This ancient Rukmini Devi temple in Dwarka, the first wife and queen of the Yadavs holds many stories and secrets from the past that have been explored and some which still have to be discovered or unfold. The locals strongly believe in worshipping Devi Rukmini right after having a blissful darshan at Dwarkadhish Temple. The Rukmini Devi Temple in Gujarat is a very beautiful temple which is known for its unique architecture, strong and deep spiritual importance. The surroundings and the environment of the temple is so calm and peaceful that when you enter the premises of the temple, you feel like you are in a different space where each corner of the temple screams Lord Krishna’s leela.
The Saga of the Rukmini Devi Temple in Gujarat
The Prachin temple of Devi Rukmini is said to be more than thousands years old. It is said that Devi Rukmini Temple in Gujarat is the main pilgrimage site that gets included in a circuit diagram for the darshan travel itinerary. Have you ever wondered why there is a different temple for Devi Rukmini darshan? To answer your question, read further.
It is said that Devi Rukmini along with Lord Krishna wanted to invite Sage Durvasa for dinner at their palace, so when they went on to the ashram where Sage Durvasa was residing, they invited him home for dinner and also accepted Sage Durvasa’s condition of pulling the cart together in which Sage Durvasa would be travelling.
Since both Krishna Ji and devi Rukmini were pulling the cart together under scorching heat and sun, Devi Rukmini started to feel thirsty and tired by pulling the cart, so she requested Krishna Ji to stop for some time and offer her some water as she was thirsty. Since Shree Krishna did not have water with him, he pressed a toe finger into the ground where they were standing and river Ganga started gushing out from the ground.
Seeing this, Rukmini Devi quench her thirst first, but according to the traditions, she should have asked Sage Durvasa for water first and then she should have drank the water after offering him, since she did not do that, Sage Durvasa got angry on her actions and cursed her for staying separately away from Shree Krishna. This is how the Rukmini Devi Temple in Dwarka, Gujarat is built away from the Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka.
It is still a question whether this curse was revoked or not, but according to some legends, the curse was not revoked. Some even say that Lord Shree Krishna had himself provoked Sage Durvasa or wanted him to curse Devi Rukmini because she had become arrogant which he did not like. So whatever the reason for the curse was, the most believed reason of the curse was the above mentioned reason.
Darshan and Aarti Timings at Rukmini Devi Temple
Darshan Timings: Morning Timing -5 am to 12 pm
Evening Timing – 4 pm to 9 pm
Aarti Timings:
| Aarti/ Darshan Offerings | Timings |
| Mangala Aarti | 4:30 AM |
| Tulasi Aarti | 5:00 AM |
| Shringar Darshan Guru Pooja | 7:30 AM |
| Srimad Bhagavatam Class | 8:30 AM |
| Dhoop Aarti | 8:30 AM |
| Raj Bhoga Aarti | 12:30 PM |
| Utthapan Aarti | 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti | 7:00 PM to 7:20 PM |
| Narasimha Aarti | 7:20 PM |
| Bhagavad Gita Class | 7:30 PM |
The most preferred time to visit the Rukmini Devi Temple
- The most preferred months of visiting the temple is October to March as the temperatures are low and the climate is cool and pleasant.
- Summer and Monsoon season is not much preferred because of the high temperatures and unpredicted rainfall.
- Another best time to visit the temple is during the festival seasons. Festivals like Janmashthami, Sharad Purnima and Navratri are the most preferred time to visit the temple.
Staying Options Near Rukmini Devi Temple
Dwarka has many staying options that range from a budgeted stay to mid-range to a luxury stay. So here are some of the few options for those people who are looking for an accommodation in Dwarka.
🛏️Budgeted and Hygienic Stay at Dwarka:
- Dwarka Dharamshalas: This is a dharamshala in Dwarka offering comfortable stays with AC/ NON-AC rooms at affordable prices along with food options.
- Hotel Parth Inn: A basic hotel fitted with modern facilities. This hotel is also a budgeted stay near the railway station and a few kilometres from the Rukmini Temple in Dwarka.
🏩Hotels which are mid-range and not too expensive:
- VITS Devbhumi, Dwarka: This is a hotel in Dwarka that has good reviews and ratings and also gives you the Dwarkadhish temple view at affordable prices and provides all the basic facilities for a comfortable stay.
- Ginger, Dwarka: Another hotel in Dwarka with good ratings and reviews from the customers. It is also a hotel that is located a few kilometers away from the Rukmini Devi Temple in Dwarka.
🏨Luxury Hotels:
- Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dwarka: This is a high-end hotel in Dwarka where you can relax yourself after having a day full of temple exploration.
- The Fern Sattva, Dwarka: This is also a high end resort which offers luxury and entertainment. You can enjoy here after having a day of full travelling.
- Important Note: If you are planning to travel during tourism seasons or during festivals, book your stays in advance and reserve a spot at Dwarka to experience the grandeur of the celebrations.
Come to Dwarka and explore the nearby places
Coming to Dwarka and not exploring the nearby places is not an option. So here is a list of options to explore:
- Dwarkadhish Temple (2 km): The city of Dwarka is known for its Kanha ji. Do visit the temple and take his blessings.
- Gomti Ghat (2.5 km): A ghat that is considered holy for taking a dip in the river Gomti.
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (17 km): Since you will be completing one of the char dhams of India, complete the sacred visit to one of barah (12) jyotirlingas too.
- Beyt Dwarka (30 km): An island from where Lord Krishna is believed to rule over Dwarka. Take a boat ride and enjoy the trip.
- Gopi Talav (21 km): This is a beautiful lake that has legends associated with it which state that Lord Krishna and the gopis of Dwarka used to meet here.
Ways to Reach Rukmini Devi Temple
🚘By Road: Dwarka as a city is well connected to state and national highways along with State and Private run buses and cabs.
- Ahmedabad to Dwarka: 440 km
- Rajkot to Dwarka: 225 km
- Jamnagar to Dwarka: 130 km
🚃By Rail: The closest railway station is Dwarka Railway Station (3 kms) connecting all major cities of Gujarat.
🛬By Air: The nearest airport to Dwarka is Jamnagar Airport (130 kms) connecting major cities of India.
Explore the other celestial abode of Lord Krishna
Gujarat is a piece of land in India where there are many temples of Lord Krishna and his consorts. However, Rajasthan is also no less. Rajasthan also has many cities that have the earthly abode of Lord Krishna. One of these cities is Udaipur. Udaipur is a city of lakes,palaces, forts and temples. The most famous temple of Lord Krishna is the Jagdish Temple.
So if you are planning a trip to Udaipur and are looking for budget friendly staying options which give you the experience of luxury and royalty, then we have an amazing place for you in store. Goya Hills is a private luxury villa in Udaipur located in the hills of Aravallis. This is a villa with a swimming pool and a private jacuzzi which is a perfect staycation for your family and friends. There is a chef that is available 24*7 who expertises in cooking dishes according to you whether it is on the menu or off the menu. To book your stay at this villa, give us a call on + 91 9024082177.
