Dwarka, Krishna's Sacred kingdom

One of India’s four sacred Char Dhams — the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna

EXPLORING DWARKA
  • Temple Status 🟢 Open Now
  • Morning Darshan 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Evening Darshan 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Morning Aarti 6:30 AM
  • Entry Fee Free

Home -> Dwarkadhish Temple

🛕 About Dwarkadhish Temple

Dwarka is one of India’s four sacred Char Dhams and one of the seven Sapta Puri — the holiest cities in Hinduism. It is believed to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna, who ruled here after leaving Mathura.

The Dwarkadhish temple — also called Jagat Mandir — is a magnificent 5-storey structure rising 78 metres above the ground. Pilgrims enter through the Swarga Dwar (Gate of Heaven) and exit through the Moksha Dwar (Gate of Liberation).

The Flag Ceremony is unique to Dwarka — a new flag bearing the sun and moon symbols is hoisted five times daily at the temple spire. Watching this ceremony at sunrise is a deeply moving experience.

📋 Essential Visitor Information

Darshan Timings

6:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Temple is closed in the afternoon for rest hours.

No Phones or Cameras

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple. Free lockers available at the entrance.

Bet Dwarka Ferry

Ferry from Okha port (35 km from Dwarka). Ferries run 6 AM to 6 PM. ~15 minute crossing. Buy return ticket at the jetty.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

16 km from Dwarka — one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Essential addition to any Dwarka pilgrimage. Open all day.

Getting There

Dwarka railway station is well connected to Ahmedabad (7 hrs) and Rajkot (3.5 hrs). The station is walkable from the temple.

📍 Sacred Sites Near Somnath

Bet Dwarka
The sacred island where Krishna actually lived — ancient temples, fishing village atmosphere, and unique spiritual energy.
Nageshwar
16 km from Dwarka — one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. A significant addition to any Dwarka pilgrimage.
Gomti Ghat
Sacred ghat where the Gomti river meets the sea. Float a lit diya here after the evening aarti.
Rukmini Devi Temple
2 km from Dwarkadhish — temple dedicated to Krishna’s wife, with beautifully carved panels. Rarely crowded.

💡 Visitor Tips

🌅
Morning Aarti
The 6:30 AM morning aarti is quieter and more intimate than the evening. Worth waking up early
Bet Dwarka Tip
Take an early ferry to Bet Dwarka to avoid crowds. The island has a very different, ancient energy.
🌊
Sea Safety
Walk to the beach behind the temple complex — quiet, spiritual, and beautiful in the golden hour.
🏨
Where to Stay
Temple Trust Guest House (budget), Hotel Gomti (mid), Fern Dwarka Resort (premium). Book ahead in peak season.

Don’t miss the Flag Ceremony at sunrise. A new flag is hoisted on the temple spire — the moment the flag unfurls over the golden water is unlike anything else in Gujarat pilgrimage.