walls of this significant worship place are adorned with beautiful paintings that depict Rukmini’s pastimes with her husband Krishna.
Aside from this lovely sight inside, this temple has also interesting tales to share to its visitors. The story goes that one day, Krishna and Rukmini invited to a dinner Durvasa Muni who was known for being angered easily.
In that time when a person is invited to dinner it is a customary practice that the host should not eat until the guest is properly satisfied with the food and service. But, Rukmini became thirsty that made her ask for Krishna’s help while their guests were having dinner.
Rukmini had a drink of water without asking the permission of Durvasa. Durvasa caught her and eventually ignited his anger. He cursed Rukmini to live away from her loving husband, Lord Krishna. Thus the temple of Krishna Is located in the town and the temple of Rukmini is positioned outside the town.
Finally, the temple located in western part of the city is Gita Mandir Temple. It was Birlas, leading business tycoons who built this temple in the year 1970. The values of holy book Bhagavad Gita was the inspiration of this marvelous structure of Dwarka.
Gita Mandir Temple was constructed of marble. Its walls are lavishly carved while its ceilings are beautifully embellished. The prominent hymns of Bhagavad Gita are inscribed to these elegant ceilings and walls of the temple. Another Fascinating feature of Gita Mandir Temple is that any voice heard in hall will be echoed. The echo that will be produced from the voice will spell out a distinct feeling of being charmed.
