Krishna bhakts set out on a pilgrimage to the panch dwarkas
comprised of Dwarka, Shrinathji, Dakor, Kankroli Shrinathji and Bet Dwarka. Not
to be ignored is the Rukmini Dwarka temple not far from the Jagat Mandir in Dwarka.
Rukmini is considered the principal wife of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Goddess
Lakshmi personifying love and prosperity. Of the 16108 wives he had, Rukmini
was his favorite but a curse separated them and that is why, unlike other Gods
who are portrayed with their wives, Rukmini does not feature in most of the
temples of Lord Krishna. Therein lays an interesting story.
History
Rukmini was the daughter of Bhishmaka, king of Vidarbha and
she fell in love with Krishna and wrote him a letter asking him to take her
away because her brother Rukma opposed the marriage. She set out for Avantika
Devi temple that housed the idol of Goddess Ambika, a self-appeared one. The
temple still exists in Bulandshahr, close to Jahangirabad on the banks of the
Ganges. Even today young women offer prayers here to get a good match. So,
Rukmini went to the temple and on the way Krishna appeared and carried her away
with her brothe Rukma giving chase with his army. Balaram defeated Rukma while
Krishna carried her away to Dwarka where they lived in peace and love. The sage
Durvasa took it in his mind to visit Krishna. Rukmini and Krishna welcomed him
with due respect and escorted him to their palace. However, on the way, she
expressed a desire to drink water. Krishna prodded the earth with his toe and
Ganga appeared and Rukmini quenched her thirst. Durvasa became angry that she
had not offered water first to her guest and he cursed her to be separated from
her husband and remain on that spot. This is the spot where the Rukmini Devi
Temple is located in Dwarka. It is about 2 kilometres from Dwarkadheesh temple
and goes back about 2500 years, renovated later on in the 12th century.
The Rukmini Dwarka temple sits by the seashore and it is a
richly carved temple in sandstone. The interior walls are adorned with
sculptures of gods and goddesses while the exterior has human figures. The
sanctum houses a modern version of Rukmini Devi. If Krishna is the Lord of
Dwarka then undoubtedly, Rukmini as the avatar of Laxmi and his consort, is the
queen and deserves homage.
How to Reach & Location
Rukmini Dwarka temple is about 2 km from the town centre and
one can take auto rickshaw, pedal rickshaw or simply walk to the Temple. Dwarka
is located on the tip of the western peninsula of Gujarat in Saurashtra region,
falling under Jamnagar district jurisdiction. Dwarka can be reached from
Jamnagar, the nearest airport and from Ahmedabad, Rajkot and other locations.
Okha is the railhead. Travel by road is easy due to state transport bus
facilities and private bus services besides taxi and private car services.
Temple Timing
Unlike temples dedicated to Lord Krishna that have keepers
in charge and elaborate rituals, the temple of Rukmini appears left alone with
just a caretaker and one can offer pooja from 6 AM to 9 PM at night.
Best Time to Visit & Weather
Summers in Gujarat can be very hot but because Dwarka is on
the seashore, the high temperature is modified by sea breezes. Winter could be
the best time to visit Dwarka
Rukmini Devi temple because it is so cool and pleasant, never chilly and cold.
Just after monsoons is another good time for a visit.
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