Dwaraka

Dwaraka, also spelled Dwarka or Dvarakā, is a city on the western coast of Gujarat, India, in the Jamnagar district. It lies on the Gulf of Kutch near the town of Okha and is part of a region known for its coastal landscape and religious sites.

In Hindu tradition, Dvaraka is the legendary capital established by Krishna in the Dvapara Yuga. The city is described in epic and Puranic literature as a fortified port city with palaces and temples, and it holds a central place in Krishna-related lore.

Bet Dwarka is an island off the coast that is associated with Krishna’s kingdom and houses the Bet Dwarka temple. Archaeological surveys around Bet Dwarka have reported ruins or constructions, but interpretations vary and there is no broad consensus about their connection to the ancient city. The idea that the original city sank beneath the sea appears in myths and later legends, rather than as confirmed historical fact.

Today, Dwarka is a major pilgrimage site and coastal town. The Dwarkadhish temple, dedicated to Krishna, is the principal shrine and attracts thousands of devotees each year. The area supports fishing and tourism, contributing to the local economy.

Transport and administration: Dwarka is connected by road to Jamnagar and Okha. Dwarka railway station serves the town on the line to Okha, and ferries operate to Bet Dwarka, facilitating access for pilgrims and visitors.