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W E S T I N D I A >
D W A R K A
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Brief
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On
the extreme western tip of the Kathiawar peninsula, Dwarka
is one of the four most holy Hindu pilgrimage sites in India
and is closely related to the Krishna legend. It was here,
that Krishna set up his capital after fleeing from Mathura.
The existing town is largely a 19th century creation, developed
by the Gaekwad princes as a pilgrimage center. Dwarka is the
site of the most important Janmashtami Festival- Krishnas
birthday, which falls in August/September. Thousands come
during this time and during the other two Hindu festivals
of Holi and Diwali. A little north of Dwarka, a ferry crosses
from Okha to the Island of Bet, where Vishnu is said to have
slain a demon. |
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History
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Legend
has it, that Dwarka was the adopted home of Lord Krishna,
after he moved from Mathura. He is believed to have been here
more than 5000 years ago. As for present day Dwarka, in 1990,
archaeological excavations have indicated,that the town is
built on the site of four former cities. Amongst the interesting
discoveries was the triangular anchors weighing 250 grams
similar to those used in Cyprus and Syria during the Bronze
Age - suggesting that ships of up to 120 tons had used the
port around the 14th century. |
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Culture
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Krishna
leela, Raas leela and Dandiya are an integral part of their
culture. |
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Climate
& Geographical Location - |
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Dwarka
is hot in summer and warm and sunny in winters. Dwarka lies
on the extreme western tip of the Kathiawar peninsula. |
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How
to Reach - |
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Dwarka
is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, Ahmedabad
is the nearest airport and is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, Chennai and other parts of the country. By rail,
though the nearest railhead is at Rajkot, but the convenient
railhead is Ahmedabad and is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, Chennai and other parts of the country. By road,
STC buses run to all points in Saurashtra and Ahmedabad. |
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: T O U R I S T P L A C
E S : |
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Rukmini
Temple - |
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This
12thcentury temple is quite dilapidated, but the carved mandapa
columns and the sanctuary doorway are still admirable . |
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Dwarkadisha
Temple - |
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An
imposing structure and a magnificent monument. Some believe
that the inner sanction is 2,500 years old. The sanctuary
walls probably date back to 12th century. The exterior is
grand - the five storey tower, rising to a height of 170 feet,
is supported by 60 columns of granite and sandstone. |
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Others |
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BHET
DWARKA - The pilgrimage
to Dwarka is not considered complete without a visit to this
island off the coast, some 30 km away. The 19thcentury temple
complex contains shrines and images of Krishna and his 56
consorts. |
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GOPI
TALAV - It is
associated with Lord Krishna and Arjuna and includes several
shrines in the complex. |
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LIGHT
HOUSE - The view
is superb and induces one to linger on there and rest a while.
No photography is allowed. |
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