Dwarka

▪ India

Sanskrit  Dvaraka  or  Dvaravati , also called  Jagat  or  Jigat 

      town, southwestern Gujarat (Gujarāt) state, west-central India. It lies on the western shore of the Okhamandal Peninsula, a small western extension of the Kathiawar Peninsula. Dwarka was the legendary capital of the god Krishna, who founded it after his flight from Mathura. Its consequent sanctity makes it one of the seven great places of Hindu pilgrimage, although the town's original temples were destroyed in 1372 by the Delhi emperors. However, the most important of them, Jagat Mandir, subsequently was rebuilt. The five-story sandstone edifice is supported by 60 pillars and is visited by thousands of pilgrims annually. Most of the town's revenue is derived from the pilgrimage traffic.

      Millets, ghee (clarified butter), oilseeds, and salt are shipped from the port. Dwarka also contains a large cement works. Nearby attractions are Sankhoddar Island with the Ranchodrai and Matsyavatar temples, Lake Gopi, and the Dwarka Forest (Dwarikavan). Dwarka is served by a railroad and a main highway. Janmashtami (the birthday of Krishna) is a major festival in Dwarka. Pop. (2001) 33,626.

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