Dwarka in Gujarat is one of the most ancient cities of Bharat. Krishna Bhagwan, Dwarkadhish is considered to be the king of Dwarka. Mention of this city is in the epic Mahabharata. As per the Mahabharata, Krishna Bhagwan established his Yaduvanshi kingdom in Dwarka between 3,500 and 5,000 years ago. Later, it was submerged in the sea. Several excavations and expeditions have been carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Structures linked to the presence of temples and forts have been discovered during these expeditions by the ASI.
Archeoastronomy is the branch for the study of how phenomena in the sky was understood by the people in the past. Scientists of the field are trying to identify the precise period of the city. In this regard, a paper prepared by Indian archaeologist Dr SR Rao is very important. The site is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
On the banks of river Gomti, this place is one of the Char Dhams of Hindu pilgrimage. The main shrine of the five-storied building, supported by 72 pillars, is known as Jagat Mandir. The temple is built in limestone and is exquisitely carved. The temple is seven stories tall and looks majestic. The temple stands on a small hill accessed by 50-plus steps, with heavily sculptured walls that cocoon the sanctum with the main Krishna idol. The original structure was destroyed by Mahmud Begada. Like most of the temples of Bharat, this temple also has a similar fate. This was destroyed again and again and was rebuilt again and again.
In 1861, Dwarkadhish Temple was renovated by Maharaja Khanderao. Then in 1960 it was refurbished by Shankaracharya of Dwarka.
The current temple in Chalukya style of architecture was constructed in the 15-16th century. The towering Shikhara over the Garbha Griha replicates a mountain peak. Adi Shankaracharya visited the shrine in the 8th century. Popular 16th Century poet Meera Bai is associated with this temple. The spirit of bhakti is stronger than the negativity of destruction is the message that emanates from the temple. n
