A temple for Rukmini Devi is on the way to the Bet Dwarka island from Dwarka. The temple of Bet Dwarka, with a deity of Lord Dwarakanath, can be reached by boat from Okha port. Built by Shri Vallabhacharya, it enshrines an idol believed to be made by Rukmini. Lord Krishna's friend, Sudama meet him and gave "Bhet" (Gift) of "Tandul-POHA" (Rice). So it is call "Bhet-Dwarka". Early historic settlement remains dating back to 3rd century BC have been located on the island. Most of the archaelogical ruins excavated here and religious manuscripts correspond with Bet Dwarka as the original abode of Lord Krishna. Archeological explorations at the Bet Dwarka have shown evidence of active maritime trade with Rome from the IV century BC to IV century AD. Nageshwar near Dwarka in Gujarat is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. This Jyotirlinga is considered to protect everybody from all sorts of poisons. The present Temple was renovated by Late Gulshan Kumar. He initiated the work in 1996 and his family completed the work after his assassination at a cost of Rs.12.5 millions. Nageshwar Temple is visible from a distance of 2 km. An attractive 125' high statue of Lord Shiva, in meditation pose, greets devotees outside the temple. The main entrance of the temple is simple but beautiful. You enter into a hall or sabha mandap, with counters selling Puja materials. The Jyotirlinga is located in a basement type sanctum, below the sabha mandap floor. The Jyotirlinga is moderately big and shalunka is plated with silver. A silver replica of Nag (snake) is also placed. Behind the Jyotirlinga there is an idol of Goddess Parvati.

• published: 09 Nov 2013
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