Travel Guide

The worship of lord vishnu the god protects the world, destroys evil 7 sustains goodness in this world – & his avatars or incarnations, is called Vaishnavism. This form of Hinduism is widely followed in gujarat that was the home of Lord Krishna, the 8th incarnation of vishnu, who left Mathura, vrundavan & made his home In dwarka in this state. Krishna is one of the most widely worshipped & perhaps the most popular deity in India. Krishna inspired a number of bhakti (devotional) sects that created abundant devotional painting, poetry & music. Gujarat’s Vaishnavities follow the Pushpati Marg or the creed of spiritual nourishment founded by Vishnu Swami and propagated by vallabhacharya (1479 – 1583 AD). This doctrine of pure Monism stands in sharp contrast to maya – vada of Shankracharya. According to Shankracharya, the whole phenomenal universe was maya, illusion or a figment of the imagination. The only reality was Brahma, the impersonal universal soul with which the individual was identical. Salvation was to be obtained by recognition of this identity through meditation. The doctrine of  Shankracharya is known as advaita, allowing no second, i.e. Monism.
 
Vallabhacharya’s Pushti Marg deems the whole world to be a product of maya & hence unreal. It teaches that god, though eternal, is endowed with celestial form & powder & all visible phenomena emanate from him.
 
Vallabhacharya preached the form of Bhakti, which enjoins love for god & devotions with the element of delight in devine worship, while rejecting the austerity and hardships propagated by other sects. His simple and pure doctrine of dvaita, without any reference to what is called Mata by Shankracharya, attracted the Gujaratis who became his ardent followers.
 
Today, the vallabh sect has hundreds of thousands of followers in Gujarat. It is a popular belief that Lord Krishna was born on Janmastami which falls on Shravan Vad 8th Aug. as per Hindu calendar & kirshna temple all over Gujarat witness scores of devotees.
 
The Raas dance, a form said to have originated from Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela, is performed in urban and rural Gujarat even today.

Lord Krishna is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

According to Pauranik literature, Lord Krishna settled and established his kingdom at Dwarka, in Jamnagar, after his migration from Mathura.  Archeological excavations reveal that the present day Dwarka is the 6th city on this site, the earlier 5 have submerged in the sea.
 
India has 4 Main Dhaams, 7 Puris, 108 Devi Peeths, 4 Shardapeeths, 68 Tirth and 12 Jyotirlings.
 
One Dham Dwarka, One Jyotirling Nageshwar and One Shardapeeth are the 3 places of International importance at Dwarka.

Dwarka :

Ancient name for this area was Kushsthali, then Dwarvati, then Usha mandal then Okha mandal. Lord Krishna came to here to Kushthali with his whole Yadav clan to make a new world for his clan. This pleasant sea side land, cooled the eyes of Lord Krishna, so he put the foundation of Dwarka.
 
This place was full of all the comforts of life so it was  called the Golden city.  The city had huge markets, good roads, There was a fort built around the city and there were 10 Kothas. The Palaces of the Yadav clan is said to have doors of gold.

Dwarkadhish Temple:

In the middle of the town is the Dwarkadhish Temple, which was built in the 16th century. Dwarkadish is another name of Lord Krishna that means the “Lord of Dwarka”. The five-storey high temple is built on seventy-two pillars. The temple spire is 78.3m (235 feet) high. From the temple dome waves an eighty-four foot long multicolored flag decorated with the symbols of the sun and moon. Lord Krishna’s grandson, Vajranabha, is said to have built the original temple of Dwarkadhish over the hari-graha (Lord Krishna’s residential place). The sanctum of the temple is formed by the Jagat Mandir, or Nija Mandir, which dates back at least 2500 years. The Jagat Mandir has a tall tower and a hall of audience. There are two entrances to the temple. The main entrance(north entrance) is called “Moksha Dwara” (Door to Salvation). This entrance leads to the main market. The south entrance is called “Swarga Dwara” (Gate to Heaven). Outside this doorway are 56 steps that lead to the Gomati River. The audience hall has both ancient and fairly modem sculptures. The main Deity in this temple is Lord Dwarkadhish, who is on the central altar. The Deity represents the four-armed form of Vishnu called Trivikrama. There is a temple to the right of the main Deity that contains the Deity of Lord Baladevaji (Balarama), who is the older brother of Lord Krishna. The temple to the left of the main Deity contains a big Deity of Pradyumna and a small Deity of Aniruddha. They are the son and grandson of Lord Krishna. Opposite this shrine is the shrine of Purusottama (Vishnu). Next to this shrine is a shrine dedicated to Kuseswara Mahadeva (Shiva). The shrine facing Dwarkadhish is dedicated to Devaki, the mother of Lord Krishna. Next to this shrine is a temple dedicated to Veni-madhava (Lord Vishnu). Behind the main temple in the eastern part of the temple compound are shrines of Radhikaji, Jambuvatiji, Satyabhamaji and Lakshmiji. There are also shrines of Saraswati and Lakshmi-Narayan.

Rukshmaniji Temple:

Rukmini (or Rukmani) is the principal wife and queen of the Hindu God Krishna, the king of Dwaraka. Krishna heroically kidnapped her and eloped with her to prevent an unwanted marriage at her request and saved her from evil Shishupal (described in the Bhagavata Purana). Rukmini is the first and most prominent queen of Krishna. Rukmini is also considered an avatar of Lakshmi, the Goddess of fortune.

Gomti Ghat :

This is the place where  Gomti River meets the Ocean, Pilgirms take the privialage here for a holy dip. if one wants then they can take a ferry and cross the Ghat and reach the opposite bank and visit the places of Pandavas.
 
On the banks of river Gomti, there is a Shiva temple, as well as smaller shrines of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna and Krishna’s friend Sudama around the ghat, where pilgrims have worshipped for at least 100 years. One can also hire a boat and move across the river to get a panoramic view of Dwarka.
 
Gomti Ghat is situated at the mouth of the river. A bath in these waters is believed to purge the soul. The solemnity of this belief contrasts with the lively atmosphere of boys jumping into the waves and turning somersaults as people photograph them. Decorated camels, tea stands, and bearded men selling seashell jewelry by the water add to the ambience. The banks are dotted with innummerable shrines dedicated to Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Samudra (God of the Sea).

Bet Dwarka :

Also known as Bet Shankhodar, was a full fledged port before the development of Okha Port. It was the residing of Lord Krishnas Queens. In the Temple of of the Bet, the idols of the queens such as Lakshmiji, Radhaji,  Satyabhamaji, Jambuvantiji are main.
 
Krishna Temple of Bet Island is near Dwarka, the abode of Lord Krishna. Krishna Temple of Bet Island is one of the famous shrines in India where devotees of Lord Krishna flock together to pay their homage towards their tutelary God.
 
It is a common belief that 5,000 years ago, Lord Krishna declared Dwarka as his capital, just after he left Mathura. It is said that Lord Krishna spent about a hundred years in the city of Dwarka. Thereafter, Dwarka became the holy shrine for the Vaishnavs, followers of Lord Vishnu (an incarnation of Lord Krishna).
 
Bet Dwarka is located about 30 kilometers north of Dwarka, on an island which is stationed at the middle of the Arabian Sea. Bet Dwarka is situated next to the coastal town of Okha. Bet Dwarka, as it is assumed, is the remnant of a reclaimed land which was borrowed from the ocean to build a beautiful city of Dwarka. Bet Dwarka Island, founded in the Gulf of Kutch, is also known as Bet Shankhodhara. The Bet Dwarka has a Krishna Temple dedicated to the Lord, as Lord Krishna had stayed here for a long time with his family members.
 
Krishna Temple of Gujarat is among the major sites of Bet Dwarka. The temple built on a reclaimed land has beautiful carvings and architecture that attracts the attention of the tourists.
 
The Krishna Temple of Bet Island is adorned with jharokahs typical to the Gujarati style. One can enjoy the the natural beauty of the ambiance of Bet Dwarka through these jharokhas.
 
Thus, the Krishna Temple of Bet Island is an integral part of the Bet Islands which provides ample scope for the devotees to come here. In fact, the Krishna Temple of Bet Island is the pivot of the tourism industry of this place.
 
On the Island there are 23 Shivalays, 20 Vaishnav Temples, 9 Hanuman Temples, 6 Devi Temples including other many temples.
 
The Old Shankhnarayan Temple is belived to be built around V.S 1774.
 
The Mahaprabhuji Baithak was built here by Shrimad Vallabhacharyaji in V.S 1535. There is also a place for Balramji. Bet Dwarka is about 15 minutes ferry ride from from Okha port.
 
Okha Port: The natural harbour of okha was made into a port by the Gaikwad Dynasty ruler of  Baroda, Shri Sayaji Rao Gaikwad on 14th February 1926. Before that in 1925AD,Jamnagar Okha railway line had become operational.
 
Before Okha port was developed, Arambhada was the main port and people used this place for going towards Bet Dwarka for pilgirmage. Mendarda Port was also used for the purpose.

Gopi Talav :

Gopis used to take bath in this lake so its  called gopi talav. the red mud aroundt the lake is called `Gopi Chandan’ here there are small and big Dharamshalas, Anandabawa Ashram, Kabir Ashram and Birla Dharamshala.

Shardapeetha:

Aadh Shankracharya in 491 AD, founded this peetha himself as the 4th peeth.

Aadh Sankracharya had founded 4 peeths for withholding the traditions of India.

Dwarka Shardapeeth operates Sharda Vidyapeeth Art College, an Indian Research Temple and a Museum.

Madhavpur:

Lord Krishna and Rukshmaniji married in Madhavpura, which is 60 KMS from Porbunder. A large fair is held here in March – April. Dehotsarg, at Treveni Ghat is believed to be the site of Lord Krishnas mortal incarnations cremation. The Ahir community women of this area wear black even today.

Ranchhodrai Dakor Temple

Lord Krishna And Dakor

Once Lord Krishna and Bhim went to the hermitage of Dank Rishi for darshan. Dnak Rishi received them and Lord Krishna, gracious as he was to his devotees, rendered homage to Dank Rishi and being pleased with his penance asked him to demand something from Him by way of blessings. Dank Rishi requested him to stay in his hermitage permanently along with Lord Shiva. For a while Lord Krishna remained silent pondering over the demand of Dank Rishi and finally, while consenting to his request, he promised that in kaliyug after staying in Dwarika for 4225 years. He would come to reside in this land permanently. Thus, Lord Krishna was invited to come to Dakor.
 
Dakor, in its earlier phases as pilgrimage center in Gujarat, was famous for the Danknath temple, a place of shiva worship. In the later phases it developed into a Vaishnavite center with the growing fame of Ranchhodraiji temple, which was built in 1772 A.D. Today this place is known not only as a pilgrimage center but also a trading center where one can get the articles related to puja, and other rituals.
 
The main temple, enclosed by a fort wall, is situated near the bank of the holy lake Gomti in the midst of the main bazaar of Dakor. The temple is covered with 8 domes and 24 turrets, with the central dome reaching a height of 27m. Crowned with a golden kalash and a white silken flag, this temple is the tallest in the district. Though not very rich in carving, the main cupola derives its influence from the Maharashtrian style of temple architecture. The main hall features paintings depicting events in Lord Krishna’s life.
 
It is believed that Ranchhodji, a name for Lord Krishna meaning “he who left the battlefield”, inspired Gopal Jagannath Ambekar, a shroff of a Peshwa’s court in Poona, in a dream to build a vast and magnificent temple. The temple was built in 1772 A.D. The main Ranchhodrai idol is in black touchstone, 1m tall and 45 cm in breadth, richly adorned with gold, jewels and expensive clothes. Its throne, an ornate masterpiece of woodcarving plated in silver and gold, was presented by the Gaekwad of Baroda.
 
On the upper floor of the gate there is a tokorkhana (music room) where music is played on shehnai and drums daily every three hours. Shri Bhalchandrarao and other descendants of the builder of this temple, Inamdar Tambekar, give their services to this temple even today. For many, listening to the devotional songs sung by Champavatiben Tambekar is a very special experience.

Timing: Open from 6am-12 noon and 4pm-7pm daily.

Dakor Puja Timing And Bhoga

Dakor temple normally opens at about 6 A.M. in the morning and closes at 12 Noon between which there are five darshans namely, Mangalabhog, Balbhog, Srinagarbhog, Gwalbhog and Rajbhog during which Aartis are performed. In the afternoon, it reopens at about 4.00 P.M. and closes at 7.00 P.M. In between there are three darshans namely, Usthapanbhog, Shyanbhog and Shakhdibhog . At Utthapana Bhoga and Shayana bhoga Aaratis are performed. The Darshana timings on Full -Moon days are different and are declared by the temple authorities beforehand. Bhogas worth approximately rupees seven thousand per day are offered to the deity and are taken over by the sevakas (priests) who supply the prasad to the pilgrims and devotees. For the conveniece of the vaishnavas desirous to offer additional bhogs to the deity except the scheduled ones, there is a provision in the Dakor Temple Scheme and accordingly Mahabhog, Rajbhog and additional bhogs are offered to the deity. For all such extra Bhogs the devotees can receive prasad except Rajbhog, through Dakor Sansthan Trust which is the oldest Bhog of the time when the Deity Shree Ranchhodraiji was installed in this temple i.e. when the Pran Pratishtha was performed.

Mul Dwarka

The exact location of the original dwarka is a matter of controversy. A small village with similar name Mul Dwarka is enroute to Porbandar from Harshad. This  is a place of pilgrimagewith a Krishna Temple & a well.
 
Some opine that it was located at a place of the name i.e. Mul Dwarka in the Kodinar taluka of the present Amreli district. Madhavpur is a historic village which was a part of the porbandar state in the 18th century. Madhavpur is named after Krishna (Madhavraj) who married Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmak, after abducting her on Kartik Sud the 11th (Hindu Calander) according to the Gandharva system of marriage and later, on Chaitra Sud the 9th, according to the regular marriage rites.  The temple at Madhavpur has tall idols of Shri Madhavraj (Krishna)  & Shri Trikamrai (Baldev or Balram), his elder brother. Just behind the temple in the west, in the same compound, are the ruins of an older temple, depicting the Chalukyan type of architecture that previlied in the Solanki period. This temple with a Shikhar or spiral tower is eroded by the salt – laden breeze & other natural elements. It is said to have housed the idol of Trikamrej in reddish stone on the southern side & that current temple that houses the idol is in the haveli style of the Pushtimargiya sect, and is said to have been built by the Maharaja if Porbandar about a 150 Yrs. Ago.
 
Mul Dwarka is a small seashore village near Kodinar, a historic place of the original Dwarka of Mahabharata. Marine archaeological explorations have found many artifacts that date to the 10th century AD (Sampura,1968). One find, an ancient temple, is a circular structure about 4 meters high, constructed of dressed limestone blocks. Locally, this structure is called Diva Dandi (lighthouse). If the structure is a lighthouse, it may be the oldest lighthouse remains on the Saurashtra coast.
 
Achreologists have found many artifacts, including ancient anchors and a medieval well with potable water near the jetty. Another site, Mul Dwarka, dates from the Dwarka of Mahabharata period and has been surveyed extensively for submerged archaeological remains. Remains of the ancient port of Mul Dwarka have been destroyed by construction of a cement jetty. However, discovery of a composite stone anchor and report on some grapnel type anchors from Mul Dwarka suggest that this was also an active port in historical times. An ancient lighthouse may date to the 12th–15th century AD—another indication of active maritime activities.
 
A tidal river—blocked by a sand bar that may be caused by a cement jetty—flows on the western side of Mul Dwarka village. Archaeological findings from Mul Dwarka suggest that this was a historical period settlement and was very active port during the medieval period. This site also show the presence of Harappan and late Harappan settlement, for example, Kindar Kheda near Mul Dwarka (Visawada) and Kanjetar and which dates to around the 10th to 12th century AD

Tulsishyam

Tulsishyam is located on the border of Amreli district and Junagadh district, in the Gir forest national park in Gujarat. It is 45 km from Dhari (Dist-Amreli) and 35 km from Una(Dist-Junagadh). It is connected to both cities. There is an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu-Lord Shyam. Legend says that Lord Krishna eliminated the demon called Tul and so the place is associated with his name along with that of Krishna as Shyam and is thus called Tulsishyam. The idol of Lord Tulsishyam is said to be 3000 years old. It is made up of black stone. There is a hot sulphur spring near the temple that is believed to have curative powers.
 
Tulsishyam Mandir is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is several hundred years old. It is a major tourist destination and pilgrim center. It is located in the heart of GIR National Park, in Junagadh District of Gujarat. There are medicinal hot water springs and are a major attraction as it can get rid of skin diseases. The temple has more than 200 cows in the Gaushala.
 
Tulsishyam temple is situated e in Junagadh district of Gujarat. Its 30 km from the town of Una A. Tulsishyam is Lord Krishna temple. Since Lord Krishna is black (shyam), which is why the name Tulsishyam. Tulsishyam Gir forest in Gujarat of Amreli district and Junagadh district is well connected. It is the most beautiful and the most visited place in a forest area, Known for its great natural beauty. History of Tulsi shyam:- Legend says that Lord Krishna with Krishna as black instead of TUL and therefore called his name associated with  the abolition of evil and thus isTulsishyam. Onestory says thata monster mythologyis great strengthinJalandhar. His wife Vrinda was a very pious woman. Jalandhar defeat one of the three Loks and so now they were tired, but God can. They had appealed to Lord Vishnu, the god and demon of predictable and his wife Vrinda and thus ‘pativrata’ status ended.  As the demon returned and it was a trick the publicinto a stonein the curseof God. But she blamed her temper and saton the fun eralpyre and burned himself to death. Lord Vishnu is also sucha tactic for which they took refuge in her husband‘s sentence. Tulsi is a plant on the site of the pyre was and God began to shower their love on Vishnu now. That he promised her he would marry in the next birth. Then Vrinda Rukmini was incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna who was married. This is why it is said that the Tulsi plant is a favorite of Lord Vishnu and the other name, Vishnupriya acquired. 11th day of the bright half of the month of Kartik, Tulsiman’ies Lord Shaligram, and to this day ‘Annakuta’ is distributed. This place also has a temple of  Kunti. This place is known world over for it shot water kund. Whether summer, winter and monsoon is same warm water in the kund. It is said that this water mixture helps certain skin diseases. There is a saying that if you take a bath in this water springs will be removed from all of your skin problems. Sometimes, tourists, a lion, deer, various birds, nil-gay and dense forest near the temple could be an opportunity to see other animals.

Sandya Aarti is performed everyday at 07:00 pm

Everyday Free Lunch & Dinner is served to all the vistors.

Lunch : 11:00am to 01:30pm &

Dinner : 08:00pm to 09:30pm

Shamlaji

There is a small shrine on the way from the Shamlaji Temple to the Meshwo river, where an image of a standing Ganesha idol from the late-Gupta period is still worshiped.
 
The temple at Harishchandra ni chori probably dates to the 10th century A.D. It has a rectangular sanctum with a large pavilion in front. The whole structure is enclosed within the courtyard. The walls of this courtyard have fallen down but the ornamental gateway (torana) still stands.
 
Numerous temples in ruins, ancient brick-work and scattered idols found at Shamlaji show that since ancient times it has been a popular and important center of pilgrimage on the highway between Gujarat and Rajasthan.
 
Devni Mori, a place about two kms from Shamlaji, is having remains of a Buddhist monastery from around 3rd-4th century AD. The stupa which is considered as a sharir stupa, has proved the presence of Buddhists in Vadnagar. Excavating of the stupa brought to light an inscribed casket which contained relics of Buddha. It is quite clear that the bodily relics of Buddha in the casket.
 
Being a place of pilgrimage established at a picturesque spot, there are several other ancient shrines scattered all over this place. Amongst them is the small temple of Trilokeshwer just opposite Shamlaji has a beautiful and unusual idol of Shiva with the trident. The Kashi-Vishwanath Mahadev is a simple but ancient temple, which is about seven feet below the ground level. The temple of Ranchhodji, is on the opposite bank. There is also the tomb of Navgaja Pir, a maulvi (muslim cleric) close by visited by many Adivasis.

Shamlaji Fair

A large number of devotees arrive to the Shamlaji fair on foot or on camel carts, singing devotional songs, some even dancing and carrying banners bearing sacred symbols.  They go to worship the deity and bathe in the sacred waters of the Meshwo river. Among the Adivasis, the Bhil community has incredible faith in the powers of Shamlaji who they lovingly refer to as Kaliyo Dev (Dark Divinity). The fair is an important trade destination for people to buy silver ornaments, metalware, cloth and garments, along with many other annual household items.
 
The temple of Shamlaji stands on the banks of the river Meshwo, in veneration of Lord Vishnu. The river Meshwo meanders over its rocky bed in the valley immediately below, and the waters of a splendid natural lake, of great beauty sparkle amid the well-wooded hills.
 
It is believed that this shrine has existed for at least 500 years. Built of white sandstone and bricks, it has two storeys supported on rows of pillars. It is profusely carved and episodes from sacred epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are engraved on the outer walls. It’s beautiful domed ceilings and a traditional north Indian spire over the main shrine add to the magnificence of its open courtyard accompanied by the carving of a life-size elephant.
 
Sakshi Gopal or Gadadhar is a black representation of Lord Vishnu worshipped at the Shamlaji Temple. This is one of the rare temples of Lord Krishna in which cow idols are also worshipped depicting his childhood as a cowherd. For the Vaishnavites, Shamlaji is one of the hundred and fifty four most important places of pilgrimage in India.

When

The Shamlaji Mela lasts for about three weeks, around the month of November. Kartik Purnima (Full moon night) is the most important day for the fair.

Event calendar for the next five years

Year        Date

2014       03-11-2014 to 06–11-2014

2015       22-11-2015 to 25–11-2015

2016       11-11-2016 to 14–11-2016

2017       31-10-2017 to 04–11-2017

Bhalka Tirth

Situated 5kms away on prabhas patan highway, the holy spot of bhalka tirth holds a significant importance for the celestial event that took place at this sacred place centuries before. A local hunter named jara misunderstood lord Krishna’s feet as deer’s face and arrowed him to death while he was asleep. Krishna, being lord of the world, pardoned him and explained him with the purpose of him being arrowed by jara. The papal tree where lord died is worshipped along with mahaprabhuji bethak here at bhalka tirth. The temple beholds a majestic blue colored idol of lord Krishna posed into meditation activity. Simple yet sacred, temple provides its visitors with sheer divine experience.
 
North of Somnath, en route to Veraval, is the famous Lord Krishna temple, Bhalka Tirtha, on the site where Krishna is said to have been mistakenly shot in the foot. Nearby is Dehotsarg, where he succumbed to his mortal wound. The temple at Bhalka Tirth is known as Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak, and a tulsi tree has been planted in Lord Krishna’s memory. At the Dehotsarg Tirth, in the 9th century AD Shri Vallabhacharya gave discourses on Shrimad Bhagvat Gita for seven days, as well as the revered Gita Mandir, which has eighteen marble pillars with a chapter from the Bhagvat Gita inscribed on each one. The temple also contains a beautiful tribhangi idol of Lord Krishna playing his flute.
 
Nearby is a place known as Baldev Gufa (cave). According to legend, Lord Krishna’s elder brother Baldev disappeared through this cave and went to the netherworld, as he was considered to be an incarnation of Sheshnag, the king of snakes.
 
Bhalka Tirth is the renowned religious place near Somnath. It is believed that Shri Krishna was wounded fatally at this place. Shri Krishna was resting on the deer skin when a huntsman named Jara mistook him for a deer and shot an arrow. The arrow went straight and pierced Shri Krishna. The temple at Bhalka Tirth is known as Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak and a Peepal tree is planted at the place where Lord Krishna succumbed to his injuries. Under the tree, there is a statue of Lord Krishna carved out of blue marble which stands as a memory to Lord Krishna. Bhalka Tirth depicts many feats of Lord Krishna and preachings of the Gita.
 
There is also a temple of Hinglaj Mata, near Bhalka Tirth. Just 5 kms away from this legendary temple lays the majestic temple of Somnath. Somnath is the most pious temple of Gujarat and has a beautiful beach surrounding it. One can feel the spirituality and peace while visiting Bhalka Tirth. So come to Bhalka Tirth and feel the oneness with God.

Timing

Bhalka Tirth remains open from 6.00 am to 9.00 pm.

Dehotsarg Triveni Sangam Somnath

Located on the banks of Hiran River, dehotsang tirth is 1.5 kms away from somnath temple. A mythological notion says that lord Krishna progressed to neejdham from here. The carved foot prints of lord Krishna are worshipped here as a memory of that celestial incident. It is believed that lord Krishna departed for his eternal journey on the first day of bright fort night of chaitra month, which happens to be the 18th February of English calendar in the year 3012 b.c at 2:27:30 hours.
 
Apart from the ancient shrine of lord Shiva, the town is also highly visited for witnessing the confluence of the three most pious rivers hiran, kapil and eastern saraswati. This spot of emergence is popularly known as ‘triveni ghat’ and holds a dignified importance ever since the time of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Followed under a myth prevailing, lord Krishna is believed to have visited this ‘sangam sthan’ after being wounded at the present bhalka tirth. The ghat grows beautiful from October to march months. Who so ever takes a dip into this water is sure to attain salvation.
 
The small shore town of Somnath in Gujarat is one of the most frequented spots in Gujarat. It is one of the oldest pilgrim centers of India and is said to house one of the twelve jyotilingas of Shiva. Mahmud of Ghazni the renowned Afghan barbarian raided the town many times and accumulated a vast wealth from it. He took his plundered booty to his homeland for the up gradation of the place. According to Hindu mythology this is also the place where Lord Krishna was shot in the leg. As is evident Somnath has many a story (some factual and some legends) associated with it. Triveni Ghat is one of the most important Holy Places in Somnath that is frequented by many tourists and pilgrims.

History of Triveni Ghat, Somnath:

Rivers play an important part in the Hindu mythology. Almost all the rivers starting from the holy Ganges to the mighty Brahmaputra has a story to tell. Triveni Ghat in Somnath is one such spot where three Rivers namely Hiran, Kapil and Saraswati meet with the Arabian Sea. The confluence of the three rivers or Sangam as it is referred to in Hindu religious terms is one of the most pious places in India. This is also the place where the chatri of the Lord Krishna is constructed. Krishna is said to have visited this holy spot after being hit by an arrow. The Ghat is considered to be the cremation ground of Lord Krishna.

Description of Triveni Ghat, Somnath:

Triveni Ghat situated at the confluence of three rivers and the Arabian Sea is considered to be the place where Lord Krishna was cremated. A temple has been dedicated to him to mark the place.

DAMODAR KUND

Mount Girnar is referred to as Revatachal in the Mahabharata. The temple of Vagheshwari stands to the right of the road, leading to the Damodar Kund, the water of which is said to be scared. Ashes of the departed were immersed here as per Hindu rituals.
 
The Kund is names after Krishna or Damodar. The legendary poet – saint Narsinh Mehta used to bathe daily in this reservoir. Nearby there is the Shree Maha Prabhuji’s bethak from where an inscription of the Vikram Samvat 1473 (1417 AD) is found, according to which it was built by a philanthropist Damodar.
 
This Kund (Water pond) is on the way to Foot of Mount Girnar. It is considered to be a sacred bathing place. Close to Damodara Kund is Revati Kund. It is said that Revata left Dwarka and moved near Girnar Hill after his daughter, Revati, married Lord Balarama. Near Aswatthama Hill, which is north of Damodara Kund, is the Damodarji Temple, said to have been built by Vajranabha, Lord Krishna’s great-grandson.