Dwarkadhish Temple
The Dwarkadhish temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir and occasionally spelled Dwarakadheesh, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Krishna, who is worshiped here by the name Dwarkadhish (Dvārakādhisha), or 'King of Dwarka'. The temple is located at Dwarka city of Gujarat, India, which is one of the destinations of Char Dham, a Hindu pilgrimage circuit. The main shrine of the five-storied building, supported by 72 pillars, is known as Jagat Mandir or Nija Mandir. Archaeological findings suggest the original temple was built in 200 BCE at the earliest. The temple was rebuilt and enlarged in the 15th–16th century.
| Dwarkadheesh Temple | |
|---|---|
The temple shikharas with the entrance in front | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| Deity | Krishna |
| Festivals | Krishna Janmashtami |
| Location | |
| Location | Dwarka |
| State | Gujarat |
| Country | India |
Location in Gujarat | |
| Geographic coordinates | 22°14′16.39″N 68°58′3.22″E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Temple |
| Style | Māru-Gurjara architecture |
| Completed | 15th–16th century (present architecture) |
| Website | |
| www | |
The original structure was destroyed by Mahmud Begada in 1473.
The temple became part of the Char Dham pilgrimage considered sacred by Hindus in India. Adi Shankara, the 8th century Hindu theologian and philosopher, visited the shrine. The other three being comprising Rameswaram, Badrinath and Puri. Even today a memorial within the temple is dedicated to his visit. Dwarakadheesh is the 98th Divya Desam of Vishnu on the subcontinent, glorified in the Divya Prabandha sacred texts. The temple is at an elevation of 12.19 metres (40.0 ft) above mean sea-level. It faces west. The temple layout consists of a garbhagriha (Nijamandira or Harigraha) and an antarala (an antechamber). However, the existing temple is dated to 16th century.