Bet Dwarka is an archipelago that is located in the gateway of the Gulf of Kutch. This segment of land was presented to Lord Krishna by his closest friend Sudama. This island is 2 km away from the coast of the town of Okha, Gujarat. Another name of Bet Dwarka is “Shankhodhar”. This name is given to the island because there are numerous conch shells found here.
Bet Dwarka is contemplated to be the heavenly abode of Lord Krishna and his family. It is stated in the ancient Puranas that this piece of land was earlier known as “Antar Dwipa”. The Yadav present in the Dwapar yug used to travel to Bet Dwarka by boats. When the under-sea level extractions and explorations were done, it was revealed that there existed human civilization from the time of the Harappan Civilization.
A Beacon of Faith and Devotion
The most celebrated temple in Dwarka is the Shri Dwarkadhish Temple. The Dwarkadhish Temple at Dwarka is the main temple that is considered truthful to be the actual place of residence of Shri Krishna lived with his family. The devotees first visit this temple and then go to Bet Dwarka. The temple is counted amongst one of the char dhams in India. The other name of the shrine is Jagat Mandir. Ever visiting Dwarkadhish temple, then make it a point to visit the Bet Dwarka which is 32 kms away from Dwarka.
Religious places to visit in Bet Dwarka
- Shri Keshav Rai Ji Mandir: The Keshav Rai Ji mandir is said to be built exactly at the place where Lord Krishna resided and ruled over Dwarka. This temple was built by Shri Vallabharchya and an idol that is present in the temple premises at present times is placed by Devi Rukmani.
There is a striking resemblance in the idol of Lord Krishna at Dwarkadhish temple and in the idol of Shri Keshav Rai Ji at Bet Dwarka. Lord Krishan ji is offered rice as prasad here because this is what his friend Sudama had gifted him when he visited Shri Krishna.
- Hanuman Dandi– Bet Dwarka also has a small temple of Lord Hanuman. There are two idols that are present inside the temple. The first idol is of Lord Hanuman and the second idol is of his Makardhwaja. There is a strong belief which has been circulated since the past centuries that there was once a fish which drank one drop of sweat of Lord Hanuman and then delivered Makardhwaja.
- Abhay Mata Mandir– This is a small temple that is situated in the southernmost part of Bet Dwarka. Devotees worship Abhay Mata for her fearlessness and protection from evil. The temple’s location at the seashore gives the devotees a beautiful, serene view from the temple premises.
- Other Religious Shrines– There are other numerous temples that are present in Bet Dwarka which are dedicated to Rukmini Ji, Radhika Ji, Laxmi Narayan Ji, etc. These temples also hold the same significance like any other temple at Bet Dwarka.
- Dargahs– There two Dargahs in Bet Dwarka at Gujarat. These two Dargahs are Sidi Baba Peer Dargah and Haji Kirmai Dargah. These two Dargahs are visited by Muslims.
- Jain Temples– There is a jain mandir at Bet Dwarka in Gujarat which is visited by many jain devotees. This Jain temple at Bet Dwarka has 24 jain tirthankaras under one premise.
Sandy Shores and Crystal Waves: Bet Dwarka’s Coastal Beauty
There are numerous activities that can be done by you after having a blissful visit to the sacred and divine temples. You can enjoy the following activities at Bet Dwarka:
- Shivrajpur Beach– All the Beach lovers, this is the place where you can enjoy sanity and salinity together. After having a sacred visit to the temple, come on to the beach to enjoy a walk by the shores or take a cooling dip in the clean waters.
- Dolphin Sighting– While having a good time at the beach, you should be on a lookout for dolphins that swim near the Shivarajpur Beach.
- Beach Camping– You can spend a cool and breezy night by the beach. You can set up a tent there and enjoy the calm sounds of the water waves along with waking up to a beautiful sunrise.
- Scuba- diving at Bet Dwarka– The underwater explorers, this is an amazing chance for you to go scuba diving in the Arabian Sea and explore the submerged city as well as the coral reefs.
- Dunny Point– It is an ecological place where the waters are saline and you can see the different types of marine life. You can also spot dolphins here.
- Dwarka Lighthouse– You can enjoy the mesmerising views of the Arabian Sea from the lighthouse.
Sunset Strolls on Sudama Setu and Sudharshan Setu: A photographer’s delight
Sudama Setu is a suspension bridge that is built over the river Gomti. This bridge was inaugurated in the year of 2016. This pedestrian bridge was built for the devotees to walk over the river Gomti and easily reach the Dwarkadhish temple rather than waiting for a ferry ride. The visitors and the photographers who love to capture the rising and setting sun, then they should definitely visit the Sudama Setu Bridge.
Sudharshan Setu was inaugurated in the year of 2024. It is the first bridge in India that has been built entirely on cables and concrete materials which will help the pedestrians to walk over it. The bridge connects Bet Dwarka to the Gulf of Kutch and the town of Okha. The Sudharshan bridge is built over the Arabian Sea. Thus solving the problem of waiting for a ferry ride. Again as this bridge is connecting the mainland of Okha town to Bet Dwarka, the photographers and the devotees who like to click good pictures for memories have an opportunity to capture the beautiful sunrise and sunset views against the Sea backdrop.
Plan your trip: Bet Dwarka’ s timings, best seasons and ways to visit
Visiting Hours at Bet Dwarka: Morning time- 9 am to 1 pm
Evening time- 3 pm to 6 pm
Best time to visit: October to March (favorable and pleasant climate)
Various ways to reach Bet Dwarka:
By Road– Nearest is the Okha Port and take a 15 mins ferry ride to Bet Dwarka.
By Train– Well connected to other cities through railways
By Air– The nearest airports are Porbandar (95 kms) and Jamnagar (145 kms).
Finding Peace at Goya Hills: A devotee’s Guide
Krishna ji’s devotees are spread all over the world. Once you are done with your visit to Dwarka and Bet Dwarka. You should plan your trip further to Shri Krishna’s other heavenly abode at Udaipur and Nathdwara.
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