Dwarka is an important pilgrimage center. It is steeped in legends, being associated with the life of Lord Krishna. It is said that Lord Krishna, after slaying Kansa, left his abode at Mathura and traveled with the entire Yadava community to the coast of Saurashtra where he founded a town and named it Swarnadwarika. In Puranic times, present-day Dwarka was known as Kushasthali or Dwaravati and enjoyed pride of place as the most important spot on the Saurashtra coast.

Dwarkadish Temple

Dwarkadish Temple is dedicated to Krishna. Dwarka, located 145 Kms. from Jamnagar, is at the entrance of Western India. It derives its name from the word 'dwar' which means door. Dwarkanath, the main temple here, is dedicated to Krishna. Archaeological excavations show that present day Dwarka is the 6th city on this site, the earlier five having been submerged by the sea. One of the most popular temples in Dwarka is that of Rukmini, Krishna's wife, considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty. The Sharad Peetha, one of the four Maths established by Jagatguru Shankaracharya, is also situated here. A little north of Dwarka, a ferry crosses from Okha to the Island of Bet, there are modern Krishna temples on the island, and a deserted beach on the northern coast.