Rukmini temple

  Dwarka’s testament to divine love

Located in the heart of the ancient city of Dwarka, the Rukmini Devi Temple, also known as Rukmini Mata Temple, is a shrine that stands as a testament to the divine love of Lord Krishna and his beloved consort Rukmini.Believed to date back to the 5th century BC, this ancient temple hums with the whispers of history, uplifting your spirit the moment you enter its premises. Behold the resplendent idol of Rukmini Devi, adorned with exquisite gold jewellery and intricate clothing, that radiates an aura of love and devotion. Beautiful paintings on the walls narrate the enchanting tales of Lord Krishna and Rukmini, drawing you deeper into their timeless love story

Behold the beautiful architectureThe Rukmini Devi Temple stands as one of the few temples solely honouring Rukmini, the incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi. It is situated just 2 km from Dwarka's renowned Dwarkadhish Temple, or Jagat Mandir, offering a wonderful experience for everyone.The exterior of the temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses, that stand as proof of the mastery of ancient artisans. There are panels depicting carved naratharas (human figures) and gajatharas (elephants) at the base of the towering structure, further adding to its allure.One of the unique aspects of the temple is that though its Shikhara (spire) has a classic design as per the Nagara style of architecture, the mandapa (pillared hall) has a unique domed roof and square latticed windows. This is a feature that stands out as it does not adhere to the usual Nagara style of architecture.

Offering the elixir of lifeAt the Rukmini Devi temple, a unique tradition of jal daan, or donation of water, holds profound significance. Water is the main Prasad (divine offering to a deity) bestowed upon visitors after being offered to Goddess Rukmini herself. Donating drinking water within the temple premises is considered a sacred act, with visitors encouraged to contribute according to their means.The significance of water at the temple traces back to the ancient curse of sage Durvasa. This curse has left the region of Dwarka and its surroundings barren and parched for centuries. With no accessible freshwater sources nearby, the salty and infertile waters around Dwarka highlight the importance of freshwater donations at the Rukmini Devi Temple. When planning your visit here, remember to bring along fresh drinking water to offer to the deity.