Sunrise at Dwarka or Dwarkavati an ancient port was considered the gateway of India. Established by Bhagwan Sri Krishna (who resided at Bet Dwarka that we shall see later), to protect the Yadavas from Jarasandh s anger, sits on the western most tip of the Gujarat peninsula, a sentinel over looking the Arabian Sea. Archaeological observations show that the present day Dwarka is the 6th city on this site, the earlier five having been submerged in the sea. Some of these submerged cities have been discovered recently. It is believed that Dwarka and Bet Dwarka were connected by land that later got submerged.
This is the Gomti ghat with the Dwarkadish Temple in the background. Devotees have a bath at dawn before doing darshan at the temple so also viewers are shown this picture before the others. The temple like most others is on the banks of a river in this case Gomti.
Dwarkadish Temple was built in the 8-10th century a.d. The structure that you see was built in Chalukyan style between 15-16th century. The temple covers 27 by 21 metres, height of Shikara is 51.8 metres, the Mandapa has 72 decorative pillars and five floors. Every floor has a projected balcony with decoration of animal & floral motifs.
Swamayam (himself) Sri Krishna Bhagwan prakat hai ie this is the Lord himself being seen. In him Mirabai, Narsi Mehta and Bhakti Bodana merged.
Another view of the temple and Gomti river. You can see a small boat in front. I used it to cross the river to an island and clicked Gomti ghat pictures from there. On the island too are a couple of temples.
Another view of the temple. Note the rising sun s rays falling on the temple and the ashram below.
A side view of the Ghat. On the left is the tip of the island that I spoke about earlier. At the far end of this picture is Sangam Mandir. It is the point where river Gomti meets with the Arabian Sea.
This is the Gomti ghat entrance to the temple. Like all temple entrances it faces the east. For whatever reason most devotees enter the temple from the western side today. The eastern being the older of the two implies during all times people used to enter the temple from the Gomti riverside that is believed to have been connected by land with the residence of Bet Dwarka, the residence of Lord Krishna.
A closer view of the main Shikhara from the steps. Note early morning sun s rays falling on the temple.
A closer view of the temple.Note the pillers supporting
The temple during Janmashtami celebrations (birth of Bhagwan Sri Krishna).
A side view of the temple left to right is the main shikhara, then mandapa and another temple in the complex
A rear view of the temple. In front is Pradumyna temple and behind is the main Shikhara.
A closer view of the main Shikhara, note sun s rays falling on the top part of the temple.
A closer view of the Pradumyna temple, note sun s rays falling on the top part of the temple
Another view of the temple. Jai Shri Krishna