Dwarka

Dwarka, Sanskrit Dvaraka or Dvaravati, also called Jagat or Jigat, town, southwestern Gujarat 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. The town’s original temples were destroyed in 1372 by the Delhi emperors, but 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 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 the town. Pop. (2001) 33,626; (2011) 38,873.