GoTravel Lost Cities

Steeped in the lore of Lord , there is a mystic charm to the coastal city of . It is best experienced as you hop temples on your journey here.

Text and Photographs BINDU GOPAL RAO

Situated on the banks of Gomti Creek, the Dwarkadish Temple is built from soft limestone. SPIRITUALITY

BY THE

SEA O'SHI/Shutterstock.com

GoAir Dwarka is approximately 441 km from Ahmedabad. GoAir operates direct flights to Ahmedabad from Mumbai, Delhi and Connect Jaipur as well as convenient connections. Visit GoAir.in for more information. GoTravel Lost Cities

city that was submerged surely regale you. Start your journey a four-armed, black stone statue many centuries ago, it at the that has of Lord Krishna, as seen in the was the Archaeological a towering spire visible from across sanctum sanctorum. The Solanki ASurvey of (ASI) the city. This is the spot where style of temple architecture is excavations that brought the Gomti River meets the Arabian Sea. characterised by a sanctum, spotlight back on Dwarka. Said It is believed to be the site of Lord walls that have indentations that to have been established by Lord Krishna’s home. reflects light, a closed hall, an Krishna, there is a mystical allure The temple is several thousands open platform and a porch that is about Dwarka that has piqued both, of years old and is believed to connected both internally the interest and imagination have been built by Lord Krishna’s and externally. of tourists. And for good reason. great-grandson Vajranabh. The ASI This temple complex has several Literally translating to ‘Gateway is still working on renovating and smaller temples dedicated to to Heaven’, Dwarka is a part of the excavating several parts of this Lord , Goddess (Lord famed (four abodes) temple. Krishna’s mother) and several . Located in , The temple follows the Solanki goddesses among others. There are this is a city that is believed to school of architecture. It boasts two entrances to the temple called have been rebuilt many times over centuries and what you see today is apparently its seventh version. Steeped in spirituality, the best way to explore the city is to head to its temples where locals will treat you to many tales that will take you back in time.

TEMPLE TRAILS TOP AND LEFT: With its rich spiritual history, the The Dwarkadhish Temple cuts a temples of Dwarka are full of contrast against the legends, myths and stories that will deep blue sky O'SHI/Shutterstock.com; Tantrik71/Shutterstock.com O'SHI/Shutterstock.com;

84 JUNE 2018 GoAir.in GoTravel Lost Cities

Moksha Dwar and Swarg Dwar. The him rice when he met him after and extensive marine life when rituals here follow a set timetable many years. you want to take a break from the in the morning and evening and the Shrines dedicated to Shiva, temple run. In fact, you can spot flag atop the temple is changed no , , , dolphins and porpoises as well as less than five times a day, with an , Narayan sea turtles, octopi, starfish and sea equally elaborate ceremony each , Lakshmi and other urchins here. Located along the time. are also part of this temple. The Arabian Sea coast, it features many The Rukmini Temple, about Dandi Temple and natural caves and cracks on the 2 km away from the Dwarkadhish Nageshvara Mandir are rocks worth checking out. Temple, dates back to the 12th other temples that are worth a visit Bet Dwarka is also a scuba century and is characterised by in Bet Dwarka. The boats operate diving site, thanks to the marine intricate carvings on the outside. between 6:00 am and 7:00 p.m. excavations that have happened The beautiful statue of Goddess You could also book a tour from in the past. The best thing you can Rukmini here is surrounded by Dwarka to visit the place. see are the remains of old Dwarka paintings that depict the legends which are believed to go as far back associated with her. Also visit the MYRIAD SIGHTS as between 3000 to 5000 BC. Live Geeta Temple which is a pristine Head to the beautiful white corals and colourful fish in clear white marble structure dedicated Dwarka beach with coral reefs waters (these waters are said to be to the Bhagwad Gita and has scriptures from the book engraved on its walls. Another attraction here is the Gopi Talav, a small pond that has been linked to Lord Krishna’s childhood.

ISLAND MUSINGS An island in the Arabian Sea believed to be the original residence of Lord Krishna, Bet Dwarka served as a port city. As you approach by boat, you will first be greeted by seagulls. The temple here is known for the traditional offering of rice as it is believed that Sudama, Krishna’s childhood friend offered O'SHI/Shutterstock.com

ABOVE: The view of the Dwarkadhish Temple and the Sudama Setu suspension bridge over the Gomti River presents a continuity between the past and the present.

LEFT: Located on a hillock in the Arabian Sea, the view from Rukhmini Temple is worth every effort to get there.

86 JUNE 2018 GoAir.in GoTravel Lost Cities

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The Dwarka Lighthouse should be on your list if you want to witness a breathtaking view of the sunset.

Patola sarees, usually made from silk, are a must-buy when in Dwarka.

Devotees dot the Gomti Ghat as they pay their respects.

among the clearest in India) make Dwarka Lighthouse, a 43 metre have your bargaining skills ready. for an incredible experience. high structure, is a great spot to You can pick up colourful, multi- The Sudama Setu inaugurated in catch some beautiful sunrises hued fabrics and silver jewellery. 2016 is a pedestrian suspension and sunsets. Check out the Patola sarees, bridge over the Gomti River which The Gomti Ghat is where the bandhini fabrics, mirrored and connects Jagat Mandir in mainland river meets the ocean against sequinned clothes, woven footwear Dwarka and Panchkui Tirth in the the panoramic view of the city of and traditional wall art. southeast part of the island. There Dwarka. A bath in these waters So the next time you are looking are five freshwater wells named is believed to have cleansing for a location that combines after the five Pandava brothers at properties. spirituality and tradition, head to Panchkui. The bridge can carry up Shopping in Dwarka, especially Dwarka. It’s a journey that will leave to 30,000 people an hour on foot in the local markets around the you with fond memories much after and is an architectural marvel. The temple, will mean that you need to you have returned.

88 JUNE 2018 GoAir.in