Dwarka is one of four most holy pilgrimage sites (Chardham) of Hindu faith and is associated with Lord Krishna’s life. Located on the western most tip of Saurastra (Gujarat), this giant ornate shrine is one of the most imposing five-storied structures of Hindu architecture in Gujarat on the confluence of river Arabian sea and Gomti .
According to the epic Mahabharata, the city in due course was submerged by the sea.
Dwarka is sanctified as the place where Lord Vishnu slew the demon Shankhasura. The Puranas mention the 12 Jyotirlingas or columns of light representing Lord Shiva which manifested in different parts of the country. One of these is located in Dwarka and is known as the Nageshwar Mahadev. The Nij Mandir or Jagat Mandir forms the sanctum of the Dwarkadish temple and dates back to 2500 years. Jagat Mandir has its own hall of audience and a conical spire. The roof of the hall is supported by 60 columns and the main temple rises five storeys high. The spire rises to a height of 157 feet and is richly carved. One of the most popular temples in Dwarka is that of Rukmini, Krishna’s wife, considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty. The Sharad Peetha, one of the four Maths established by Jagatguru Shankaracharya, is also situated here.