Dwaraka,
also known as Dev Bhoomi, is a sacred city in Gujarat, Western
India, revered as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. It is one of
the 108 Divya Desams, the Seven Mukthi Sthalas, and a key
destination in the Char Dham Yatra.
Divine Origins
- The city of Dwaraka was established
by Lord Krishna, who relocated the people of Mathura to this
divine land.
- The city was built by Vishwakarma,
the celestial architect.
- The current temple was constructed by
Vajranabha, the grandson of Lord Krishna, over 2,500 years ago.
Deity and Iconography
- The presiding deity is Lord
Krishna, worshipped as Dwarkadhish (King of Dwaraka).
- He stands in a majestic posture with four
arms, holding:
- Shanka
(Conch)
- Chakra
(Discus)
- Gadha
(Mace)
- Padma
(Lotus)
- A unique feature is that Mother
Devaki faces Lord Krishna in the sanctum.
- A separate shrine is dedicated to Goddess
Rukmini Devi, his consort.
Temple Rituals and
Decoration
- The temple follows a rich daily
schedule from Mangala Arati at dawn to Shayan Arati (Ekanta
Seva) at night.
- The deity is adorned with Divya
Alankara (sacred dressing), reflecting the second act of divine
worship in Vaishnava tradition.
- Deep Daan
(lamp offering) in the sacred Gomati River is considered highly
auspicious.
Spiritual Legacy
- Dwaraka is a gateway to heaven,
a place of liberation and divine grace.
- Great Acharyas like Adi
Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya have visited this shrine.
- Adi Shankaracharya established a Mutt
in Badrinath to propagate Hindu philosophy in the western region.
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