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Nadabet – A Journey to the Edge: Exploring India’s Coveted Border

Day 7: 20th April 2023 – Thursday – Towards Spiritual Shores – Journeying to Dwarka

Still basking in the glow of the previous day’s incredible journey, we couldn’t help but recount the surreal moments. The car, a testament to our epic expedition the day before, was caked in salt from the mesmerizing salt lakes. Seeking a fresh start, I got the help of the hotel gardener to restore its gleam with a thorough water wash.

Car washed and ready to roll.

After a hearty buffet breakfast that fueled our anticipation, we drove west to our next destination: Dwarka. Passing the colossal Maruti Suzuki factory at Becharaji, we ventured onward, encountering a mixture of road conditions that shifted from average to moderately good.

The road to Morbi, however, was a different tale—a symphony of dust and bustling trucks laden with tiles and cement. Morbi is home to many tile manufacturing companies. Amid this chaos, we found respite at the Spicy Spoon restaurant for a well-deserved lunch break. While the parking space seemed to challenge our mighty bull, the quality of food and service was nothing short of extraordinary.

With appetites sated and the road beckoning, we left behind the Spicy Spoon’s hospitality and set our course for Jamnagar. Within Jamnagar, we made a quick pit stop at the Bala Hanuman Mandir. Here, a continuous chant of Lord Ram’s name had resounded since August 1st, 1964, 24*7, an unbroken devotion that enveloped us in its transcendent melody. For a few minutes, we added our voices to this timeless chorus, an act both humbling and surreal.

Bala Hanuman Mandir

24/7 Chant Hall – Where Time Stands Still.

Uninterrupted Chants Since 1964.

Our quick pitstop also granted us a panoramic view of the resplendent Lakhota Palace from its exterior. With a photograph etched into our memories, we pressed forward on our quest, heading towards Dwarka.

Jamnagar Akshardham Temple – A Marvel of Architecture

As the sun began its descent, we steered through the vibrant landscape, leaving behind the sprawling Reliance factory that painted the horizon.

The roads stretched out like a welcoming carpet, guiding us closer to Dwarka. It was nearing 5 PM when we finally reached this timeless town, wrapped in an aura of sanctity. We couldn’t wait to visit the temple, so after a quick shower, we headed there.

Club Mahindra – Dwarka Resort

It’s just a ten-minute drive from where we stayed. However, we had to leave our electronic devices behind because the temple doesn’t allow them.

Shree Dwarkadhish Temple

The crowd at the temple was bustling with people from different walks of life, all seeking a spiritual connection. The beauty of Dwarka lies in the fact that everyone, regardless of their status, joins the same queue. We patiently waited our turn, hand in hand with fellow devotees, an experience that reminded us of our shared humanity.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as the king of Dwarka. The temple showcases stunning architecture with its five storey structure that stands on 72 pillars. There’s the option to take a darshan (glimpse) of the deity from a distance, and you’d need to stand in a queue only if you wish to get a closer view.

Shree Dwarkadhish Temple – Gateway to Tranquility

Artificial Glow on the Majestic Gopuram

After our temple visit, we did some shopping in the local market around the temple. Then, we returned to our hotel for dinner and retired for the night.

Day 8: 21st April 2023 – Friday

The next morning, we started our day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. They offered a delicious spread of various Gujarati dishes.

Journey to Beyt Dwarka

After breakfast, we set off for Beyt Dwarka. Beyt Dwarka is a small island located off the coast of Dwarka in the Indian state of Gujarat. This island is believed to be the original residence of Lord Krishna during his time in Dwarka. Beyt Dwarka is a sacred pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Krishna and is considered one of the Char Dham pilgrimage destinations. We can reach Beyt Dwarka via a short ferry ride from the mainland.

The road to this destination took us through Tata Chemicals, a stark contrast to the modernity of Reliance. As we approached, the entrance appeared rundown and the road was in poor condition. The parking area and surroundings seemed unkempt and emitted an unpleasant odor. Not wanting to navigate this area on foot, we decided to take an auto-rickshaw to reach the ferry point.

The ferry was quite crowded and was operated by a particular community. There were no tickets; instead, a flat fare of Rs 20 would take you to Beyt Dwarka. I must admit I was quite nervous. There were no life jackets available in the middle of the ocean, and the boat was overcrowded. Finally, we reached the other side under the scorching sun. We left our belongings behind and proceeded to the darshan.

Navigating the Chaos: Overcrowded Boat to Beyt Dwarka

Relentless: The Boat’s Journey to Ferry More Pilgrims

Under Construction Bridge: Paving the Way to Safer Journeys in the future – So near yet so far

Beyt Dwarka – Lord Krishna’s Island Residence

Beyt Dwarka, also known as the Dwarkadheesh Temple in Beyt Dwarka, is a significant pilgrimage site and a place of deep reverence for devotees of Lord Krishna. This island, located off the coast of Dwarka, holds a unique place in the religious history and mythology of India. Here are some notable aspects of Beyt Dwarka:

Lord Krishna’s Residence: Beyt Dwarka is believed to be one of the residences of Lord Krishna. As such, the temple does not perform any special poojas (rituals) or ceremonies for Lord Krishna because it is considered his home. Instead, devotees come here to witness and seek blessings in the place where the Lord is believed to have lived.

Separate Kitchens for His Wives: The temple complex includes separate kitchens that are dedicated to Lord Krishna’s queens or wives, such as Rukmini and Satyabhama. These kitchens are symbolic of the grandeur of Lord Krishna’s household.

Room for His Brother Balarama: Beyt Dwarka also features a dedicated room or sanctum for Lord Krishna’s elder brother, Balarama, who is revered as an important deity in Hindu mythology.

Sudama’s Meeting with Lord Krishna: Beyt Dwarka is associated with the legendary meeting between Lord Krishna and his childhood friend Sudama. Sudama came here seeking help from his old friend and, in return, received divine blessings and wealth.

Descendants of the Krishna Dynasty: A unique aspect of Beyt Dwarka is that it is believed to be inhabited by direct descendants of Lord Krishna’s dynasty. These individuals, known as the Vajranabh Brahmins, are said to have lived on the island for generations and are dedicated to the worship and upkeep of the temple. They have a tradition of not crossing back to the mainland, and their lives are intricately tied to the island, ensuring the continuity of their lineage.

The journey back to the mainland from Beyt Dwarka was just as intense, but we made it safely back to the reassuring comfort of our car. I couldn’t help but wish for the completion of the under-construction bridge by our next visit to make the commute smoother.

Back at the hotel, we had pre-booked a Kathiawadi thali, and upon our return, we were welcomed by the aroma of delicious, ready-to-eat food. The meal was an absolute delight, ranking among the best culinary experiences of our trip.

With our stomach content, we decided to take some time to rest and recharge in the afternoon, gearing up for the next set of visits later that evening.

Shri Nageshvar Jyotirlinga temple

In the evening, we started our journey with a visit to the Shri Nageshvar Jyotirlinga temple. This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva. We were somewhat surprised to find it bustling with a crowd, predominantly comprising Tamil devotees. The diversity of pilgrims was intriguing to witness.

This temple holds immense spiritual significance as it represents Lord Shiva in his form as “Ardhanareeshwara,” symbolizing the unity of male and female energies.

The Jyotirlinga at Nageshwar is believed to represent the “Daaruka Vana,” the sacred forest of the demon Daruka, whom Lord Shiva defeated here. Worshipping at this temple is considered highly auspicious and is believed to grant devotees blessings, spiritual solace, and inner harmony. It remains a revered pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees from around the world.

As with many temples in Gujarat, there’s the option to take a darshan (glimpse) of the deity from a distance, and you’d need to stand in a queue only if you wish to get a closer view. We chose to stand back and take in the sight of the deity.

Captivating towers with a beautiful background

The main Gopuram

Gigantic Deity – A Majestic Sight

Colossal Wonder – A Sight to Behold

Rukmini temple

The road leading to the Rukmini temple left much to be desired. It was marred by heaps of garbage, swarming flies, and an unpleasant odor that took us by surprise. The area appeared to be a dumping ground for the entire waste of Dwarka, and it was disheartening to see people residing in such close proximity to this unsightly environment. Despite these conditions, the temple itself drew a significant crowd. It’s indeed a cause for reflection on the responsibilities of the local government in these areas.

The Rukmini Temple, although located in a challenging environment, holds profound significance in Hindu mythology. It is dedicated to Rukmini, the consort of Lord Krishna. According to legend, this temple marks the spot where Lord Krishna rescued Rukmini during their marriage.

Glimpse of the Towering Beauty at Rukmini Temple

Contrasting Sides of Rukmini Temple: Beauty Amidst Neglect

Shivrajpur Beach: An Oasis of Tranquility on Gujarat’s Coastline

Our travel continued from Rukmini Temple to the pristine shores of Shivrajpur Beach, a coastal gem nestled in the westernmost part of India. One of the advantages of visiting Gujarat during the summer months was that the sunset occurred much later in the day, granting us ample time to soak in the beauty of this serene beach. As we reached Shivrajpur, we were greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the Arabian Sea stretching to the horizon.

Shivrajpur Beach turned out to be one of the most captivating beaches I’ve had the privilege to visit. The golden sands, the gentle lapping of the waves, and the cool sea breeze combined to create an atmosphere of pure tranquility. It was the perfect place for me and Preethi to reflect on the incredible journey we had embarked on, filled with spirituality, exploration, and adventure.

While at the beach, my daughter and I enjoyed some quality time together. I also introduced her to the art of photography. Watching her excitement as she captured the beauty of the beach through her lens was a heartwarming experience, reminding me of the joy that simple moments can bring.

Shivrajpur Beach became an oasis of calm amidst the whirlwind of our travels, offering a chance to unwind and create cherished memories. As the sun gradually descended below the horizon, we left this serene haven with a sense of contentment.

Shivrajpur Beach: India’s First Blue-Certified Oasis

Panoramic Vistas: Witnessing Earth’s Curvature

Tranquil surroundings providing the ideal backdrop for introspection

Marveling at the poignant beauty of witnessing the final sunset of the day on the westernmost edge of India

As the sun dipped below the horizon at Shivrajpur Beach, our day of exploration was far from over. We made our way to Hotel Honest near the beach to savor our dinner. With contented hearts and satisfied palates, we returned to our room. The next day held the promise of new destinations and exciting experiences, so we wisely took care of our checkout formalities and loaded our luggage into the car. The cozy comfort of our room awaited us, offering a restful night’s sleep before another day of discovery in this remarkable part of India.

Day 9: 23rd April 2023 – Saturday – A Dawn Departure: Journey Southward from Dwarka

As the world still slumbered under the shroud of night, we were already on the road, embarking on a new day of adventure before the sun’s first rays painted the horizon. Our ambitious itinerary for the day was to head south from Dwarka, with several significant stops along the way.

Our first destination was Porbandar, the birthplace of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Following this, we planned to visit the Sudama Temple, a revered site that held historical and spiritual significance. Afterward, our journey would take us further south to the sacred shores of Somnath, home to one of the most important Jyotirlingas. As the day unfolded, we would then turn eastward, making our way to Sasan Gir, a destination famous for its vibrant wildlife. With a full day of exploration ahead, we hit the road with enthusiasm and anticipation for the experiences that awaited us.

A Hasty Breakfast En Route to Porbandar

Our journey unfolded swiftly, and as the morning light pierced the sky, we found ourselves on the road, eager to reach our first stop. Armed with ready-to-eat breakfast provisions, we indulged in a quick meal. While not a gourmet affair, it served its purpose by keeping us fueled without the need for extended pit stops.

As we entered the city of Porbandar, home to the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, we were met with unexpected challenges. The surroundings were far from the idyllic image we had envisioned. The area was beset by a cloud of flies, and parking was a considerable issue, adding to our discomfort. Despite our initial hopes for a serene visit, the reality was different. Our time here was brief, and I managed to capture a photo of the Kirti Mandir from the exterior before we decided to move forward, hoping that our next stop would provide a more favorable experience.

Kirti Mandir: A Beautiful Exterior Amidst Unkempt Surroundings.

Sudama Temple: A Serene Stop

Our next destination was the Sudama Temple, a place of devotion dedicated to Lord Krishna’s dear friend, Sudama. What struck me immediately upon arrival was the stark contrast to our previous experience at Gandhi’s ashram. Here, there was ample parking, and the temple premises were notably clean. A sizable gathering of devotees added to the temple’s vibrant ambiance.

We observed pilgrims partaking in various parikrama rituals, moving in a maze-like pattern around a sacred area. Inspired by the devotion we witnessed, we decided to follow suit, joining in on the spiritual journey without fully comprehending the significance of the ritual. The temple’s serenity and the devotees’ sincere piety provided a stark contrast to the messiness we had encountered earlier, leaving us with a renewed sense of awe and reverence.

Majestic Gopuram: A Divine Welcome.

A Maze of Devotion: Parikrama at Sudama Temple.

Somanath Temple: Divine Majesty by the Sea

Our journey continued with eager anticipation as we embarked on the road from Porbandar to the legendary Somnath Temple. The winding paths amidst lush greenery reminded me of picturesque drives in Kerala, enchanting and serene.

Upon reaching Somnath, we were greeted by a colossal parking area, a testament to the temple’s significance and popularity. From there, a short walk of about 200-250 meters led us to the temple complex. The security was notably stringent, with a three-tier check process in place. Mobile phones, electronic devices, and even car key fobs were off-limits.

The temple’s devout ambience was beautifully complemented by the thrum of the visiting crowd. Darshan, especially in the men’s queue, proceeded swiftly. My daughter joined me in marveling at the brisk pace. As we exited, a breathtaking sea view unfolded before us. The refreshing sea breeze, coupled with the sacred surroundings, created a perfect oasis amidst the scorching heat.

While initially, I lamented not having my mobile or camera to capture the scene, I soon realized the blessings of absorbing the place’s aura without the distraction of photography. The scorching heat outside was no match for the tranquil atmosphere within the temple premises.

We concluded our visit with a satisfying meal at Hotel Honest en route and continued our journey to Sasan Gir, our next destination, where a different kind of adventure awaited. Please stay tuned for Gir Safari…

Previous Posts

Gujarat Road Trip – Prologue

Gujarat Road Trip – Days 1-3

Gujarat Road Trip – Days 4 and 5