Dwarkadhish Templeद्वारकाधीश मंदिर

About Dwarkadhish Temple

Dwarkadhish Temple, also called Jagat Mandir, stands in the coastal town of Dwarka in Gujarat, where the Gomti river meets the Arabian Sea. Lord Krishna is worshipped here as Dwarkadhish, the King of Dwarka. It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimages, and Dwarka is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven most sacred cities in Hinduism. The large flag on the temple spire, changed several times a day, can be seen from far away and is a moving sight for devotees.

According to tradition, Krishna left Mathura and built the city of Dwarka by the sea, where he ruled as king. After his departure, the city is said to have been swallowed by the ocean. The original shrine is traditionally believed to have been built by Vajranabha, Krishna's great-grandson, over Krishna's palace. The present temple dates largely from the 15th-16th centuries and was later expanded. Adi Shankaracharya visited Dwarka and established the Dwarka Sharada Peetham, one of his four mathas, beside the temple.

The temple is five storeys high, built of limestone and supported by many carved pillars, with a tall spire rising above. It has two main entrances: Swarga Dwar, used by pilgrims to enter, and Moksha Dwar, from which 56 steps lead down to the Gomti river. Inside, the black stone image of Krishna in his four-armed form is richly dressed and decorated through the day.

Dwarkadhish Temple timings & aarti

Usually open about 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Times may vary on festivals; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Dwarkadhish Temple

Festivals at Dwarkadhish Temple

• JanmashtamiAug/Sep
• Holi (Phool Dol)Mar
• Annakut (after Diwali)Oct/Nov

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest traditional clothing recommended.

Entry

Free entry for all. Mobile phones and cameras are generally not allowed inside; deposit them before entering.

• Take a dip or sprinkle water at Gomti Ghat before entering through Swarga Dwar.
• Watch the flag-changing ceremony, held several times a day.
• Plan a half-day trip to Bet Dwarka and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga.
• Deposit phones and cameras at the counters before darshan.
• Darshan pauses between sessions; check the schedule displayed at the temple.

Places to visit near Dwarkadhish Temple

• Gomti GhatSacred ghat at the foot of the temple's 56 steps
• Rukmini Devi TempleTemple of Krishna's queen, about 2 km away
• Nageshwar JyotirlingaShiva Jyotirlinga shrine, about 17 km away
• Bet DwarkaIsland with Krishna temples, reached via Okha and Sudarshan Setu, about 30 km away
• Shivrajpur BeachClean Blue Flag beach, about 12 km away

Frequently asked questions