Rukmini Devi Temple
Dwarka serves as the doorway to India's western parts. The word 'dwar' which means door, has given this place its name. Amongst the Holy Places in Dwarka, a popular name is that of Rukmini Temple, Dwarka. This small temple, positioned 1.5 km to the north of the city, is an architectural masterwork. Rukmini Temple in Dwarka is devoted to Rukmini, the most important among Krishna's 16,108 wives.
Rukmini Temple, Dwarka, India draws many from far and wide. People who come here are spellbound by the sheer magic of this architectural masterpiece. The walls of Rukmini Temple in Dwarka are decorated with attractive paintings. These paintings depict her pastimes with Krishna. This temple has beautiful carvings, particularly on the pillars of the 'Sabha Mandapa'.
History of Rukmini Devi Temple
An interesting legend surrounds the different addresses for the temple of Lord Krishna and his Queen, Rukmini. It is said that sage Durvasa requested Krishna and Rukmini to pull a chariot to take him to their house for a meal. On the way, when Rukmini asked for water to quench her thirst, Lord Krishna prodded the ground with his tow, and the River Ganges appeared.
Rukmini quenched her thirst but forgot to ask the sage if he wanted a drink of water too. Durvasa felt insulted and cursed her that she would live separately from her husband.
Architecture of Rukmini Devi Temple
The Rukmini Devi Temple is dedicated to the beloved wife of Lord Krishna, Devi Rukmini, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. The temple is said to be more than 2,500 years old, but its domed mandapa and stepped sanctuary belong to the 12th century.
The sanctum of the temple has a beautiful marble idol of Devi Rukmani, with four hands holding Shanka, Chakra, Gada, and Padma. This shrine is an architectural masterpiece in itself. The rich paintings on the walls depicting Rukmini and Krishna leave the visitors spellbound.
