Dwarka
town, an abode of lord Krishna is on the shores of the Arabian Sea, in
the state of Gujarat (Jamnagar district), India. Dwarka is Considered
to be one of the holiest cities in India, it's name is derived from the
Sanskrit word 'dvar' meaning door or gate, Ka means gateway. Once this
place was a thriving port, it was the main gateway to the hinterland.
For the Hindus it is also meant a gateway to Moksha (salvation from
cycles of birth and death).
Among the temples of Dwaraka, Rukmini Devi temple
built in the12th century, is a popular one not only for the consort of
Lord Krishna, but also for its architectural excellence frozen in rocks
that may make people spell-bound. It is an architectural wonder par excellence. The temple is about 1.5 km north of town and people on pilgrimage to this legendary town will never miss this historical holy place of great antiquity, beauty and workmanship.
Unlike many places of worship where one can see the idols Sri Krishna and Rukmini on the same premises, here the temple dedicated to Rukmini is on the outskirts of the town. There is a reason for it: Legend has it that one day, Durvasa Muni (Rishi) who is well known for his terrible intemperate nature was invited to dinner by the divine couple. The learned Muni being an honorable guest, Sri Krishna and Rukmini wanted to provide him with sumptuous meal. In the meanwhile, Rukmini became thirsty and requested Krishna to quench her thirst. With divine power Sri Krishna had the Ganges water gushed from the earth so that she could drink it. This incidence had happened without the knowledge of the sage. In those days tradition had been that the host should not eat or drink until the guest was well taken care of. Particularly in the case of learned sages, it was against norms of Dharma. As ill luck would have it, Durvasa Muni saw Rukmini drink water without his knowledge. Enraged Muni, whose name is synonymous with extreme anger and cursing was upset and cursed that Rukmini would live away from Sri Krishna. Hence, Krishna's temple is in the town and hers is located outside the town.
The
temple is a hunting ground for Architects and interior decorators. It is a fine example of simple, but elegant architectural design and style prevalent in the northern part of India.. The outer walls, including the tower are artistically carved with beautiful images of various Demi gods, etc. Interior parts of the temple are decorated with paintings, depicting Rukmini's
happy times with Sri Krishna. The beautiful carvings, particularly on the
pillars of the 'Sabha Mandapa' are quite inspiring. The Garbhagriha (inner sanctum) has a recessed seat on which the present image of Rukmini in enshrined.
Ref: http://dwarkadishtemple.co.in/article/id/285/-rukmini-devi-temple
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| Sri Rukmini Devi Temple-Dwaraka, Gujarat. epuja.co.in |
Unlike many places of worship where one can see the idols Sri Krishna and Rukmini on the same premises, here the temple dedicated to Rukmini is on the outskirts of the town. There is a reason for it: Legend has it that one day, Durvasa Muni (Rishi) who is well known for his terrible intemperate nature was invited to dinner by the divine couple. The learned Muni being an honorable guest, Sri Krishna and Rukmini wanted to provide him with sumptuous meal. In the meanwhile, Rukmini became thirsty and requested Krishna to quench her thirst. With divine power Sri Krishna had the Ganges water gushed from the earth so that she could drink it. This incidence had happened without the knowledge of the sage. In those days tradition had been that the host should not eat or drink until the guest was well taken care of. Particularly in the case of learned sages, it was against norms of Dharma. As ill luck would have it, Durvasa Muni saw Rukmini drink water without his knowledge. Enraged Muni, whose name is synonymous with extreme anger and cursing was upset and cursed that Rukmini would live away from Sri Krishna. Hence, Krishna's temple is in the town and hers is located outside the town.
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| Sri Rukmini Devi Temple-Dwaraka, Gujarat. commons.wikimedia.org |
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