Bet Dwarka is a small island located off the coast of Gujarat, India. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna resided with his family during his exile from Mathura.
The island is also known as Shankhodhar, as it is said that Lord Vishnu had lifted a conch shell from this location to blow it during the Mahabharata war.
One of the most significant attractions on the island is the Bet Dwarka Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Apart from the main temple, others in the complex commemorate Hanuman, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi Narayan, Jambavati, Devi and others.
The temple is believed to have been built by the grandson of Lord Krishna, Vajranabha, and was later renovated by various rulers over the centuries.
The temple complex includes several shrines, a hall for performing rituals, and a beautiful garden.
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History of Bet Dwarka
It said that Lord Krishna resided here while Dwarka was his constitutional seat. The name Bet Dwarka came from the famous legend revolving around Krishna’s childhood friend, Sudama who came to his house and offered him tandool poha as bhet (gift).
Lord Shri Keshavraiji is Ishtdev of Samasth Pushkarna Gyati. This ancient temple is located in Bet-Dwarka.
Pushkarna Brahmin along with Bhatia devotees, mostly from Sindh, Rajasthan, Kutch, Gujarat and Punjab, visit Bet Dwarka to worship Lord Keshavraiji most often.
Registers witness the forename and family name of all pushkarna devotees, hand-written as long ago as 250 years.
The idol that resides in this main shrine is said to have been made by Rukmini – Lord Krishna’s main queen and wife.
She is said to have made this over 5000 years ago, after his death. 500 years ago, this idol was established in its present spot by a renowned philosopher – Vallabhacharya.
Quick Facts
- District: Devbhoomi Dwarka district
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Date established: 100 BCE
- Timings: 7:00 am – 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
- Deity: Krishna
- Entry Fee: Free
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress Code: decent outfit recommended
- Festivals: Janmashtami
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Photography: No camera is allowed inside the temple
How to reach Bet Dwarka?
By Air
Porbandar (95 km) and Jamnagar (145 km) are the closest airports to Dwarka. Take a ride for 15 minutes in a public ferry from Okha shipyard to visit the temple.
By Rail
Okha has a good rail network. Take a ride for 15 minutes in a public ferry from Okha shipyard to visit the temple.
By Road
The island is accessible via a ferry from the town of Okha, which is approximately 30 km away from Dwarka.
The journey takes around 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival, visitors can explore the island on foot or by renting a bicycle or a golf cart.
As of now the bridge connecting the island is still under construction. Once completed the island will be accessible by road.
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