The Popular Tourist Attractions in Dwarka

Dwarka Lighthouse, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and Sabha Mandapa are the popular tourist attractions in the ancient city of Dwarka. These admired tourist spots offer a rare visual treat to the eyes, wonderful experiences, interesting legend and history.

Dwarka is known as one of the seven most ancient cities in India. Dwarka is also one of the main centers of the Krishna legend. The origin of Dwarka is related to Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is believed that after killing the evil Kansa adopted the city of Dwarka and he gave up his home at Mathura.

Dwarka is home of attractions worth visiting. These popular tourist attractions in Dwarka comprised of architectural wonders, interesting origin and history.

Lighthouse of Dwarka offers magnificent panoramic view of the setting sun which shows in the nightfall. The calm and quiet atmosphere of this monument provides the much needed relaxation from the busy life. This tourist spot-free for the public, is remains open between 16:30 and 18:00 hours.

Dwarka Lighthouse has magnificent architectural works. It has also rich checkered history to share with to its visitors.

Its history goes back to the 19th century when a port was constructed at Rupeen Creek.
The history of this famous structure started in the early 19th century when a port was built at Rupen creek. There is a flag posted here with a lamp at the top to work similarly to a lighthouse.

The square tower made of stone was constructed at the present site in the year 1866. This tower stands 18 meters high. The lamp was made of oil wick and installed afterwards at the tower of this lighthouse.

When Sir Richard Temple, Governor of Bombay visited Dwarka in November 29, 1877 via sea route took chance to visit Dwarka Lighthouse. The governor then found out that the light was very insufficient. It was replaced with a better form of light in 1881. This equipment was imported from M/s. Chance Bros of England. In 1900 this Lighthouse had undergone also minor modifications.

Further more, D. Alen Stevenson, LH specialist also visited the lighthouse in February of 1927. Stevenson then appreciated the good maintenance of this lighthouse. The new square masonry Tower, 43 meter tall was built from Birmingham's Stone Chance was installed over the tower between the year1960-62. The storm warning signal mast which was the latest equipment at that time was also installed at the station of the lighthouse.

July 15, 1962 was the date when Raj Bahadur, then Minister for Transport, Government of India, inaugurated the new lighthouse. It was constructed with RCC Baffle wall with vibrations and fog signals technology. These new equipments were supplied by M/s BBT of Paris, and were commissioned in April of 1964. It was in the year 1988 the fog signal service was eventually stopped.

May 11 1978 was the date when this Lighthouse of Dwarka took a Racon of Marconi origin. And it was on April 5, 1996, when the incandescent lamp was substituted to MH lamp and the direct drive was replaced to a stepper motor.

Moreover, visiting this famous landmark in Dwarka one will find lighthouse keepers. These people are friendly and are always ready and willing to guide the visitors around the Lighthouse. They accept token or something not available in Dwarka like souvenirs and foreign coins especially the old coins, very much in demand among the Lighthouse keepers.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple also called Nagnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva in India. This structure is considered to represent the removal of evil activities from earth. It is located 17 kilometers from Dwarka and remains open from 6am to 10pm.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga has interesting legend. There was a devotee of the temple, named Supriya who was attacked by a demon called Daaruka. Daaruka imprisoned the devotee and several others in his Daarukaavana. Lord Shiva appeared at the temple in the form of Jyotirlinga. Lord Shiva freed the prisoners and killed Daaruka.

The place took its name from the demon Daruka. According to legend, before Daaruka's death, this demon appealed to the god that the place be named after him, now known as Nagnath.

This temple houses the idol of Shivalinga that faces towards the south. The idol of Gomugam housed inside the temple is positioned on the east portion. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga also houses the Giant statue of Lord Shiva which allures the devotees. This temple during the eve of Shivaratri turns to a place of festivities amidst a large number of devotees.

Another beautiful place in Dwarka to visit is the Sabha Mandapa there. Sabha Mandapa is a 12th century structure which has been the highlight of Dwarkadhish Temple.

Sabha Mandapa is a stunning multi-pillared structure of prominent Dwarkadhish Temple. This structure leads to 60 pillared sanctum of the temple which has very old scriptures dating back of 2500 years.

Besides this, there is a small temple positioned at a lower level, is housed at the middle part of the Sabha Mandapa. This gorgeous temple is known as Balramji Temple which also houses the idol of Shri Mahaprabhuji. The natural beauty of the surroundings of the temple can be also enjoyed at this sanctum of Sabha Mandapa.