City-information for Dwarka

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Population 30,000,
Dwarka was Lord Krishna's capital 5000 years ago, after He left Mathura. Lord Krishna spent 100 years here. Modern day Dwarka is a small city located at the western tip of the Gujarat peninsula on the Arabian Sea. Dwarka has a climate that is very nice in the winter and not too hot in the summer. It is a good place to stay for a few days, as it is peaceful and hassle free.

Dwarka is one of the Saptapuris, seven holy cities, of India, which include Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kashi (Varanasi), Ujjain, Kanchipuram, and Dwarka. It is also one of the four holy dhamas in India, the others being Rameswarm, Puri, and Badrinath.

The Dwarkadhish Deity is that of Lord Trivikrama. It is said that "Sri Krishna placed all His arts, achievements, properties, and His ownness into Lord Trivikrama." Sanaka Rsi, Marici, Atri, Angira, and other sages are said to have performed penances here.

Archaeological excavations indicate that Dwarka is built on four (some say five) former cities. Much of the present town was submerged by the rising sea levels. Marine archaeologist SR Rao discovered a 250 kg anchor, which indicates that a 120-ton ship may have used the port. There is evidence to suggest that this city was a large port at least as far back as the 15th century BC.

If you are just coming for the day to Dwarka, you could visit the Dwarkadhish temple, take a bath in the ocean where it meets the Gomati River, go see the Rukmini Temple, and then take lunch. You could then go to Bet Dwarka to see the temple.

Dwarka means door. One of the four original mutts founded by Shankaracarya is in Dwarka. Both Ramanujacarva and Malhvacarya came here for pilgrimage.