Bet Dwarka

Bet Dwarka is the only remaining part of the sacred Dwarka fort-city built by Vishwakarma on the order of Lord Sri Krishna, after reclaiming the land from the Sea God. The other bigger part was consumed by the sea 5000 years ago immediately after the disappearance of Lord Krishna. In other words it is at this place that the palace of Lord Krishna once stood. Bet Dwarka lies at a distance of around two kilometres from the Okha coast in the Devbhoomi Dwarka district of Gujarat (India). It’s just a twenty minutes journey by ferry to Bet Dwarka from the Okha port. There are a few important temples to visit on the island of Bet Dwarka.

Bet means an island. Hence this place is also called as Bet Dwarka. Also referred to as Beyt Dwarka or even Bhent Dwarka locally, there are other names which include Ramanadweepa, Krishna Vilas Nagari, and Kalarkot. Bet Dwarka is one of the Pancha Dwarkas or Nava Dwarkas. It is also glorified as Shankhoddhara Tirtha. Narada Muni states in the Shankhoddhara Mahatmya of Garga Samhita that, ‘A person who at sacred Shankhoddhara Tirtha gives charity of gold attains the realm of Lord Vishnu without encountering any obstacles on his path.’

shankhoddhare tirtha-mukhye svarna-daanam dadaati yah
sa gacched vaishnavam lokam sarvopadrava-varjitam

The History of Bet Dwarka

Bet Dwarka has a very special significance amongst devotees of Lord Krishna as Lord Krishna performed His lilas on this island of Bet Dwarka.

Lord Krishna brought the members of the Yadu dynasty first to Kushasthali in Bet Dwarka and then built the fort-city of Dwarka. Bet Dwarka was the administrative capital of the Yadus protected by the sea and hills. This also confirmed scientifically as per the marine archaeology findings of Prof. S R Rao, the distinguished Indian marine archaeologist who discovered the remnants of the fort-city of Dwarka. Most of his findings have been corroborated with the accounts of the Mahabharata.

The history of the sacred island of Bet Dwarka extends beyond 5000 years. The Mahabharata refers to Bet Dwarka as ‘Antaradvipa’ where the Yadus had to travel by boat. The island is also called Shankhoddhara as Lord Matsya had slayed a demon by the name Shankhasura at the place where the Shankh Sarovar stands today. There is an abundance of variety of Shankhas i.e., conch shells around the island too. Vaishnavas generally use a conch shell found from Bet Dwarka as the sound of the conch shell is considered very auspicious as well as the source of Dhvani Shakti.

The Garga Samhita’s Dwarka Khanda describes that Lord Krishna had delivered Kakshivan the disciple of Trita Muni in Bet Dwarka. Kakshivan was cursed by Trita Muni even before the advent of Lord Sri Krishna. Kakshivan had stolen the conch shell of Trita Muni which was supposed to be used in the latter’s worship. Being angered on the offence of the disciple Trita Muni had cursed Kakshivan to become a conch and wait until Lord Sri Krishna’s arrival to be delivered. When Lord Sri Krishna had visited the Shankha Sarovar, He heard the chanting of the name ‘Krishna! Krishna!’ and thus delivered Kakshivan and awarded him Vaikuntha.

The meeting of Sudama and Krishna

Dwarkadhish’s childhood friend Sudama had met Him in Bet Dwarka. Sudama had also gifted Krishna four handfuls of chipped rice when he came to meet Krishna here. Hence, the name Bhent Dwarka. Bhent implies ‘gift’ or ‘meeting’.

The archeaological findings of Bet Dwarka

The Bet Dwarka island was part of the Baroda state under the Gaekwads rule. In 1857, the Vaghers attacked and captured it. But the island was taken back by the Gaekwads along with the British two years later. And remained so until Indian independence in 1947.

The presence of settlements dating back beyond the Harappan and Mauryan era have been found under the sea around Bet Dwarka. Many artefacts were recovered during the sea excavations including remains of ship wrecks and stone ship anchors of various types. In the east coast of the island, a rubble wall extending over 500m was discovered. Inscriptions on vessels recovered shows that Sanskrit was the primary language of communication in Dwarka.

The discoveries are numerous including seals (used as identity cards), pottery ware, etc. All the discoveries here have conformed mostly to the description of Dwarka in the Mahabharata. This put to rest all the claims of Dwarka merely being a fiction or fantasy story. Unfortunately the work of Prof. S R Rao was not taken foward as the then demoniac government was afraid that Lord Sri Krishna’s glories would be reestablished and the Sanatana Dharma would gain its former glory.

The divine attractions of Bet Dwarka

Bet Dwarka has a few holy places you would love to visit. Visiting them is equal to reliving the era of Dwarkadhish’s rule. Here is the list of these places:

Dwarkadhish Temple

The Deity of Dwarkadhish in this temple is believed to have been worshiped by Rukmini Devi Herself. The temple is recently renovated. The temple also has many other smaller temples to have darshan like Trivikramraiji Temple, Madhavaraiji Temple, Devaki Temple, Purushottam Temple, Kalyanraiji Temple, etc. Speciality of this temple is that during the day till the evening 13 bhoga (naivedya offerings) are offered to Lord Sri Krishna on behalf of His Queens and Radharani.

Hanuman Dandi

It is through this place that Hanuman decided to enter to the abode of Ahi Ravana in order to rescue Prabhu Ramachandra. He was stopped by Makaradhwaja and there was a fight between both of them. Later Hanuman realized that Makaradhvaja was his son.

Shankh Sarovar

In this Kunda, Lord Sri Krishna delivered Kakshivan and also killed the demon Shankhasura. There is a beautiful Shankha Narayana Temple on the banks of this kunda commemorating the pastime of Lord Matsya killing the Shankhasura and delivering the Vedas.

Other Temples of Bet Dwarka

Abhaya Mata Temple, Mira Bai Temple, Ranchhor Talaav, Nilkanth Mahadev Temple, Khetarpal Temple, Shree Choryashidhuna Siddhipeeth

How to reach Bet Dwarka

It is highly recommended that you travel with Tirtha Yatra on their Pancha Dwarka Yatra to get the finest experience of Bet Dwarka and the local Gujarati culture.

Bet Dwarka lies at a distance of around 30 kilometres to the north of Dwarka city. This includes the 2.1 km distance from the Okha port to Bet Dwarka island by ferry. Firstly, you have to reach Dwarka city to travel on further to the Bet Dwarka island. You will find many cabs or buses to reach the Okha port from Dwarka and back.

Else, the transportation means available are:

By Land: Dwarka is well-connected to major towns and cities. You can travel using a private vehicle. Or else, enough taxis and buses are available from Jamnagar, Porbandar and nearby cities.

By Rail: Dwarka has its own railway station (DWK) which is well connected to major cities in India. You can catch a train that goes directly to Dwarka or makes a stopover. So, no worries about changing buses or cars.

By Air: The nearest airports to Dwarka are in Jamnagar and Porbandar at a distance of 131 kms and 109 kms respectively. You can fly into Jamnagar/Porbandar and catch a taxi or bus to Dwarka.

Bet Dwarka: The sacred island of hope

When you step foot on the sacred island of Bet Dwarka, the transcendental vibrations of the presence of Dwarkadhish and His family can be felt. As you take further steps and move along the island, these transcendental vibrations increase. Each step you take on this sacred island becomes a part of the glorious history of Dwarkapuri.

So, make sure that each of your steps is infused with the utmost devotion. Your visit to all the holy sites in Bet Dwarka further reinforces your belief in Sri Dwarkadhish and the wonderful pastimes that He exhibited during His rule in Dwarka.

This sacred land has been witness to all His uncommon pastimes and so is always eager to glorify it for the pleasure of His devotees. Bet Dwarka is equally glorified. You will never miss an inch of this sacred land! Jay Dwarkadhish!

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