Dwarkashish Temple (Jagat Mandir)
The name Dwarka in sanskrit means "Door of the world". It was said that Lord krishna
when fled from Mathura while fighting with Jarasandh was bought here by the mighty
divine eagle, Garuda. Krishna then created this beautifull city and lived here until
he died in 3102 BC. In fact the name of the idol in temple is hence called "Ranchhodraiji"
meaning one who fled the battlefield.
The Math in Dwarkadhish temple was established
by Shri Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the 7th century. Shri Adi Guru Shankaracharya
translated hinduism in simple language and established great monasteries in all
four directions of India. Muslim Army from Iran / Afghan destroyed the temple in
11/12th century and continued to be prime target for muslims for next three centuries.
Sri Dwarkadishji mandir or Jagat Mandir is the existing temple of Jagatmandir, archiologists
claims that this building was built in 1730 AD. The temple has five level of height
and is built on 72 rock carved pillars.
Many westerners visit Dwarka because of
the name of Lord Krishna through ISCKON, Dwarka has unique combination of archaeological
and mythological significance.
Meera Bai
This town has one
more divine association, with Mira Bai.
Mira Bai or
Meera bai is one of the India's most popular saint and devoteee of Krishna,
Mira Bai was once wife of a 16th century king. Mira Bai practiced and guided many
people on the spiritual path called "Bhakti Yoga", this path to
enlightenment does not ask for knowledge or any wizdom, it
simply asks for pure love of god. It was this town Dwarka, where Meera
Bai recited many of the poems in praise of Lord Krishna. Meera Bai lived her last
years here in Dwarka and wrote to Krishna her immortal poems of love.
Archaeology & Mythology
Archaeologists
found great resemblance in 72, this temple has always been subject of archaeoastronomical
study.
Archaeologist suggest that India's most powerfull dynasty Maurya &
Gupta dynasty rebuilt this temple in the Gupta period (413 AD). Many legends are
told about Dwarka, Few says that this holy city was long ago entirely swept away
by a giant tsunami wave. Many says that krishna himself destroyed Dwarka to fulfill
the curse of Gandhari after the battle of Kurukhsetra in Mahabharata. However Historians
and archaeologists are hunting the shores of Dwarka to find the ancient city of
Dwarka, As of today support oceanographic studies which have proven the existence
of submerged temple structures off the coast of Dwarka.