Other names Jagat Mandir Devanagari द्वारकाधीश मंदिर Tamil த்வாரகாதீஶ ம்திர Locale Dwarka Primary deity Krishna | Proper name Dwarkadheesh Mandir Sanskrit transliteration Dvārakādhīś mandir Marathi द्वार्काधीश मन्दिर Important festival Krishna Janmashtami | |
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Similar Krishna Janmashtami, Rukmini Devi Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Sudama Setu, Taj Mahal | ||
The Dwarakadhisa Temple is a Hindu Vaishnava temple, located in the heart of Dwarka, India. It is also known as Jagat Mandir (meaning "Temple of the World"), as it was built by Raja Jagat Singh Rathore. The temple is at an elevation of 12.19 metres (40.0 ft) above mean sea-level. It faces west. The temple layout consists of a garbhagriha (Nijamandira or Harigraha) and an antarala (an antechamber). It is conjectured that this temple location is 2,500 years old where Lord Krishna had built his city and a temple. However, the existing temple is dated to 16th century.
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Structure
It is a five storied edifice built over 72 pillars (sandstone temple with 60 pillars is also mentioned). The original temple had been built by Krishna’s grandson over the Harigraha, the palace of Krishna. The temple has an assembly hall or audience hall. There are two important entrances to the temple, one is the main entry door which is called the Moksha Dwar (meaning "Door to Salvation") and the exit door which is known as the Swarga Dwar (meaning: "Gate to Heaven").
The main deity deified in the sanctum is of Dwarkadeesh, which is known as Trivikrama form of Vishnu and is depicted with four arms. On the chamber to the left of the main altar is the deity of Balarama, elder brother of Lord Krishna. The chamber to the right houses the images of Pradyumna and Aniruddha, son and grandson of Krishna. In several shrines surrounding the central shrine there are images of Radha (Krishna's companion), Jambavati, Satyabhama, Lakshmi, Devaki (Krishna’s mother), Madhav Raoji (another name for Krishna), Rukmini, Jugal Swaroop (name for Krishna), Lakshmi Narayana, and Sita.
The temple spire rises to a height of 78 metres (256 ft) and a very large flag with symbols of Sun and Moon is hoisted on it. The flag, triangular in shape, is of 50 feet (15 m) length. This flag is changed four times a day with a new one and Hindus pay a huge sum of money to hoist it by purchasing a new flag. The money received on this account is credited to the trust fund of the temple to meet the operation and maintenance expenses of the temple.
Religious significance
According to a legend, Meera Bai, the princess cum saint, a staunch devotee of Krishna merged with the deity at this temple. It is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven holy cities of India.
The temple is also the location of Dvaraka Pitha, one of the four peeths (religious centers) established by Adi Shankaracharya (686-717) who pioneered unification of Hindu religious beliefs in the country. It is a four storied structure representing four peeths established by Shankaracharya in different parts of the country. There are paintings on the walls here depicting the life history of Shankaracharya while the dome has carvings of Lord Shiva in different postures.