INDIALINE
Complete India Travel Guide

Jamnagar Attractions

The Sharada Peetha

This is one of the four Mathas established by Jagatguru Shankaracharya, all of which survive to this day. The Matha runs an educational society, an arts college and a Sanskrit Academy, which prepares scholars for doctorates in Sanskrit and Indology.

Dwarka

It is one of the four maths or cardinal centres char eastablished by Shankaracharya, the 8th century guru who is credited with the reawakening of the Hindu religion. The other three are Puri in the east Badrinath in the north and Kancheepuram in the south.

A Hindu must visit to these four places to attain moksha. Dwarka is also one of the sat dham (7 important pilgrim centres) destinations (the others being Kancheepuram, Haridwar, Varanasi, Mathura, Ujjain & Ayodhya).

Dwarka is believed to have been founded by Lord Krishna. Archaeological excavations show that presents day Dwarka is the 6th city at this site; the earlier five have been submerged in the sea.

Dwarka is situated 145 Kms. from Jam nagar, Dvara means door and Dwarika means a small doorway, located at the western most tip of the Gujarat peninsula, it opens like a doorway to the Arabian Sea. In August every year during Janmashtami, (Krishna`s birth anniversary) frenzied religious activity takes place here. The Dwarkadhish temple also known as the Nij Mandir is 2500 years old & is one of the main centres of Krishna worship. The 5 storey temple is supported on 60 columns and is crowned by an intricately carved spire which seems to touch the skies.

Jagat Mandir

Dwarka is famous for the temple of Dwarkadish, the 'Lord of Dwarka', also known as Jagat Mandir or temple of the world. Constructed over 1400 years ago, the temple houses the image of Lord Krishna and draws pilgrims from allover India and abroad. Magnificently built on traditional lines, the temple has five floors and is profusely carved from base to pinnacle. The festival of Lord Krishna's birth is celebrated there every year in the auspicious month of Shravan with great splendour. The festival of Navratri too is celebrated with great rejoicing.

Kotha Bastion

Is an old well where the water can be drawn by blowing into a small hole in the floor. Other places of interest are Solarium, Jansahed's Palace and Rozi & Bedi Ports.

Porbandar

South of Dwarka, on the western coast, Porbandar is a picturesque old sea port associated with the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. There is the mid-18th century Gandhi home, where Gandhiji was born in 1869. The three storeyed, 17 room house remains unaltered.

Other Shrines & Temples

There is a popular temple dedicated to Rukmini, Lord Krishna's wife, who is considered an incarnation of Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and beauty. There are also temples dedicated to Mirabai and Narsinh Mehta, which are visited by those who go to Dwarka on a pilgrimage.