About Bet Dwarka Temple
Bet Dwarka is a small island off the coast of Okha in Devbhoomi Dwarka district, Gujarat, about 30 km north of Dwarka town. It is revered as the place where Lord Krishna lived with his family while he ruled Dwarka. The main shrine is the Shri Dwarkadhish (Keshavraiji) temple, a palace-like complex with shrines to Krishna and his queens. A visit to Bet Dwarka is traditionally considered part of the Dwarka pilgrimage, and many devotees come here after darshan at the Dwarkadhish temple in Dwarka.
Bet means island, and the name Bet Shankhodhar is also used. Tradition holds that this is where Krishna's childhood friend Sudama came to meet him, bringing only a small bundle of rice, which Krishna accepted with great love. In memory of this, devotees offer rice here. The island has also drawn marine archaeologists, who have found ancient remains in the surrounding waters. Nearby, the Hanuman Dandi temple honours Hanuman and his son Makardhwaj, a rare pairing.
The main temple complex has whitewashed buildings, courtyards and several shrines rather than a single towering spire. Krishna is worshipped as Dwarkadhish, the King of Dwarka, along with shrines to Rukmini and his other queens. Since 2024 the Sudarshan Setu, a long cable-stayed bridge from Okha, connects the island by road, though ferries also run.
Bet Dwarka Temple timings & aarti
The main temple is generally open in the morning until around midday and again from late afternoon to evening, with a closure in between. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | Early morning |
| Rajbhog | Around midday |
| Sandhya Aarti | Around sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Bet Dwarka Temple
By air
Jamnagar Airport is about 145–160 km away; Porbandar Airport is about 130 km away.
By train
Okha railway station is about 3–5 km from the Sudarshan Setu; Dwarka station is about 30 km away.
By road
Drive or take a bus from Dwarka to Okha (about 30 km), then cross by the Sudarshan Setu bridge or take a short ferry.
Festivals at Bet Dwarka Temple
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- Holi (Phool Dol)Mar
- Sharad PurnimaOct
- Diwali and AnnakutOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Open to devotees with no entry fee for darshan. Photography is usually not allowed inside the shrines.
- Bring a small packet of rice to offer, following the tradition of Sudama.
- Plan around the midday closure so you do not arrive when the temple is shut.
- Visit Nageshwar Jyotirlinga on the same day, as it lies on the Dwarka–Okha road.
- Carry sun protection; the island has limited shade.
Places to visit near Bet Dwarka Temple
- Hanuman Dandi TempleShrine of Hanuman and his son Makardhwaj, about 4–5 km away on the island
- Nageshwar JyotirlingaOne of the 12 Jyotirlingas, about 15 km from Okha
- Gopi TalavSacred pond linked with Krishna's gopis, about 20 km away
- Dwarkadhish Temple, DwarkaThe main Char Dham temple, about 30–35 km away
- Rukmini Devi TempleTemple of Krishna's queen near Dwarka, about 30 km away
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Bet Dwarka?
Travel to Okha, about 30 km from Dwarka, then cross by road over the Sudarshan Setu bridge or take a short ferry.
What are the Bet Dwarka temple timings?
The temple is generally open in the morning and again from late afternoon to evening, with a midday closure. Check locally for exact times.
Why is rice offered at Bet Dwarka?
Tradition holds that Sudama brought a handful of rice to Krishna here, so devotees offer rice in remembrance.
What is the distance between Dwarka and Bet Dwarka?
Bet Dwarka is about 30–35 km from Dwarka town by road.
What is the aarti time at Bet Dwarka Temple?
Mangala Aarti: Early morning; Rajbhog: Around midday; Sandhya Aarti: Around sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Bet Dwarka Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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