Article on Dwarka

Author: -RASHMI

At the banks of River Gomati, there stands one of the Char Dhams, the present temple of Dwarkadhish being the fifth in the series, after all the earlier four temple structures got attacked either by sea or storm. The main shrine, a five-story structure, built on seventy-two pillars, is known as Jagat Mandir. 

Within the enclosure of the Dwarkadhish temple complex the Sharda Peeth established by Adi Shankra Charya in the 9th century can be seen. There are two entrances to the temple. The main entrance (north entrance) is called "Moksha Dwara" (Door to Salvation). This entrance takes one to the main market.The south entrance is called "Swarga Dwara" (Gate to Heaven). How it is possible? Through Dwarkadhish, Lord Shri Krishna, especially for those who aim for it. Lord Krishna is a well-known foreseer and you can’t fool him. Hell lot of them tried to fool him right from his birth, but no one succeeded in it with power / money / intellect. So better be honest in seeking Moksha through him, he is known for giving anything and everything to those who are humble and who have true Bakti in him. So just after reaching Dwarka, please don’t expect Moksha / Swarg waiting for you right there at the Dwar!

Outside Swarg Dwar are the 56 steps that lead to the Gomati Sangam Ghat, wherein the sacred river Gomati flows. In accordance with Hindu mythology, river Gomati is Sage Vashishtha's daughter and by taking a bath in its water one can wash all the sins one has committed. Remember any washing thumb rules apply here as well, the lesser and lighter the sins you bagged in your pocket, the easier it is to get washed off. Please don’t expect heavy pocket of thick, greasy and engraved sins to get washed off in one go, and don’t end up blaming River Gomati for that! As many as twelve ghats surround the river Gomati that serve as venues of Chakra Narayana, the Panchanada, Gomatiji Temple and Samudra Narayana Temple. Holy Gomati Kund is the place on the banks of river Gomati where Lord Krishna served Rishi Durvasa. It is this very spot where the Arabian Sea and the river Gomati meet and taking a bath there is deemed sacred, washing thumb rule being applicable here as well!

Outside Swarg Dwar are the 56 steps that lead to the Gomati Sangam Ghat, wherein the sacred river Gomati flows. In accordance with Hindu mythology, river Gomati is Sage Vashishtha's daughter and by taking a bath in its water one can wash all the sins one has committed. Remember any washing thumb rules apply here as well, the lesser and lighter the sins you bagged in your pocket, the easier it is to get washed off. Please don’t expect heavy pocket of thick, greasy and engraved sins to get washed off in one go, and don’t end up blaming River Gomati for that! As many as twelve ghats surround the river Gomati that serve as venues of Chakra Narayana, the Panchanada, Gomatiji Temple and Samudra Narayana Temple. Holy Gomati Kund is the place on the banks of river Gomati where Lord Krishna served Rishi Durvasa. It is this very spot where the Arabian Sea and the river Gomati meet and taking a bath there is deemed sacred, washing thumb rule being applicable here as well! Well, but how Lord Krishna from Mathura became Dwarkadhish? It is the story showing him as the inventor of the concept, democracy. In the war at Mathura, after killing the cruel King Kansa, he declared Ugrasen, Kansa's father, the king of Mathura. This was not accepted by the Kansa's father-in-law, Jarasangha (king of Magadha) and therefore, attacked Mathura 17 times and on each occasion under the leadership of Shri Krishna the people of Mathura bravely repulsed the attack. But when the 18th time Jarasangha invaded Mathura, Vikadru, a member of the Yadav assembly spoke the bitter truth, He said, “Krishna, we have limitless love for you. We cannot compensate for your obligations on us. Yet these invasions are because of you and as a result the progress is hindered. Hence in these circumstances, for the good of the people I request you to leave us. It is bitter but it is the truth. Please consider, Shri Krishna your followers are not sentimental. They cannot remain sentimental because of your teaching. Therefore, I as your devotee tell you the truth without fear.” Shri Krishna's father Vasudev supported Vikrendu in assembly. More on this available here, http://www.dwarkadhish.org/about-us/dwarka-nagari/submerged-dwarka/ Well, but how Lord Krishna from Mathura became Dwarkadhish? It is the story showing him as the inventor of the concept, democracy. In the war at Mathura, after killing the cruel King Kansa, he declared Ugrasen, Kansa's father, the king of Mathura. This was not accepted by the Kansa's father-in-law, Jarasangha (king of Magadha) and therefore, attacked Mathura 17 times and on each occasion under the leadership of Shri Krishna the people of Mathura bravely repulsed the attack. But when the 18th time Jarasangha invaded Mathura, Vikadru, a member of the Yadav assembly spoke the bitter truth, He said, “Krishna, we have limitless love for you. We cannot compensate for your obligations on us. Yet these invasions are because of you and as a result the progress is hindered. Hence in these circumstances, for the good of the people I request you to leave us. It is bitter but it is the truth. Please consider, Shri Krishna your followers are not sentimental. They cannot remain sentimental because of your teaching. Therefore, I as your devotee tell you the truth without fear.” Shri Krishna's father Vasudev supported Vikrendu in assembly. More on this available here, http://www.dwarkadhish.org/about-us/dwarka-nagari/submerged-dwarka/