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The Birth of Lord Krishna :
Dwarka, the city of gold. Dwarka, the abode of Shri
Krishna. This is how devotees think of the city where
Lord Krishna settled over 5,000 years ago after leaving
Mathura forever, and where he reigned for 100 years.
For pilgrims Dwarka's presiding deity remains Shri Krishna,
and they flock there in their thousands from all parts
of India and abroad.
The temple, towering over the surrounding buildings was
built 1,400 years ago. It has several floors and is built
of sandstone. The interior is simple while the exterior
is covered with elaborate carvings. |
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Janmahtami, the birthday of Shri Krishna, is celebrated
with great splendour. Rows of lights are lit everywhere,
Kirtans and Bhajans are sung, sermons are delivered
and Krishna is worshipped in his infant form. Thousands
of people go to Dwarka to visit the temple and participate
in the fair. After visiting the main temple, devotees
go to Shankhoddhar yet. There are some other important
temples, both old and new. Among these is the temple
of Shank-Narayan, dedicated to the Matsyavatar, the
incarnation of Vishnu as a fish. This was constructed
over 200 years ago.
GETTING THERE
Rail: Dwarka can be reached by train on the Viramagam-Okhla
broad gauge line.
Road: Dwarka is 132-km, from Jamnagar, 234-km from Rajkot,
and only 450-km from Ahmedabad. A state highway also
links the city with the main part of Saurashtra.
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