The Dwarka Temple holds a special place in the hearts of pilgrims across India. It’s among the four Char Dham Destinations, the most sacred in Hindu tradition.
For a long time, a trip to the holy island of Beyt Dwarka was difficult for devotees. To get there, travellers sailed for hours across the Arabian Sea. These boat trips were tiring, problematic, and costly. But now there is an easier way to reach Beyt Dwarka because of an amazing new bridge.
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Introducing India’s Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the iconic Okha-Beyt Dwarka Signature Bridge on February 25, 2024. This cable-stayed bridge took five years and 978 crore rupees to complete, extending 2.5 kilometers over the sea. Nowadays, people refer to it as India’s Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge.
PM Modi’s Special Ceremony
On the day the bridge opened, PM Modi did something remarkable. He went scuba diving in Dwarka bay to see a unique sight. Underwater, he viewed the remains of an ancient drowned city. Then near the submerged ruins, Mr. Modi offered special prayers. This ceremony honored the bridge while connecting to India’s deep history.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi went underwater, in the deep sea, and prayed at the site where the submerged city of Dwarka is. pic.twitter.com/J7IO4PyWow
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2024
Now, thanks to this engineering achievement more people can easily access Beyt Dwarka and its famous temples. The Modi government has helped create this vital cross-sea connection for travellers and devotees alike. The opening ceremony was very special, but the real impact will be felt by all who now journey to Beyt Dwarka with ease across this signature bridge.
Top 3 Must-Visit Destinations in Beyt Dwarka
Hanuman Dandi Temple
Five kilometers east of the Beyt Dwarka main Sri Krishna temple there is a magnificent and unique temple for Lord Hanuman. It is more popularly known as Dandi Hanuman Temple. How this temple is unique is more interesting.
To know how unique the temple is, let us take a brief stroll into the mythological lanes of Ramayana.While there are many version about Ahi Ravan, Mahi Ravan and Makaradwaj the following descriptions of Sri Ahi Ravan and Mahi Ravan is unique to the Maharashtra Bajanasampradhaya especially followers of Sri Aanantha Dhanaya Deva.
One can see a club placed between them. It seems there is no need for the club here. Sri Hanuman in relaxed and joyous mood, Sri Makaradwaj is also seen enjoying what he is doing and relaxed. There is no club or any other weapon in the hands of these two.
In Gujarat the joyous mood, merry and melancholy are expressed with ‘Dandi’. It is no wonder that this temple where Sri Hanuman and Sri Makaradwaj are virajman is called ‘Dandi Hanuman’, meaning joyous Hanuman.
Shri Keshavraiji Temple Main Gate
Shri Keshavraiji Temple is located on an island Bet Dwarka, in Gujarat, India. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna which was built by the Pushkarna Brahmin community.
It is situated near holy lake “Shankh Sarovar” which is 1km from Beyt Jetty and Dwarkadhish Temple. Bet Dwarka is famous for its temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and is of great importance in the ancient Hindu tradition.
Gurudwara Beyt Dwarka
Guru Govindsinh’s most lovable brother Mohakamsinhji’s homeland is in Bet Dwarka. This gurdwara is constructed on his karmabhumima. In 1999, the Gujarat government had held recall travel from Gujarat to Punjab.
At the time of Sikh religion’s Khalsa sect tercentenary festival Many events were held throughout the state. From this way, Bet Dwarka includes Many Shrines (Dharamsthals) like Hindu’s Dwarkadhis temple, Vaishanav’s Hanuman temple, Muslim’s Hajipir and Kirmani and Sikh’s Mohkamji’s Gurudwara.
It is the birth place of Bhai Mohkam Singh, one of the Panj piaras of Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Nanak has also visited this place. You reach this island through a ferry from Okha Gujarat. It is a huge Gurdwara with good arrangements for free food in Langar (community kitchen) and free accommodation for pilgrims and visitor.
Annual fair in the memory of Bhai Mohkam Singh is held in the month of March which is attended by a large number of devotees from all places of Gujrat and Punjab. It is a worth visiting place.
This gurudwara is dedicated to Bhai Mohan jee as It is the birth place of Bhai Mohankam jee. Gurunanak jee has also visited the holy Land of Dwarka while commuting to Baghdad. It is somewhat far from the main bet Dwarka temple. Gurudwara premises is very much neat and clean.
A Bridge That Connects More Than Just Lands
This new cable-stayed bridge links the sacred Beyt Dwarka Island and the busy town of Okha. It makes travel easier for over 15,000 islanders and two million annual temple visitors. But this bridge does more than cross over water – it joins dreams, communities, and opportunities.
Shorter Trips
Before the bridge, people had to sail for hours. Dangerous during storms! Now the journey is safer and faster – just an hour by road. Students can go to school in Okha with less hassle. Sick people find help at city hospitals quicker.
Culture and Nature
The solar-powered bridge shows India’s culture through holy scripture quotes and Lord Krishna’s images. Viewing platforms let people gaze at Dwarka’s natural scenery pretty water and sky.
Tourism and Jobs
The unique bridge draws more tourists to Dwarka’s famous temples. More visitors means more jobs and money for local businesses. Okha’s port will expand too.
Unity and Hope
This bridge is not only concrete and wires – it connects different groups of people. Where once water divided communities, now there are plans and dreams for a better future together. The bridge shows India building impressive things to help its people.
The Best Restaurants Near Dwarka Temple
A. Shrinath Dining Hall
Down with a severe case of hunger? Run to Shrinath Dining Hall. This restaurant is so good that you may even have to wait for food. But when you taste their mouthwatering, unlimited Gujarati thali, that too at a reasonable price, the wait will have been well worth it.
- This Incredible Unlimited Location Is Just 400 Meters From The Sacred Temple—A Worthwhile 5-minute Walk Away to satisfy your tastebuds.
- Find Shrinath Dining Hall Near Shree Dwarkadhish Temple,Bhadrakali Rd, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
B. Kamat Restaurant
Located on the ground floor of the luxury hotel VITS, Kamat Restaurant serves as the true counterpart of the luxury hotel. This restaurant offers a wide range of options, including South Indian, Chinese, and Misal Pav. Furthermore, their outstanding cuisine is still reasonably priced.
- Kamat Restaurant is a 15-minute walk (850 meters) from Shree Dwarkadhish Temple.
- Find The Grand Radhey near Shree Dwarkadhish temple State Highway Main, Post Office Rd, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
C. Purushottam Parotha House and Punjabi Restaurant
If you want to taste authentic Punjabi flavors and delicious parathas in Gujarat, then this must be added to your itinerary. This one is located near the bus pick-up point. It’s the perfect place if you are in a hurry and want to eat something yummy. With excellent food quality, comfortable seating arrangements, friendly staff, and impeccable cleanliness, this restaurant is highly recommended for you. Say your prayers at Dwarkadhish Temple, and then fill your stomach with tasteful food.
- This restaurant is about an 8-minute walk away (600 meters) from Shree Dwarkadhish Temple.
- Find Indian Rasoi near Shree Dwarkadhish temple ,near bhadrakali temple, Bhadrakali Rd, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
D. Atithi Restaurant
Atithi lives up to its name with its warm and welcoming staff. This restaurant is a combo of elegant ambiance and beautiful decor. Their delectable cuisine demonstrates how carefully they consider every detail to make each customer’s culinary experience truly unique.
- This restaurant is just about a 100-metre walk from Shree Dwarkadhish Temple.
- Find Atithi Restaurant near Shree Dwarkadhish temple Jodhabha Manek Rd, nr. DWARKADHISH TEMPAL, DWARKA, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
E. Sudama Restaurant (Porbandarwala)
Crave that delicious authentic Gujarati thali, or are you a visitor wishing for a total Gujarati experience? Well, Sudama Restaurant is the absolute go-to place for all your Gujarati food cravings. Also, they take care of hygiene and serve food on crystal-clear utensils.
- Sudama Restaurant is a mere 1 minute’s walk away from Shree Dwarkadhish Temple.
- Find Sudama Restaurant (Porbandarwala) near Shree Dwarkadhish temple Jodhabha Manek Rd, near dwarkadhish temple, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
F. Kant Dining Hall & Restaurant
Do you love Punjabi food, but your family loves Gujarati food? Or vice versa? Well, worry not! All your concerns will fade away at this wonderful place. Kant Dining Hall & Restaurant is known for its mouthwatering Gujarati and Punjabi food. Also, the cherry on top of the cake is that it is very affordable.
- Kant Dining Hall & Restaurant is 500 metres away from Shree Dwarkadhish Temple. It is a 5- to 10-minute walk from the sacred temple.
- Find Kant Dining Hall & Restaurant near Shree Dwarkadhish temple Near, Aditya Rd, Tinbatti chowk, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
G.Parivar Restaurant
Good food and a good vibe with your “apne” are the best ways to describe this place. The Parivar restaurant has Instagram-worthy decor that complements its culinary delights. This is the place where you’ll want to sit with your family for hours.
- Your ticket to a good time with family is a minute’s walk, only 75 meters away from the temple.
- Find Shrinath Dining Hall near Shree Dwarkadhish temple Mandir Chowk, Narshi Keshavji Vadi, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
H. Govinda Multi Cuisine Restaurant
If you are always looking for food without onions & garlic or vegan, then here’s our top pick. Govinda Multi-Cuisine Restaurant is the go-to place for all your needs. It can be a place where you can get soothing coffee and satisfy your cravings. If you are a foodie, then you must not miss this place.
- This must-try restaurant in Dwarka is only a 3-minute leisurely walk away.
- Find Govinda Multi Cuisine Restaurant near Shree Dwarkadhish temple Holy Chowk, near Dwarakadhish Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
I. Kathiyawadi Rasthal
Need that traditional Kathiyawdi taste wherever you go? Check out Kathiyawadi Rasthal, a highly loved restaurant chain across Gujarat. Their fast service, combined with their amazing taste of food, creates an unforgettable experience.
- Your Kathiywadi taste buds will definitely thank you for this 10 minute walk of 550 metres to Kathiyawadi Rasthal.
- Find Kathiyawadi Rasthal near Shree Dwarkadhish temple Bhadrakali Rd, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
Testament of tourists at Dwarka speaking with ANI,
દેવભૂમિ દ્વારકાની નવી ઓળખ સમાન “સિગ્નેચર બ્રિજ”ની એક ઝલક….#SignatureBridge #Dwarka #GloriousGujarat
— Gujarat Information (@InfoGujarat) February 17, 2024
@PMOIndia @narendramodi @CMOGuj @Mulubhai_Bera @incredibleindia pic.twitter.com/3UMZ9LhFiT
“This bridge, which will be a gift to the people of Gujarat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will benefit us in a lot of ways. It will boost tourism, save us time and would also boost our access to quality healthcare with the development of public infrastructure. Tourists who once sailed 5 hours on boats to Beyt Dwarka can now straightaway take the bridge. It will cut down their travel time by 3 hours.”
“The bridge will serve as an effective and sustainable option for those who are unable to afford boat cruises. It would enable and facilitate transportation of locals, who often have to navigate many challenges while commuting at night.”
Wrap up…
In the heart of Dwarka lies the Okha–Beyt Dwarka Signature Bridge, a modern marvel bridging past and future. More than just a structure, it’s a lifeline for pilgrims, easing their journeys to the sacred Beyt Dwarka island. As we explore the treasures of Beyt Dwarka, from the Hanuman Dandi Temple to the Keshavraiji Temple and the Gurudwara Beyt Dwarka, we’re immersed in ancient lore and spiritual reverence.
Let’s honor the enduring legacy of Krishna’s lore in this sacred land of Dwarka, where faith and tradition intertwine seamlessly.
Resources
- ^ Goole Book, Agents and Audiences edited by Agrhananda Bharati
- ^ Namste trip, History of Chardham – Story of Tirth Yatra of Uttarakhand
- ^ Rao, S.R,“Further excavations of the submerged city of Dwarka”
- ^ DISTRICT DEVBHUMI DWARKA ,Bet Dwarka – Dandi Hanuman,Gurudwara
- ^ Google Trip,Shri Keshavraiji Temple
- ^Tripadvisor
- ^Devbhumidwarka,Must-Visit Places in Beyt Dwarka
