- Lakshmi
Rukmini Temple
- Dwarka,Gujarat
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Overview
The Rukmini Devi Temple is situated in Dwarka, around two kilometers far from Dwarka, India. It is committed to Rukmini, Krishna's main ruler. The sanctuary is said to be 2,500 years of age however in its present structure it is said to have been constructed in the twelfth century.
About the temple
The exterior of the Rukmini Temple is richly carved. It has a panel of sculpted naratharas (human figures) and a panel of sculpted gajatharas (elephants) at the base. The traditional spire of the main shrine contrasts strongly with the hemispherical dome of the pavilion. The garbhagriha (inner sanctum) has a recessed seat on which the present image of Rukmini, wife of Lord Krishna, was consecrated. The usual sculptures of god and goddesses, along with male and female figures, are seen on the exterior of the shrine.
About The Deity
Legend goes that Rukmini was the Queen of the 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 Shishupala(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.
Legend and Stories
This temple stands at a distance of two kilometres away from Dwarka. The local explanation given for this distance is an old legend. They say, once Lord Krishna and his wife Rukmini went to the sage Durvasha to invite him for dinner at Dwarka. He agreed on the condition that Krishna & Rukmini would have to pull his chariot instead of any animal. The couple happily obliged. While pulling the chariot, Rukmini became thirsty so Lord Krishna prodded his toe into the earth to draw a spring of the holy Ganga water. Rukmini took a sip without offering Durvasha. Annoyed by her impoliteness he cursed Rukmini that she would be separated from her beloved husband. Hence Rukmini temple is located 2 kms away from Dwarka's Jagat Mandir. Maybe 2500 years old, but its domed mandapa and stepped sanctuary cannot be older than the 12th century in its present form.
Accessibility
The nearest airport is in Jamnagar (137 km). The closest railways are in Dwarka. Dwarka is on the state highway from Jamnagar to Dwarka. Direct buses available from Jamnagar and Ahmedabad.
Temple Address
Rukmini Temple,
Dwarka,
Jamnagar,
Gujarat
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Removal of debt
- Good health
- Knowledge
- Family welfare
- Attainment of noble positions
- Fame
Shlokas
Namastulasi Kalyaani Namo Vishhnupriye Shubhe Namo Moksha Pradey Devii Namah Sampatpradaayinee
Meaning -I bend down to Tulasi, who is so dear to Lord Vishnu and who bestows good luck on devotees, who helps one attain salvation and who bestows wealth on all devotees.
Samudra Vasaney Devi Parvathasthana Madale ; Vishnupatnii Namasthubhyam Paadha Sparsham Kshamashamey
Meaning -Oh Mother Earth, I beg your forgiveness for placing my feet on you, the one who wears oceans, forests and mountains and Lord Vishnu's wife, I bow to you.
Lakshmi Ksheera Samudra Raaja Tanaya Sree Ranga Dhaameshvari Daasi Bhootha Samasata Deva Vanithaam Lokaika Deepankuram Sreeman Manda Kataaksha Labdha Vibhava Brahmendra Gangaadharam Tvaam Trailokya Kudumbineem Sarasijam Vande Mukunda Priyaam");
Meaning - Goddess Lakshmi, the daughter of the ocean of milk's king, whose residence is Srirangam, who all the divine ladies serve in heaven, who guides the world with her light, the one on whom the eternal glances of Brahma, Indra and Shiva falls, I bow down to thee, Lord Krishna's beloved.");
Adhilakshmi Namasthesthu Parabrahma Swaroopine Yeshodhehi Dhanamdehi Sarvakamamcha Dehimey Mangaley Mangaladhare Mangalya Manggalapradhey Mangalartham Mangalesi Mangalyam Dehime Sadaaaa
Meaning -Goddess Adilakshmi, the supreme Brahman, we offer our salutations to you and ask you to grant us wealth and prosperity. Fulfill our wishes O auspicious Goddess for you are auspiciousness personified and you grant auspiciousness. Grant us eternal happiness and prosperity.