Dwarkadish Temple is considered to be the main temple among the sacred Char Dham temples. However, it is essential to know that the present temple structure at Dwaraka is said to be dated to 16th century. The original structure was said to have been destroyed by Mahmud Begada in 1473. However, the antiquity of this temple dates back to several millennia. The present temple is located at an elevation of 12.9 meters above mean sea-level and it faces west. The main shrine of five storied temple is supported by 72 pillars.
The temple is dedicated Lord Krishna, who is reckoned as the King of Dwarka. Hence it is called Dwarkadish Temple – Temple of King of Dwarka. This temple is also called Jagat Temple- the Universal Temple, or the Temple of the World. It is believed to have been established by Lord Krishna’s grandson Vajranabh.
According to a legend this temple was built on the very site of Krishna’s palace, which was reclaimed from the sea by his divine power. Temple is also known as Nija Mandir, or Original Temple. It is said to be the oldest structure in Dwarka.
Marine Archeology’s Findings
Archeological findings suggest that the original temple was built, at the earliest, in 200 BCE. That the past five decades of underwater excavations in the Arabian sea adjoining the Gomti estuary have also disclosed submerged archeological monuments which give credence to such claims.
Its Home Page on Dwaraka Explorations has this to state:
“During 1983-1992 underwater archaeological explorations have been carried out almost every year in Dwarka waters. The successive underwater investigations off Dwarka in about 4 to 12 m water depth have revealed the presence of a number of submerged stone building blocks such as remains of wall, pillar and bastion and also stone anchors of various types like three-holed, prismatic and triangular were noteced in various places. SDDE and SCUBA systems were used for the underwater exploration along with ‘Aquazepp’ the underwater scooter. The survey boats were chartered and were equipped with underwater camera, underwater TV system and airlift equipments for exploration and excavation.”
About the antiquity of the Dwaraka the magazine states as follow:
“Dwarka on the west coast of India, is a well known ancient port, now believed to have been submerged. The excavations carried out during 1979 in the Dwarkadhish Temple Complex revealed three temple remains. In all, eight settlements can be distinguished at Dwarka. The first settlement made in the 15th century B.C. was submerged or washed away and so also the second one made in the 10th century B.C. After a long gap the third settlement was made in the 1st century B.C./A.D. as suggested by the Red Polished Ware and copper coins known as Karshapanas. It is during this phase that Temple I, was built. The lime-plastered surface of its stone masonry still retaining a few lines of red ochre painting suggests that the plinth was open to view above the then working level. After the first temple was destroyed the second temple came to be built on the ruins of the first. When the second temple was also destroyed, the third temple was built in the 9th century. It was perhaps in the 12th century a storm-wave blew away the roof leaving only the walls and plinth. The fourth temple came into existence soon after. The present temple of Dwarkadhish is the fifth in the series. Temples I to V represent respectively settlements III to VII and the modern town is the eighth settlement at Dwarka. It is this sequence finding of which led to present explorations at Dwarka.”
Religious Importance
Dwarkadhish Temple is 98th of the 108 Divya Desams, or holy abodes of Vishnu, which are glorified by Alwars, the 12th Century Tamil poet-saints. The Divya Desam is praised by four Alwars: Nammalwar, Thirumangal Alwar, Thrumalisai Alwar and Periyalwar. This temple is also mentioned in the works of other Hindu saints and scholars, such as Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, Madhyacharya and Narsinh Mehta. There is a record stating that Adi Shankara had visited this temple in 8th Century.
The Deity
The Deity of Dwarakadish Temple is made of black stone and decorated in its typical golden costumes and head gear. One finds this in Braj Bhoomi as well. As per a legend ‘the main idol housed within the temple possesses a magnetic charge, drawing metal objects to it. This captivating phenomenon has captured both scientists and devotees, sparking intrigue and speculation’. But we could hardly enjoy any such experience due to our split-second darshan.
Meera Bai, a 16th century poet and devotee of Lord Krishna, is said to have merged with this idol at this temple. It is said that after this she was never seen again. Meera Bai composed many songs and poems in praise of Lord Krishna.
Flag Hoisting
The temple has a beautifully crafted 43 meter high spire on which a 52 yards cloth flag remains always hoisted. Each day flag is changed six times in a very ritualistic ceremony. Due to its height high breeze hoisting flag is very risky and courageous act. This flag hoisting ceremony is much awaited by the pilgrims, who wait in hoards for a long time for this to take place. People can pay and get this flag hoisted as a reverence to the Lord.
In Jagannath Puri, one more temple of Lord Krishna, similar daily flag hoisting ceremony takes place, with similar admirations from the pilgrims.
Temple Entry
The temple is totally surrounded by private properties, excepting the steps and the parikrama. There is a separate queue for the pilgrims who are on their own, that is without the guidance of the Priests or Pandas. There is a society formed by the Priests through which these Priests operate the visits. Our team went through one such Priest. We were taken through a side entrance, (but leading to the same steps which were being followed by queue of the independent pilgrims!). As our Priest seemed to have some influence in the Society, we were taken by-passing the prevalent queue.
Entry into the main garbha-gruha was an exercise by itself due to the crowd at the narrow entry point. Finally when we reached the Lord’s Darshan we were pulled out by the policeman there from the front and pushed-out by the surging crown behind!! Not a very good experience, but since it is same experience at all the temples, we consoled ourselves that at least we have had a glimpse of the Lord!
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