Dwarka- Truly Devbhoomi Dwarka!

 Travelling is my hobby. It is inherited from my parents. India is largest country and it has various destinations east to west and north to south.

Gujarat is one of my favorite state, where I have visited number of times for family programs. But it is not a part of travelling. I have travelled Gujrat 3 times and would like to travel again and again.

In Jan. 2020, it was a opportunity to lead a group of families, willing to visit south west Gujrat for religious purpose. I have planned accordingly. A trip started from Mumbai Central and end to return to Pune , considering the availability of railway frequency and other matters. I have selected to travel by Saurashtra mail from Mumbai Central to Jamnagar which is the longest journey but it is little bit comfortable as most of journey time passed during night and no one got bored of the travelling. There are two types of journey. 1. Mumbai to Ahmedabad and then by bus up to Dwaraka. But it is time consuming and tiring. 2. Mumbai to Jamnagar and then by bus up to Dwaraka. It is comparatively less hectic. The journey started at 5 pm and the train reached Jamnagar at 12 hrs. next day. As soon as we reached Jamnagar, I offered them fresh butter milk for little energy and suggested to board the Bus, waiting outside the station.

We have visited a Bal Hanuman temple at Jamnagar,  Lakhota Palace and the Ranmal (or Lakhota) Lake were built in the mid-19th century by Jan Ranmal II, the king of Navanagar. Lake was intended to act as a water reservoir when it is in need. The small Lakhota palace placed beautifully in the middle of the lake. Later planned to have local lunch at highway dhaba on Jamnagar- Dwarka state highway, it was so amazing to taste the local cuise- Bajra rotla (rotis) sev-tamatar & many more. We reached Dwaraka at 5  pm. It was decided to relax for some time, get fresh and be ready to visit Lord Shri Krishna Temple known as the Dwarkadhish Temple, the same day.

Lakhota Palace..pic courtesy.. Google

Bal Hanuman Mandir..pic courtesy.. Google

Dwarkadhish Mandir.

Dwarka—an ancient city located in Dist. of Devbhoomi Dwarka in west Gujarat. Its is on of the major Hindu pilgrim site and known as one of the Sapta puris i.e. The Seven Holy cities also considered to be the Holiest Teerths. As was planned, we have visited Lord Dwarkadhish temple and surrounding area, Ghat, etc. obtain photos by professional photographers, as cameras were not allowed inside temple area. Temple authorities have well maintained lockers for your belongings, camera. After Darshan  of Lord Dwarkadhish we returned to our Hotel. Felt so blessed by Darshan.

2^nd day after breakfast, We started our sightseeing by visiting Rukhmini Temple, Located few kms away from main Dwarkadhish Temple. Later visited Gopi Talao, it’s a legend that small lake filled with Gopi Chandan during ancient time.  But you can skip it as nothing much to see here.  We then drive to Nageshwar Temple, one of the  12 Jyotirlings. A debate is unnecessary created  that Nageshwar in Gujrat or Aundha Naganath in Maharashtra, which is the 12^th  Jyotirling. But is worth visiting this place. It has good vibes inside the Temple, that you feel it after Darshan, and don’t forget to buy the Prasad ladoos, they are so tasty.

Post lunch we visited Bet Dwaraka. It is require to travel though Boat to visit the island. Bet or Bhet Dwarkam is place where Lord Krishna has developed his capital and resided here, during his tenure of ruling Dwarka. The boat or ferrys start from Okha located 30 kms from Dwarka. The ferry takes 15-20 mins to reach the Bet Dwarka, there you suppose to enter on foot to main Temple of Lord Krishna. There are few small temples on the Bet, Sudama Madir, Devi Mandir to name a few.  

 It was almost 6 hours program. On return from the sightseeing, we took rest at our rooms.  There are number of purely veg. hotels with good quality food at reasonable rates.

We have once again visited Lord Krishna Temple and attended evening Arti. Felt Blessed to have such wonderful view at Mandir. One should feel the good vibes by visiting here!! Jai Shri Krishna.