The Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in the sacred city of Dwarka in the state of Gujarat. Dwarka is believed to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna, making the temple one of the most significant Char Dham pilgrimage sites and one of the Sapta Puri—the seven most holy cities in Hinduism. In this temple, Lord Krishna is worshipped as “Dwarkadhish”, meaning “King of Dwarka,” and is enshrined in a magnificent black stone idol with four arms, holding the conch, discus, mace, and lotus.

According to legend and the Mahabharata, after leaving Mathura, Lord Krishna established the city of Dwarka as his capital. It was a golden, fortified city built over the sea, believed to have later submerged into the ocean after Krishna left the earthly realm. The original temple is believed to have been constructed by Krishna’s great-grandson Vajranabh, making it over 2,000 years old. The current five-storied temple structure, built with soft limestone, is supported by 72 beautifully carved pillars and dates back to the 15th–16th century, with several additions over time by different dynasties.

The temple is an architectural masterpiece, with a majestic shikhara (spire) rising to about 78 meters, and a flag atop the temple that is changed five times a day. The temple faces west towards the Arabian Sea, and pilgrims believe a visit here cleanses one of sins and grants spiritual liberation. A flight of 56 steps leads from the Gomti River ghat to the temple, and devotees also perform rituals along the sacred banks of the river before entering.

The Dwarkadhish Temple is administered by the Shree Dwarkadhish Temple Committee, and follows rituals of the Vaishnav tradition, especially those propagated by the Vallabhacharya sect. Daily worship includes aarti, bhog offerings, and devotional songs, with major festivals like Janmashtami and Holi celebrated with grandeur. The temple complex also includes shrines to Subhadra, Balarama, Rukmini, Radha, and other divine figures.

Dwarka is more than a city of temples—it is a place of eternal devotion, rich mythology, and living heritage. The Dwarkadhish Temple, standing strong on the western coast of India for centuries, continues to draw millions of pilgrims and travelers with its divine presence, spiritual power, and breathtaking architecture. It is a place where faith meets history, and where every stone tells the story of Lord Krishna’s eternal leela.