Dwarka, one of India’s seven holy pilgrimage sites, is not only religiously significant but also archaeologically substantial. Located at the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula in the state of Gujarat, Dwarka has great importance as one of the four principal holy places. It is also one of the seven holy towns to visit. Yet, beneath its religious significance lies an ocean of mysteries.
Legends speak of a grand, fortified city—the “ancient kingdom of Krishna”—spanning 84 kilometers, where the Gomti River meets the Arabian Sea. Dwarka underwater city is said to have been swallowed by the sea after Krishna’s departure. But that’s not all—fables hint at golden streets, intricate palaces, and even technology far ahead of its time. Some mysteries of Dwarka allude to divine interventions and curses that led to its fall. However, others suggest that the city was abandoned long before it sank. Each layer of its past adds new dimensions to the mysteries of Dwarka. Historians and archaeologists are diving to find evidence proving the existence of Krishna’s majestic kingdom, Dwarka underwater city. Book our reliable taxi service in Dwarka for a seamless journey to uncover its top destinations—and perhaps a few mysteries of your own.
The sunken city of Dwarka – A legend or a myth?
The most famous legend about the Dwarka underwater city can be found in the ancient epic of Mahabharata. Dwarka, like Atlantis, is said to have sunk beneath the sea at some point in the distant past. However, unlike Atlantis, whose remains have never been discovered, remnants of this ancient kingdom could be found in the depths.
If you are wondering why Dwarka submerged in water, according to the sacred scripture of Srimad Bhagavatam, the city of Dwaraka was built in response to Jarasandha, the ruler of Magadha, who was constantly attacking Mathura. To prevent further attacks on his clan, Lord Krishna decided to establish a separate city on India’s western coast. The great architect Vishwakarma gave this concept life. The submerged city of Dwarka was built by Krishna near a place called Kushasthali, according to ancient texts. The city quickly rose to prominence and became the unstoppable pivot of Lord Krishna’s mission. It housed thousands in approximately 900 palaces. The city was heavily fortified and could only be reached by ship. The Dwarka underwater city quickly became a talking point around the world, inspiring awe and wonder.
Dwarka Underwater City – Kingdom of Krishna
According to the Mahabharata’s 23rd and 34th stanzas, the city was inundated and submerged by the Arabian Sea on the same day that Krishna departed the Earth to join the spiritual world after 125 years, and this is when the Kali age began. The ocean’s deity reclaimed the land, sinking lost city Dwarka but sparing Lord Krishna’s palace. It is also said that Dwarka underwater city was attacked by Vimana, a flying machine.
The description of the fight piques the interest of ancient alien theories, as it appears to imply that it was fought with sophisticated technology and powerful weapons, possibly even from orbit. The spacecraft launched an attack on the city using energy weaponry, which resembled a lightning strike to onlookers, and it was so devastating that much of the city lay in ruins following the attack.
Until recently, the submerged city of Dwarka history was only a matter of folklore. The question “is Dwarka real” was constantly asked. Could it be that Lord Krishna and his aerial fight were more than just a legend now that the remains have been discovered underwater and with many signs pointing to this being the famous Dwarka, the residence site of Lord Krishna?
The many other mysteries of the lost city Dwarka
Mythical origins – A curse fulfilled
The Mahabharata narrates a tale of divine retribution and curses that led to the downfall of Dwarka. Following the great war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, Queen Gandhari cursed Lord Krishna and his Yaduvansha clan. The curse foretold their eventual destruction, mirroring the fate of the Kauravas. Over time, the Yadavas began fighting amongst themselves, culminating in widespread carnage. Lord Krishna, stricken with grief, withdrew to the forest, where he met his fateful end due to an arrow mistakenly shot by a hunter.
With Krishna’s passing, Arjuna evacuated the remaining inhabitants of Dwarka, after which the lost city Dwarka is believed to have been consumed by the sea. This event remains one of the central mysteries of Dwarka.
The samba curse – A prophecy fulfilled
Another story surrounding the Dwarka underwater city revolves around Samba, the son of Lord Krishna. Legends state that Samba, disguised as a pregnant woman, mocked revered saints such as Narad, Vishwamitra, and Kanva. Angered by the disrespect, the saints cursed him, predicting that a pestle would be born from the womb of the disguised figure. This pestle, or musal, would ultimately lead to the destruction of the Yaduvansha clan.
This prophecy came true as internal strife broke out, wiping out Krishna’s lineage. These tales reinforce the tragic mysteries of Dwarka, where curses and divine intervention intertwine to narrate the city’s downfall.
The search for the lost city of Dwarka
In modern times, explorations of the Dwarka underwater city have added layers to its enigma. Marine archaeologists have uncovered structures and artifacts beneath the sea near Gujarat, potentially linked to the fabled city. The initial excavations began about 100 years ago, in the 1930s, around the island of Bet Dwarka, located approximately 30 kilometres north of modern-day Dwarka in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district. More excavations were carried out in the 1960s, but no definitive results were obtained. In 1979, the Archeological Survey of India conducted another excavation. During this, the excavator discovered pottery dating from the second millennium BC.
Archaeologists discovered a building that appeared to be a fortified foundation. This suggests that the ancient city walls must have been built along the river banks between 1983 and 1990. Over 500 antiques were unearthed from the site. Some samples and date elements strongly establish the 2000-year cultural succession. Stone blocks, pillars, and irrigation systems were discovered, although the actual date of these discoveries is still being contested. The study of Dwarka under sea has unveiled fascinating insights into the city’s submerged remains, contributing significantly to Dwarka underwater archaeology.
The submerged city of Dwarka continues to be a significant focus for researchers. Dwarka photo archives from the underwater explorations provide visual evidence of the grand architecture that once stood here. As part of Dwarka history, the city holds a mythical significance, believed to have been built by Lord Krishna. The findings from Dwarka underwater explorations, including the stone blocks and ancient irrigation systems, add more depth to its historical relevance. The ongoing research into Dwarka underwater archaeology continues to unravel mysteries about the city that once thrived beneath the waves.
More findings unveiled – The ongoing discovery of Dwarka Underwater City
According to Dr Rajiv Nigam, former chief scientist-CSIR-NIO, the process of underwater exploration began with excavation near the current Dwarkadhish temple (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- National Institute of Oceanography). The Dwarka mandir was built during the 13th and 15th centuries BCE. Dr S R Rao, a well-known Indian archaeologist, conducted an offshore survey to look for signs of the submerged metropolis and a full excavation was carried out in 2007. He explained that the location of Dwarka on the westernmost tip of India, in modern-day Gujarat, corresponds to one given in the written literature.
The archaeological findings
According to one theory, Dwarka underwater city was built on reclaimed land roughly 3500 years ago and was drowned in water when sea levels rose. Scientific studies have revealed that the sea level in the area has risen and decreased numerous times before reaching its current levels in 1000 CE. These changing sea levels could be caused by anything from geological disturbances to coastal erosion.
A great number of anchors were discovered in this location during Dwarka underwater archaeology. It indicated that Dwarka under sea was a historic port. History reveals that it must have played a role in trading contacts between Indian and Arabic regions from the 15th to 18th century, and the harbour area was previously utilised for anchoring vessels. The word ‘Dwarka’ means ‘ portal’ or ‘door’ in Sanskrit, hinting that this ancient port city. It may have served as an access point for foreign mariners coming to India. Archaeologists are now preparing an underwater dig to hunt for the ancient city walls’ foundations.
Things to do in Dwarka
Dwarka is an important pilgrimage spot which holds great value in Indian mythology. It is one of the places for the sacred Char Dham Yatra. Every year, thousands of pilgrims flock to Dwarka to worship Krishna. The best way to explore Dwarka comfortably is by booking a taxi from Ahmedabad. Here are some of the best things to do in Dwarka.
- Witness unique practices at Shree Dwarkadhish Temple – The Dwarka Gujarat temple flag is changed five times a day. This is not done in any other temple in India.
- Visit the Gopi Talav – This is the place where Lord Krishna used to play with his Gopis.
- Observe the ancient tradition of Tulabhara – Tulabhara is an ancient Indian practice in which a human being is put to sit on a weighing scale against items. A human will be on one end of the weighing scale, while grains will be on the other. When the weight of the grains equals the individual’s weight, they donate the grains to the temple.
- Go souvenir shopping at Dwarkadhish Market – The city is filled with artists, and there are many souvenirs to be found. The Chakrashila, a wheel-like stone found in the sea, the statue of Dwarkadheesh, and the Gopi Chandan sticks are among the most famous trinkets.
- Dwarka Beach: Situated along the Arabian Sea coastline, Dwarka Beach offers a rejuvenating experience in the sacred coastal town of Dwarka. The beach features stunning coral reefs and is adorned with ancient temples dating back to the 1100s and 1200s.
Best time to visit Dwarka
Dwarka is best visited between November and the end of February when the city experiences chilly winters. Dwarka grandly celebrates Janmashtami Festival, so visiting the town between August and September will be worthwhile. As a result, the months of September to March are ideal for visiting Dwarka. However, the city is equally enchanting all year.
Bet Dwarka – A must-visit island near Dwarka
When you’re in Dwarka, just 30 km away lies Bet Dwarka, an island steeped in history, mythological charm, and archaeological intrigue. Also known as Shankhodhar, this small yet fascinating island is believed to be the actual residential abode of Lord Krishna during his reign in the ancient kingdom of Dwarka. Whether you’re a devotee, a history enthusiast, or simply an adventurer, Bet Dwarka offers an experience that ties mythology to tangible discoveries.
The mythological significance of Bet Dwarka
Bet Dwarka holds immense significance in Indian mythology. It is said to be the site where Lord Krishna welcomed his childhood friend Sudama and exchanged a bag of rice as a gesture of friendship. The island’s name, originally ‘Bhent Dwarka’ (Bhent meaning meeting), gradually evolved into Bet Dwarka over time. Adding to its mystique, the island is believed to resemble a conch shell or shankh, which is why it is also called Shankhodhar.
Historical and archaeological insights
Beyond its religious significance, Bet Dwarka has been a treasure trove for archaeologists. Excavations have uncovered artifacts such as Late Harappan seals, copper fishhooks, and an inscribed jar, suggesting that the island was once a thriving trade hub. A 580-meter-long submerged protection wall, dating back to 1500 BC, offers glimpses of advanced ancient engineering. These discoveries tie Bet Dwarka to the lost city Dwarka, bridging the gap between myth and history.
Exploring Bet Dwarka today
Today, Bet Dwarka is a hotspot for marine excursions, beach camping, and dolphin spotting. The island boasts rich marine biodiversity, including corals, sea turtles, starfish, and even sea snakes. Marine camping has gained popularity here, offering visitors a chance to explore the unique ecosystems while immersing in the island’s serene beauty.
How to reach Bet Dwarka
Reaching Bet Dwarka is an adventure in itself. From Dwarka, book a cab to Okha jetty, about 35 km away. From there, a quick 15-minute ferry ride across the sea lands you on this enchanting island. Boat rides start at just INR 20 per person, with private options available from INR 2000 for a more exclusive experience.
A visit to Bet Dwarka is not just a detour but an essential part of experiencing the larger narrative of the mysteries of Dwarka and the timeless allure of Krishna’s legacy.
Submarine tourism in the legendary Dwarka underwater city
The Gujarat government is set to dive into the world of submarine tourism by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mazgaon Dockyard Limited (MDL). This is to acquire a submarine. This initiative aims to offer unique underwater experiences around Bet Dwarka, giving tourists a closer look at Dwarka under sea. The submarine, expected to weigh around 35 tonnes, will have a capacity to carry 30 passengers. Of these, 24 passengers will sit in two rows, with each seat offering a window view. This will allow them to witness the beauty of the sea depths, further enhancing the understanding of Dwarka underwater archaeology.
At a depth of 300 feet, passengers will be able to take in the pristine marine environment. They can also explore the area through Dwarka photo opportunities. This venture will showcase the marine beauty and offer a deeper connection to Dwarka history and the legendary Dwarka underwater city.
How to get there
By air: The nearest airport is Porbandar Airport, which is about 96 km away from Dwarka. You can book a cab from the Porbandar airport to cover the Dwarka distance. You can then comfortably commute to your accommodation in Dwarka. Yet another airport is the Jamnagar airport which is farther, at about 115 km.
By road: Dwarka is well-connected with many of the major cities and towns around it by a lot of buses. The best way to travel to the holy city is by booking a cab from Ahmedabad.
Every traveller should put Dwarka underwater city on their itinerary if they want to experience a mix of India’s spirituality and mysticism. Don’t worry about how to head back to the airport or railway station after your trip. The easiest way is to download a safe and trusted car booking app so that on your way back, the only thing on your mind is all the memories you’re going to carry throughout your life!
Last Updated on December 17, 2024 by Shabari Shankar
