Dwaraka Temple, also known as Dwarkadhish Temple or Jagat Mandir, is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in India. It is located in Dwarka, Gujarat, on the banks of the Gomti River near the Arabian Sea. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, worshipped here as Dwarkadhish, meaning the “King of Dwarka.”

The temple is a part of the Char Dham Yatra and is also considered one of the Sapta Puri (seven holy cities). According to mythology, Dwarka was the kingdom of Lord Krishna, and this temple is believed to have been built more than 2500 years ago by his great-grandson Vajranabh. The present structure, with its tall shikhara, was rebuilt around the 15th–16th century.
The temple stands at a height of around 78 meters and is beautifully carved with intricate sculptures. The sight of the flag hoisted on top of the temple, changed five times a day, is a spiritual experience for devotees.
Pillayarpatti Karpaga Darshan 2025 :Time & Abhishekam
Importance of Dwaraka Darshan
The darshan at Dwarkadhish Temple is believed to wash away sins and bless devotees with happiness and prosperity. Pilgrims visit here to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna in his royal form. The temple also holds immense historical and spiritual value because Dwarka is considered one of the original seats of Krishna’s life on earth.
Devotees come from all over India and abroad to experience the divine aura of this temple. Many people also combine this visit with a pilgrimage to Somnath and Bet Dwarka.
Cost of Darshan and Tickets
General darshan at Dwaraka Temple is free for all devotees. Pilgrims can stand in the queue and have the darshan of Lord Krishna without paying any fee. For those who wish to have a quicker darshan, the temple provides special darshan tickets. The cost of these tickets is usually ₹200 to ₹500 per person, depending on the type of darshan.
Apart from darshan, there are several sevas and pujas that devotees can book. These sevas have separate charges, usually ranging from ₹500 to ₹5000, based on the ritual. Seva tickets can be booked at the temple office. During festival times, advance booking is recommended as the temple receives a very large number of pilgrims.
Sevas at Dwaraka Temple
Several daily and special sevas are performed at Dwaraka Temple. The main rituals include Mangala Aarti, Shringar Aarti, Rajbhog Aarti, Utthapan Aarti, Sandhya Aarti, and Shayan Aarti. Each of these sevas represents different phases of Lord Krishna’s day, from waking up to resting at night.
Devotees can participate in these aartis by purchasing seva tickets. Among these, Mangala Aarti in the early morning and Shayan Aarti in the night are considered very special. On auspicious days like Janmashtami and Holi, grand celebrations and sevas are organized, attracting thousands of pilgrims.
Dress Code for Devotees
The temple management advises devotees to wear traditional and modest clothes. Men are expected to wear dhoti, kurta, or pajama, while women are encouraged to wear sarees, salwar kameez, or other Indian traditional attire. Western clothes like shorts, sleeveless tops, and skirts are not recommended.
Following the dress code helps maintain the sanctity of the temple and creates a spiritual environment where devotees can focus on prayers.
Timings of Dwaraka Temple
The temple is open throughout the day with specific timings for darshan and sevas. Generally, the temple opens at 6:30 AM with Mangala Aarti and remains open till 9:30 PM after Shayan Aarti.
There are several intervals during the day when the temple doors are closed for rituals and offerings to the deity. Devotees are advised to plan their visit according to the aarti timings if they want to witness special sevas. During festivals like Janmashtami, the temple remains open for longer hours and darshan continues late into the night.
Festivals at Dwaraka Temple
The grandest celebration at Dwaraka Temple is Krishna Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna. The temple is decorated with lights, flowers, and rangolis, and lakhs of devotees gather to participate in the celebrations. Special sevas, bhajans, and cultural programs are organized during this time.
Other important festivals celebrated here include Holi, Diwali, Sharad Purnima, Navaratri, and Rukmini Vivah Utsav. Each festival has its own charm and draws large crowds of devotees.
Facilities for Devotees
The temple provides good facilities for devotees, including separate queues for senior citizens, prasadam counters, drinking water, and resting places. Accommodation options are available in Dwarka town, ranging from dharamshalas to hotels.
Transportation is also convenient as Dwarka is well connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Jamnagar, which is around 130 km away.
My Experience and Thoughts
As someone who has been writing about temples for two years, I can say that Dwaraka Temple is not just a place of worship but a destination of faith and history. The aura of the temple, the sound of conch shells, the sight of the decorated idol, and the chanting of hymns create a spiritual experience that stays with you forever.
The darshan process is well managed, and the temple staff ensure that pilgrims can have a smooth experience. The sevas offered here are unique, and participating in them makes one feel closer to Lord Krishna.
Conclusion
Dwaraka Temple, the abode of Dwarkadhish Lord Krishna, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in India. Whether it is free darshan, paid special darshan, or participation in sevas, every devotee finds peace and blessings here. With a proper dress code, specific timings, and affordable ticketing system, the temple ensures that the spiritual atmosphere is preserved while serving millions of pilgrims every year.
If you are planning a temple visit in Gujarat, Dwarkadhish Temple should be on the top of your list. As Rahul Sharma, with my experience in writing about temples, I can confidently say that visiting Dwaraka Temple is a life-changing spiritual journey.
Overview Table of Dwaraka Temple
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Temple Name | Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir) |
Location | Dwarka, Gujarat |
Main Deity | Lord Krishna as Dwarkadhish (King of Dwarka) |
Darshan Cost | Free general darshan |
Special Darshan Tickets | ₹200 – ₹500 per person |
Seva Cost | ₹500 – ₹5000 depending on seva |
Dress Code | Men: Dhoti/Kurta; Women: Saree/Salwar Kameez |
Temple Timings | 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM with aarti intervals |
Important Sevas | Mangala Aarti, Shringar Aarti, Rajbhog, Utthapan, Sandhya, Shayan Aarti |
Main Festival | Krishna Janmashtami |
Other Festivals | Holi, Diwali, Sharad Purnima, Navaratri, Rukmini Vivah Utsav |
Facilities | Prasadam counters, senior citizen queue, rest areas, nearby accommodation |