Sri Rukmini Devi Temple – Dwaraka

 

Sri Rukmini Devi Temple is located at Dwaraka in the state of Gujarat.

Goddess Rukmini is an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Lord Krishna is the consort of Goddess Rukmini.

This is one of the Nava Dwaraka Temple.

This temple was constructed in Nagar style of architecture.

This temple belongs to 12^th century.

There are many legends related to Srimad Bhagavat.

The temple has a tall Shikhara that still has old carvings on it. There are many Madanikas or beautiful women on a panel that goes across the Shikhara. The base is an inverted lotus, followed by a row of elephants and Niches have Vishnu images. 

According to legend, Rishi Durvasa, the Kul Guru of the Yadavas, kept his ashram at Pindara, which is some distance from Dwarka. With all their chariots, Krishna and Rukmini walked over to extend an invitation to eat. Keeping in mind that Rishi Durvasa was renowned for having a short temper. He consented to go, but only if Krishna and Rukmini themselves would drive the chariot rather than horses or other animals. They agreed She was a queen now, and queens don't usually pull chariots. Her throat eventually became dry, and she turned to face Krishna. He saw her need for water. The Ganga emerged when he dug his right toe into the ground. Water was nearby She forgot to offer it to Rishi Durvasa first since she was so thirsty. He became enraged by this and cursed that the pair would be divided and live apart. Rukmini's temple is located aside from the Dwarkadhish temple for this reason. They continue to experience Durvasa's curse. They even claim that Rishi Durvasa cursed Dwarka so that nothing would grow there and that it would be infertile. That is still true now; nothing grows on the dry plain surrounding Dwarka.

According to legend, Satyabhama, Krishna's third wife, was deceived by Narada into giving money equal to the weight of Krishna. Satyabhama agreed and ordered Krishna to stand by the scale. Satyabhama positioned all of her wealth, including all of her jewelry and gems, on the opposing side, yet it was insufficient to balance Krishna's weight. She begged other wives for money, but nothing changed. She eventually asks Rukmini to assist her. The weighing scale tips the opposite way when she adds a single Tulsi leaf. The scale still tips in favor of the Tulsi leaf even after everything else has been taken away. The takeaway is that dedication, not wealth, is the only way to win over Sri Krishna. The tradition of Tulabhar still goes on in Dwaraka.

There is a story that brings her to Pandharpur in Maharashtra. It is said that she being the chief queen had to be respected by all other Gopis and queens. Once Radha did not get up to show respect to her while she was with Krishna. This annoyed her and she left Dwarka in anger and came to Dindirvan which is now Pandharpur. Krishna, his cows, Ganga, and Govardhan Parvat followed her. The two finally made up and served a feast of Kala – the dish made with curd and Maize to everyone present. The tradition of serving Kala still continues during the annual Pandharpur yatra.

 

Temple Timings

7.30 am to 8.00 pm

How to reach the Temple

2 km from Dwaraka

Nearby Temples

Dwaraka, Sri Dwarakadhish Temple – 700 mts

Darukavanam, Sri Nageshwar Temple – 3 km

Beyt Dwaraka – 32 km.