Dwarka most popular place for Hindu
Dwarka is one of the seven religious cities in India, where thousands of devotees from all over the world take part in the festival every year. Dwarka, located on the western tip of the Sourastra Peninsula in Gujarat and on the banks of the Gomati River, is an ancient city in India that has mythical stories of Lord Krishna and has earned the honour of being the gateway to much precious moksha and heaven. It is not surprising that the place is mentioned in the Mahabharata and Skanda Purana. According to Dharmaprana Shastra, Dwarka is one of the most sacred places that gives salvation since Lord Krishna created his mortal kingdom here. The city and its temples display luminous architecture and its connections with Lord Krishna. According to mythology, the kingdom of Dwarka was established by Lord Krishna 5000 years ago. It is told there were 9 lakh palace structure was built of silver and gold by Vishwakarma just in two days.
Dwarka is the first capital of Gujarat, the name literally means gateway. The city was the capital of the Yadav dynasty which ruled over the place for many years. According to legend, after Krishna settled here he defeated and killed his uncle Kansa, at Mathura. This mythological account of Krishna’s migration from Mathura to Dwarka is closely associated with the culture of Gujarat.
This city was founded by the Yadava ancestors of Lord Krishna; after being defeated with a war, Raywata fled to Mathura to protect himself and family members of his clan.
Even each of the temples of Dwarka, has different mythical story.
Dwarkadhish Temple – It is believed that Vajranava, the grandson of Lord Krishna, built this temple around the 15th century. The temple has two entrances, one on the north is called Moksha Dwar and the south is called Swarga Dwar. The Hindu theologian and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya visited this temple. A memorial in the temple is dedicated to his philosophy. It is estimated that the location of this temple is 2,500 years old. The sun and moon are seen on the flag of the temple, which is believed that Krishna will be there until the sun and moon appear on the earth. The flag is changed up to five times, but the symbol remains the same.
Rukmini Devi Temple – The temple is said to be more than 2500 years old. Known as a saint, Durbasa, who easily used to lose his temper and cursed anyone and everyone left and right without much thought. In his anger he cursed Rukmini that the she will be detached from other half forever would always be apart. Some say that in fact Lord Krishna indirectly persuaded Durbasa to curse her unknowingly because Krishna did not like her overconfidence. Some also say that Radha and Rukmini are same because Radha does not appear when Krishna is with Rukmini and when he is with Radha, Rukmini used to be absent.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple – Nageshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. A story of the Pandava brothers in the Dwapar era. According to a story, the most powerful of the Pandava brothers saw a river full of Bhima cream and milk and he along with his other brothers found a spontaneous (self-revealed) lingam in the middle of the river. This is how the Nageshwar temple was built.
In another story it was told that a terrible monster was living in the forest. He started interfering and destroying Hindu festivals. He captured Supriya who was a great devotee of Shiva and many more and imprisoned them in a secret darkness. Supriya continued all the Shiva worship rituals every day and seeing his devotion, Lord Shiva was felt and he appeared at that place. That is when a divine Jyotirlinga was established there. Lord Shiva defeated the demons. Later the temple was built here.
These mythical stories generally cut a scar in people’s minds and increases devotion and respect for Lord Krishna. People come in groups to this place to express their devotion and to clear the thorns of way to the heaven.