Rukmini / Durvasa / Temple

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rukmini


Durvasa rishi's Tapobhoomi Dwarka
At Panchnad Teerth, there is a tree beneath which rishi Durvasa used to
worship and pray.


Rukmini took a sip without offering Durvasha. Annoyed by her impoliteness he cursed Rukmini that she would be separated from her beloved husband. Rukmani Devi did penance for 12 years at this spot to get rid of the curse and finally pleased with her prayers, Lord Sri Maha Vishnu appeared and the curse got absolved.

Rukmani Devi the prime queen (Patrani) of Lord Sri Krishna, Once, Sri Krishna and Rukmani went to sage Durvasa to invite him to Dwarka. He agreed to it on a condition that they (Sri Krishna & Rukmani) have to pull the chariot carrying sage Durvasa. Sri Krishna & Rukmani happily agreed to do so. While driving the chariot, Rukmani became thirsty. She sought the help of Lord Sri Krishna. In order to bail her out, Sri Krishna stopped the chariot and made water of Holy River Ganga by digging with his toe on the ground.

At the spot where Rukmani Devi did the penance and Vishnu Padodhbhavi (Ganga) manifested as a spring through a Leela of Lord Sri Krishna a temple has come up, located 2 km away from Dwarka's Jagat Mandir. It is widely believed among the devotees that the pilgrimage is incomplete if a devotee doesn't go to offer prayers at Rukmani Temple even if he has worshiped the Lord at Dwarkadheesh temple.

The temple is an architectural masterpiece. The temple walls are decorated with beautiful paintings depicting her pastimes with Sri Krishna. This temple is said to date back to the 12th century and is a holy place to be visited. There is a beautiful marble diety of Rukmani Devi with Chaturbhuja(four hands) holding Shanka Chakra, Gada and Padma indicating that she is the avathara of Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi the consort of Lord SriManNarayana.

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Narakasur / Videos
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narakasura
http://www.google.com/search?q=narakasura&tbo=p&tbs=vid:1&source=vgc&aq=f

Famous for Pushtimarg Sect / More

http://www.pndwarka.com/excursion/mahaprabhuji.htm
http://blessedinformation.blogspot.com/

Harshad mataji - Sarda peeth

http://jamnagarinfo.com/dwarika.php?page=4

Gomti Sangam Ghat

Going out of the south gate of Jagat Mandir called Swarga Dwar, climbing down 56 steps, one can reach Gomati ghat where sacred river Gomati flows. At the request of great Sages the river Ganges descended from Heaven along with the sage Vasista and manifested at this place as Gomati.

Moving further down to the right side, the river Gomati meets the ocean and the point of confluence is known as Gomati Sangam. This is the point where Lord Sri Maha Vishnu manifested along with his Sudarshana Chakra and gave darshan to Brahma Manasa Puthras (mind born sons of Lord Brahma).

From Gomati Sangam 32 miles area along the banks of river Gomati on either side is called as Chakratheertha where one can still find wheel marked white porous type stones called as Dwarkashila or Chakrankitha. To the extreme end of the Sangam point across the Gomati Ghat on the right side one can find an imposing temple of Samudra Narayana.

There are as many as 12 Ghats across the sangam point which are renovated and made accessible to the pilgrims for taking bath as well as for performing sacred rites. Climbing down the steps from Swarga Dwar as you walk across these Ghats you will find number of small temples including that of Gomati Devi (the river Goddess).

There is a great significance for taking holy bath and performing sacred rites to forefathers at this Sangam point of sacred river Gomati where Lord Sri Krishna known to have taken bath several times. It is said that it will liberate one from the sins committed in the previous births and is regarded as the gate way to salvation. His ancestors belonging to three generations go to the abode of Vishnu and his accumulated sins of thousands of years get destroyed. Mere darshan of Gomati at Dwarka destroys all the sins, which are committed by thoughts, words and deeds.

Harbour of ancient Dwarka

Panchnad Theertha

On the other side of river Gomati there is a place called Panchanad Theertha. Having heard about the arrival of Lord Vishnu at Dwarka, five prominent sages came to Dwarka to have a darshan of Dwarkapuri. They established a pilgrimage known as Panchanad Theertha and on their invocation five rivers arrived at their location.

1. River Gomati came at the invocation of Sage Marichi,
2. river Laxmana came at the invocation of Sage Athri,
3. river Chandrabhaga came at the invocation of Sage Angirasa,
4. river Kushawati came at the invocation of Sage Pulah and
5. river Jambavathi arrived at the invocation of Sage Kratu respectively.

Today these five rivers are resembled as five sweet water wells surrounded by sea water. Generally on the sea shore we find water to be salty in taste. Whereas in Panchanad Theertha water from these wells taste sweet.

This area is said to be the Tapo Bhoomi of eminent sage Durvasa. There is also a temple of Lord Lakshmi Narayana mounted on his vehicle Garuda. Outside the temple we find a portrait of Sage Durvasa under a tree. It is said that whoever aspires for salvation should take a bath in these wells.

Since it is not possible to take bath here, one can at least taste the water. Panchanad Theertha is also referred to the visit of Pandavas to this place during Dwapara Yuga and five wells are called by their names. Water in each well differs in taste from that of the others.

16 Ghats of Dwarka

1. Sangam Ghat
2. Ram Ghat
3. Durvasha Ghat
4. Narayanbali Ghat
5. Narsinh Ghat
6. Krishna Ghat
7. Hanuman Ghat
8. Satyanarayan Ghat
9. Gao Ghat
10. Govind Ghat
11. Rushi Ghat
12. Mira Ghat
13. Sati Ghat
14. Ganga-Parvati Ghat
15. Surya Ghat
16. Gomati Ghat

Jagat Mandir Dwarikadish Other Temples

Apart from the main temple of Dwarkadheesh there are many other temples surrounding it within the complex of Jagat Mandir. There is a temple to the right of the main Deity that contains the Deity of Lord Balarama, Sri Krishna‟s brother. The temple to the left of the main Deity contains a large deity of Pradhyumna and a smaller deity of Aniruddha, the son and grandson of Lord Krishna respectively.

Opposite this shrine is the shrine of Purushottama (Vishnu). The shrine across from Lord Dwarkadheesh (exactly opposite) holds the deity of Devaki, Lord Krishna‟s mother. Next to her is a temple dedicated to Veni-Madhava (Lord Vishnu). On the right hand side of the Moksha Dwar entrance, is Shri Kusheshwar Mahadev, Sathyanarayana temple and Navagraha temple.

Moving ahead comes, a temple of Lord Krishna's family Goddess Ambaji (Durga). Going back to the Moksha Dwar entrance, to the left comes, the temple of Kashi Viswanath. Moving ahead are the temples of Sri Gayathri and Lord Dattatreya.
On the backside of Shri Dwarkadheesh temple is the temple of Sage Durvasa the family priest of the Lord Sri Krishna. To its back is the Patrani temple which is surrounded by various other temples including that of Jambavathi, Radhika with Lord Krishna, Laxmi Narayana, Sri Gopala Krishna, Sri Laxmi, Sathyabhama and Goddess Saraswati temple.

Adjacent to the Patrani temple is Sri Sankaracharya Mutt. The idol of goddess Shakti is at the fourth floor of Lord Dwarkadheesh temple. Due to security reasons all are not allowed to go to the upper floors of the temple complex. Only those who perform the Dhwajaarohan Seva (Flag hoisting) are allowed to go to upstairs for hoisting the flag. One can also find the temples of Lord Ganesha and Garuda inside the Jagat Mandir. There is also a snake bill near the Dwarkadheesh temple representing Balarama who was the avathara of Lord Adi Sesha.

In the Jagat Mandir temple premises, a temple of Kusheshwar Mahadev (Lord Shiva) near Moksha Dwar on the right side has significance of its own. Kusheshwar Mahadev is said to be the equal partner with the Lord Sri Krishna in Dwarka's pilgrimage and not having Darshan of Kusheshwar Mahadev is synonym of incomplete pilgrimage. The story of Kusheshwar Mahadev goes like this. There was a demon called Kush in the area long ago. The area was then called 'Kushasthali' a place of Kush under his influence. Everyone was scared of his devilish awe. People prayed to Lord Sri Krishna to free them from the clutches of Kush. Sri Krishna killed and crushed him till he went much below the ground beneath. Sri Krishna then set up a temple of his family Deity, Mahadev (Shiva) and hence the name Kusheshwar Mahadev. The specialty of the temple is that the Shiva lingam is installed 20 ft below the ground. Devotees offer prayers to Kusheshwar Mahadev and then go for Darshan of Sri Krishna.

Jagat Mandir - Dwarkadheesh / Temple / Story

http://www.dwarkadhish.org/
http://www.dwarkadhishtemple.org/new/main.asp
Originally the Dwarkadheesh temple is said and believed to have been built by Vajranabha the great grand son of Lord Sri Krishna more than 2500 years back on the Hari Gruha, the erstwhile palace of Lord Sri Krishna in Dwarka. It was in an umbrella shape initially. Since then temple structure has undergone many changes. Currently called as Jagat Mandir also known as Nija Mandir, the 16th century old structure of the main temple is a glorious one exquisitely carved with the temple tower reaching a height of 52 meters. Built in an area of approx 600 square meters the splendid Jagat Mandir situated on the banks of river Gomati at a height of 70 feet above the sea level has two gigantic towers. One with a height of 170 feet which is seven storied called as Ladwa Shikar and the other with a height of 157 feet which is five storied called as Nija Shikar.

The Diety of Lord Dwarkadheesh is enshrined in the Nija Shikar in the Sabha Mantap supported by 60 pillars. Construction of the chariot like temple is based on 72 exquisitely carved monolithic pillars built with granite and stone without any arch. The temple consists of a sanctum, vestibule and a rectangular hall with porches on three sides.

Till today natural disasters have not caused any damage to the temple even though it is situated on the coast of Arabian Sea at the banks of Gomati River. It is said that Pakistan Air Force had made an unsuccessful attempt to bombard this temple during 1965 war. The priests who conduct the pooja and other rituals in the temple are called as Aboti/Gugali Brahmins. The temple has a set of scheduled pooja and rituals performed every day starting from morning 7.00 am to night 9.30 pm with breaks in between. During the morning Aarati time at 7.00 am even the local residents also join the pilgrims to have a glimpse of Lord Sri Krishna when there will be a big rush in the temple. The occasion is worth seeing. As per the temple sources more than five million people have visited the Jagat Mandir during the last financial year.

Stories of Dwarika Lila

http://krsnabook.com/ch50.html

Dhwajaarohan At Dwarka Temple - Meaning

A huge multi coloured majestic flag mounted on the top of the temple tower keeps flying always that can be seen from as far way as 10 km. The flag is made from 52 yards of cloth that is changed four times in a day.

Dwarkadheesh's flag (Dhwaja) always fly high. It has a special meaning to the devotees. The worshippers of Dwarkadheesh have a lot to say in praise of hoisting the flag on the peak. In fact, for the devotees it is more than any other family event or a festival. 52 yards of woven cloth is used for making the Dhwaja out of which fifty-two nos. of small flags are made and joined together to make a single flag. Each small flag has its ownsignificance & identity. Each yard indicates the entrance to Dwarka of Sri Krishna‟s era and it also symbolizes flags on the residences of fifty-two officers of Dwarka in the ministry of Lord Sri Krishna. These 52 yards symbolizes, fifty entrances (gates) to the palace of Dwarkadheesh Lord Sri Krishna, with each gate having a Dhwaja (flag) besides the two main gates Swarga Dwar & Moksha Dwar of Dwarkadheesh palace.

Dhwaja of Dwarkadheesh has a combined significance of Aadibhautik, Aadhyatmik and Aadidaivik elements. Aadibhautik the flag represents the entrances to the palace of Lord Sri Krishna & residences of Yadavas officers. Devotees offering obeisance and devotion to the flag indicates Aadhyatmik element. Dhwaja of Dwarkadheesh indicates its Divine nature. When each yard of cloth is separate and isolated, it is merely a piece of cloth. But when it is tailored to make a Dhwaja, it incarnates the divine nature and becomes an abode of Dwarkadheesh's Aadidaivik swaroopa.

The flag that is hoisted is of seven different colours like that of a rainbow with each colour representing for its unique qualities and characteristics. Dwarka considered as the Mokshapuri, one of the seven most revered pilgrim centers of India, hoisting of flag (Dhwaja) on the temple top of Dwarkadheesh at Dwarka is considered as highly auspicious, sacred, celestial and meritorious. It is believed and said that since Hari- Vishnu– Trivikrama who relieves mankind from the Karma bhandhana always resides at Dwarka, the ritual has gained even spiritual significance. The 52 yards flag waving from the summit of the temple can be seen from a great distance and people believe and consider a glance at it as a holy sight.

Dhwajaarohan At Dwarka Temple - Festival

A flag hoisted is denoted as a symbol of pride, honour, recognition and prestige of that particular office, or person. In Spiritual parlance, such flag is known as Dhwaja on a pillar in front of its Deity is known as Dhwaja Sthambam. Dhwaja (flag) on the peak of Dwarkadheesh temple, adorned by a unique multi coloured flag, having symbols of Sun and Moon depicted on the flag that keeps waving continuously.

Hoisting offlag on the temple top of Dwarkadheesh at Dwarka has a unique significance. Devotees of Dwarkadheesh attach special importance to offering Dhwaja to Dwarkadheesh's Jagat Mandir. Devotees volunteer to offer Dhwaja to the Lord out of faith. This flag or Dhwaja is changed four times in a day and on Thursdays it is changed five times. Booking has to be made three months in advance for performing this ritual.

Several devotees vow to hoist Dhwaja of their own on the Dwarkadheesh temple on fulfillment of their desires. It is a kind of faith, worship and form to offer prayers to the Lord Sri Krishna. It is a form of expressing their gratitude to the Lord by unfurling a new flag on the summit of the temple. It becomes a festival in the family. A devotee celebrates and performs Dhwajaarohan as per his wish and capacity. He invites his friends and relatives. They ceremonially carry the Dhwaja (flag) on their heads, moves towards Dwarkadheesh temple in a procession, chanting songs and slogans in praise of the Lord.

A prayer is offered to Dhwaja traditionally with the help of learned priests. Dhwaja is placed at Lotus feet of Dwarkadheesh with offerings and then it is handed over for hoisting. As an accomplishment of the whole process, the priest throws a coconut from top of the peak to mark the Dhwajaarohan. The pieces of the broken coconut are distributed as the Lord's prasadam. Dwarka Gugali Brahmin Samaj manages this ritual of Dhwajaarohan by the devotees. Overwhelming response to booking of such Dhwaja speak volumes of faith devotees have in Dwarkadheesh (Lord Sri Krishna). Incidentally, till 1965 only one Dhwaja used to be offered to the Lord in a day. After Dwarka got unscathed despite bombing on Dwarka by the Pakistani Air force during 1965 war, people‟s faith in Dwarkadheesh got multiplied. As a result it was decided to have four Dhwaja during the day.

Nageshwar Temple in Dwarka / Arch / Photos / Youtube

Nageshwar Temple or Nagnath Temple is located on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. It is one of 12 Jyotirlinga Which is enshrined in the Temple of Nagnath is known as Nageshwar Mahadev and attracts thousands of pilgrims all round the year. This powerful Jyotirlinga symbolizes protection from all poisons. It is said that those who pray to the Nageshwar Linga become free of poison. The Rudra Samhita sloka refers to Nageshwar with the phrase 'Daarukaavane Naagesham'.

Legend Behind Nageshwar Temple
According to Shiv Purana, a Shiva devotee by name Supriya was attacked by a demon Daaruka while in a boat. The demon imprisoned him along with several others at his capital Daarukaavana where he resided with his wife Daaruki. Supriya advised all prisoners to recite the mantra ‘Aum Namaha Shivaya’. When Daruk came to know about this he ran to kill Supriya. Instantly Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Jyotirlingam and vanquished the demon with the Paasupata Astram.

This Jyotirlinga manifestation of Shiva is worshipped as Nageswara. Two other sites in India, one near Audhgram near Purna in Andhra Pradesh and another near Almora in Uttar Pradesh also enshrine temples to Nageswara Jyotirlingam. According to the Shiv Purana, any one who ever with devotion reads the birth and greatness of this Jyotirlinga shall beget all material happiness and divine status in the end.

Structure of Nageshwar Temple
Nageshwar Mahadev Sivalingam is facing South while the Gomugam is facing east. There is a story for this position. A devotee by name Naamdev was singing bhajans in front of the Lord. Other devotees asked him to stand aside and not hide the Lord. To this Naamdev asked them to suggest one direction in which the Lord does not exist, so that he can stand there. The enraged devotees carried him and left him on the southside. To their astonishment, they found that the Linga was now facing South with the Gomugam facing east.

http://www.templearch.com/p1.htm
http://www.mukti4u2.dk/1_h_nageswara.htm
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nageshwar+Jyotirlinga+dwarka

SVK discourse videos related to Dwaraka (Tamil)

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=62BDC68DC0545A15