Travel to Veraval Gir Forest Lions and Bet Dwarka

--------------------------------------

Krishnas' Beyt Dwarka

Lord Krishna was the King of His Realm. Dwarka, in Gujarat. Dwarka is an important Hindu pilgrimage destination. This journey is from Jamnagar to Bet Dwarka. With a possible side trip to the Gir Lion Forest.

Krishna ruled Ancient Dwarka for 36 years after the Mahabharata War.

Krishna received a request from a sage named Durvasa, after Mathura, to find a suitable location for him to perform his penance. Krishna selected a barren island called Shankhodhara, off the western coast of present-day Gujarat, and with his divine powers, he built the magnificent city there. The city is now underwater. The underwater Dwarka is the 'mythical' city of Lord Krishna (you can explore the submerged remnants of this ancient kingdom by scuba.) Lord Krishna ruled as King there for 36 years.

Krishna saved Rukmini The Princess Rukmini from an evil king. Rukmini sent a secret message to Krishna, asking for his protection. He took her on his chariot, and they escaped to Dwarka. Krishna married Rukmini, making her his queen. Their story represents the triumph of true love, righteousness, and good over evil. Rukmini was the principal wife of Lord Krishna.

Lord Krishna was renowned for his wisdom, compassion, and devotion to righteousness. He led a virtuous life, embodying the ideals of dharma, and his teachings in the sacred Bhagavad Gita continue to inspire generations even today. His presence bestowed grace upon the city of Dwarka, making it a haven of spirituality and devotion

"Krishna and Rukmini, she was his principal wife. The story of Dwarka begins with the benevolent king, Lord Krishna, who was an incarnation of Vishnu. Dwarka was his majestic kingdom, nestled along the western coast of the India, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The city flourished under his divine guidance and was a symbol of prosperity, harmony, and cultural richness.

Dwarka's glory did not last forever. As fate would have it, a significant event in ancient Indian history, took place. As Krishna lay resting in the forest, a hunter mistook him for a deer and shot an arrow which penetrated Krishnas' heel. It led to the eventual departure of Lord Krishna from the mortal world.

Krishna Mahabharata War

The Mahabharata war is a complex tale intertwining morality, duty, and the harsh realities of life and death, leaving a lasting legacy on Indian culture and spirituality. A titanic clash between two groups of cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Krishna, though related to both sides, chose to side with the Pandavas. He offered himself as a non-combatant advisor and charioteer to Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers. The war lasted for eighteen days on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Krishna imparted the spiritual wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, teaching Arjuna about duty (dharma) and righteousness. End of an Era: The war marked the end of the Dvapara Yuga and the beginning of the current Kali Yuga, a darker age of strife and moral decline. The Pandavas then renounced their kingdom and embarked on a great journey towards the Himalayas.

---------------------------------------------

Legend has it that the city's submergence was a necessary event, a divine plan that ensured the immortal legacy of Lord Krishna and the knowledge of his teachings. Dwarka's ruins still exist underwater, preserving the memory of its once great existence.

Despite the physical disappearance of Dwarka, the spirit of the city and the teachings of Lord Krishna continue to thrive through stories, folklore, and scriptures. The sunken city of Dwarka became a symbol of faith and devotion, attracting countless pilgrims and seekers who wished to connect with the divine through its submerged remains.

It wasn't until the late 20th century that underwater archaeologists stumbled upon remnants and ruins off the coast of present-day Dwarka. Excavations have revealed structures and artifacts resembling the descriptions of ancient Dwarka from ancient texts and scriptures. This discovery brought the lost city of Lord Krishna into the realm of historical fact rather than myth." Once known as Dwarawati, Dwaraka is one of the seven most ancient cities.

Beyt Dwarka Island, also known as Bet Dwarka or Beyt Shankhodhara, is historically and religiously significant as the ancient port city of Krishnas' Dwarka. Beyt Dwarka now is one of the few remaining parts that remain above the sea level. The Beyt Dwarkadhish Temple, located on the island, is one of the main pilgrimage sites, attracting thousands of devotees annually. One must get to the island by ferry from Okha.

The time from when lord Krishna died is considered to be the beginning of Kaliyuga.

--------------------------------------

Fly to Ramnagar

The closest airport to the present City of Dwarka in Gujarat is Jamnagar. "Most of the actors in TV serials wear Bandhani Silk" from Ramnagar. Places to visit in Ramnagar: Pratap Vilas Palace, Lakhota Lake & Palace, Bala Hanuman Temple, Darbargadh Palace, Jain Temples, Khijadia Bird Sanctuary and Narara Marine National Park. Ramnagar has many fine hotels, some by the sea.

INDIA PILGRIMAGE

The drive or train from Jamnagar to Dwarka City is 2+ hours. There are many excellent hotels in Dwarka and the beach is popular. Pilgrims come to Dwarka for holiday and Hindu celebrations and to visit the famous Hindu temples of Krishna and Rukmini. Dwarkadhish temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir. Rukmini Devi Temple is 2 kilometres away from the city of Dwarka.

Dwarka City

The present city of Dwarka stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Lord Krishna. The city remains a sacred site, attracting pilgrims, who come to experience the divine aura and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage that echoes the time of the great Lord Krishna. Easy to enjoy 4-5 days in Dwarka, by the sea.

Here is the list of 3 of Temples in Dwarka for a Holy Pilgrimage

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka. Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir), is believed to have been established more than 2500 years ago by Lord Krishna's great grandson, Vajranabh. The ancient temple has been renovated several times, with imprints of 16th and 19th centuries.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Shiva Temple
Rukmani Mata Temple. located a few kilometres away from Dwarka. It is believed to have been built more than 2,000 years ago. Its main sanctum has Rukmini’s idol, a beautiful marble idol of Devi Rukmani, with four hands holding Shanka, Chakra, Gada and Padma. The exterior and interior walls have intricate carvings of elephants and human figures.

Hotels in Dwarka.

Shivrajpur Beach.

Shivrajpur Beach It is a white sand beach with azure clear water, located 12 kilometres from Dwarka. The beach is handicap accessible. The beach is ideal for swimming because the water is shallow. The best time to visit the beach is from October to April. Scuba diving, boat rides and Camel Ride are available. Long, flat beach with white sand, gentle surf, and wooden umbrellas with grassy roofs. This beach is full of shells, corals and sea weeds. Serene beach and magnificent view. NOT crowded.

Beyt Dwarka from Okha

Once you are staying in the city of Dwarka, Take an overnight trip to Okha which is a 45 minute drive further North from Dwarka. There are a few hotels in Okha. The Mariners Inn is a good choice and can help arrange ferry tickets for you to visit the island of Beyt Dwarka. Photography is strictly prohibited in the temples, no electronic devices including mobiles are allowed. You will have to deposit them into the lockers at the entrance. The journey from Dwarka to Okha by bus is 2 hours. Ferries to Bet Dwarka from Okha are literaly packed full. Ferry ride is 15 minutes. You can hire a private boat.

The small island is home to the namesake temple, and supposedly the residence of Lord Krishna when he first arrived here. The current temple complex has shrines for three of his most important queens: Rukmini, Jambavati and Satyabhama. There is also a separate structure and temple dedicated to Radha.

Once on the island there are tuk tuks available. Several Important Hindu temples are on the island, Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir) is one of the four Pavitra Dham of India. Hindus from all over India come here to worship Lord Krishna, where Krishna ruled as a king. Shri Keshavraiji Temple is also an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.. The Gold Temple is well built and consists of Krishna’s tales from birth to Dwarka. An important shrine in the Krishna temple of Bet Dwarka is the one dedicated to his birth mother. It is right opposite to the main Krishna temple as it is believed Lord Krishna liked to open his eyes and see his mother in the morning.

Close to the temple is a lovely beach called the Hanuman Dandi beach, you can visit when you head to the temple.

You must return to Okha for the night then back to Dwarka

------------------------------------

Leaving Dwarka drive south 4 hrs. to Somnath to visit the temple known as the Bhalka Tirth Temple.

Imaginary image of Lord Krishna, resting under a tree, when he was mistaken for a deer by a hunter and shot with an arrow. Lord Krishna died and his death marked the beggining of of Kali Yuga.

With Lord Krishna's departure, Hidden in the depths of time, a cataclysmic event loomed over the city. Dwarka was consumed by the waves of the Arabian Sea. The once glorious city, its splendid palaces, bustling markets, and grand temples were swallowed by the vast ocean waters.

Somnath

In Somnath here is a temple known as the Bhalka Tirth Temple, which marks the place where Krishna is said to have been mistakenly shot by a hunter. Inside the temple, there is a statue of Krishna reclining under a tree, depicting the moment just before his departure.

Devotees visit this temple to pay their respects and to remember the life and teachings of Krishna. The site is not only a place of mourning for Krishna's physical departure but also a place of celebration of his life and spiritual legacy.

After Dwarka you could visit Veraval and the nearby Gir Lion Forest.

Veraval and Gir Forest

DRIVE FROM Dwarka to Veraval 3.5 hours. Veraval and the nearby Gir Lion Forest. Many hotels in Veraval. The are very many hotels and resort hotels surrounding Sassan Gir as well.

The drive from Veraval to the entry gate of the Gir Forest is 25 miles or about 50 minutes. You will need a prior reservation to enter the gate. It is said that Rama, Krishna and Buddha all visited and spent time in the Gir Forest. The last of the Asiatic Lions are protected there. Unlike the other big cats, lions here are tolerant of the presence of humans and even live near the human settlements.There are many wild peacocks throughout the forest, you will see them as you race around in an open jeep with your guide searching to spot a lion! .. along with leopards and antelopes.

The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir is the only place where Asiatic Lions can still be found. They are the last of the Asiatic Lions. The park is made up of hilly terrain with arid scrubland. A dry deciduous forest with teak trees is present throughout the park. Gir best time to visit is between December and March.

back to Krishna's youth and Gopis...

INDIA PILGRIMAGE

----------------------------------

INDEX: Avatar in India

SPIRITUAL VARANASI