Dwarka

Dwarka, on the west coast of Gujarat on the shore of the Arabian Sea, features in most of the legends surrounding Lord Krishna. It is from here that the grown Lord Krishna is supposed to have ruled his kingdom. Dwarka is a significant pilgrimage site for the Hindus. Dwarka is sanctified as the place where Lord Vishnu slew the demon Shankhasura.

The Puranas mention the 12 Jyotirlingas or columns of light representing Lord Shiva which manifested in different parts of the country. One of these is located in Dwarka and is known as the Nageshwar Mahadev.

The Jagat Mandir or Nij Mandir forms the sanctum of the Dwarkadish temple and dates back to 2500 years. Jagat Mandir has its own hall of audience and a conical spire. The roof of the hall is supported by 60 columns and the main temple rises five storeys high. The spire rises to a height of 157 feet and is richly carved. One of the most popular temples in Dwarka is that of Rukmini, Krishnas wife, considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty.

The Sharad Peetha, one of the four Maths established by Jagatguru Shankaracharya, is also situated here . By Air Jamnagar, 145 kilometres away, is the nearest airport. By Rail Dwarka is on the Western Railway line.