Rukmini Temple is located mysteriously at two kilometres from the Dwarkadhish temple by the Gulf of Kutch in Devbhoomi Dwarka district of Gujarat (India). The temple is exclusively dedicated to Sri Rukmini Devi, the primary queen of Lord Dwarkadhish. A small Amba Devi shrine too is present in the temple complex.
Rukmini Devi’s presence here away from Lord Dwarkadhish at the Dwarkadhish Temple is attributed to a curse given by Sage Durvasa. The temple is smaller in size compared to the Dwarkadhish temple. But Rukmini Devi’s devotees are numerically equal to that of Lord Dwarkadhishs’. Locally, the temple is called Rukshmani Devi Mandir.
The mesmerizing pastimes of Lord Dwarkadhish and Queen Rukmini are very popular everywhere especially in the region of Gujarat. Hence, the temple of Rukmini Devi reminds us of those pastimes along with the temple of Lord Dwarkadhish. Estimated to be 2500 years old, the temple has been renovated many times due to regular wear and tear along with the attacks it was subjected to.
The lila of Rukmini Temple
The Rukmini Temple too has a pastime behind its establishment. Why does Rukmini Devi stay here in a separate temple instead of being with Her beloved Dwarkadhish?
Immediately after their wedding, Lord Krishna and His Queen Rukmini went to Pindara (few kilometres from Dwarka) where Sage Durvasa lived in his ashram. They invited him for a feast with them. Sage Durvasa was the Kul Guru of the Yadus. He agreed to come on the condition that the chariot would not be pulled by a horse or any other animal.
Dwarkadhish and Queen Rukmini had to pull the chariot themselves. They agreed and started. After pulling the chariot for some distance, Queen Rukmini felt thirsty. Understanding this, Dwarkadhish made a hole in the earth by pressing His right toe. The waters of the sacred Ganga gushed out to fulfil the thirst of Queen Rukmini.
Due to Her thirst, she forgot to offer the water to Sage Durvasa. Well- known for his anger, Sage Durvasa got angry. He cursed the couple that they would stay apart. This led to two separate temples being established for Dwarkadhish and Queen Rukmini. Rukmini Devi performed austerities at this spot in order to be united with Lord Dwarkadhish.
It is said that Sage Durvasa had cursed the land at Dwarka to remain infertile and bereft of potable water although it would be bedecked with every unimaginable opulence of Vaikuntha. Perhaps, this might be the reason why Dwarka appears barren with no vegetation around. Even today Dwarka bears only salty water.
Rukmini temple: The beautiful architecture
The Rukmini temple exhibits a simple yet elegant architecture standing by the sea waters of the Gulf of Kutch. The current temple structure is said to be dated to the 12th century though is said to have been originally built around the time of the Dwarkadhish temple. Built in the Nagara style of architecture, the temple structure is a feast for the eye.
The tall Shikara has been exquisitely sculpted with images of humans, animals, and Lord Vishnu’s Deities. A panel on the Shikara depicts Madanikas i.e., beautiful women. Whereas, the base is an inverted lotus followed by a row of elephants. Niche regions are sculpted with the images of Lord Vishnu. The mandap has a dome roof with exquisite sculpting again. This is said to have been added later.
Flagstaff with triangular flags adorn the top of the Shikara, mandap dome, entrance shikara and another small shrine.
Rukmini Temple timings and festivals
You would be now excited to visit the Rukmini temple after reading about it. When you visit, plan so in accordance with the temple timings so that you can relish the darshan of Rukmini Devi in a serene state of mind. The temple is open at the following time:
Daytime – 5 AM to 12 PM
Evening – 4 PM to 9 PM
The festivals celebrated at the Rukmini temple are numerous with Nirjala Ekadashi (Rukmini Haran Ekadashi) and Rukmini Vivaah being the major ones.
The other festivals celebrated here includes Tulsi Vivah, Guru Purnima, Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Vijayadashami, Navratri, Makar Sankranti, Vasant Panchami, Diwali and Holi.
How to reach Rukmini temple
Now that you are excited to relish the darshan of Queen Rukmini at Her temple, you must decide on a transportation method to reach Dwarka. Once in Dwarka, you would have no issues locating the temple.
Traveling with Tirtha Yatra on their Pancha Dwarka Yatra would be ideally the best way to relish the pastimes and relive the era of Rukmini Devi along with a host of other benefits.
You may use one of the following transportation methods to reach Rukmini Temple otherwise:
By Land: Dwarka is well-connected to major towns and cities. You can travel using a private vehicle. Or else, enough taxis and buses are available from Jamnagar, Porbandar and nearby cities.
By Rail: Dwarka has its own railway station (DWK) which is well connected to major cities in India. You can catch a train that goes directly to Dwarka or makes a stopover. So, no worries about changing buses or cars.
By Air: The nearest airports to Dwarka are in Jamnagar and Porbandar. You can fly into Jamnagar/Porbandar and catch a taxi or bus to Dwarka.
Rukmini Patra: Where it all started
Have you heard of the Rukmini Patra which led to the marriage of Dwarkadhish and Rukmini Devi?
In fact, Rukmini Devi’s letter to Dwarkadhish asking Him to kidnap Her on Her marriage occasion is popularly referred to as the world’s first love letter. This letter is called ‘Rukmini Patra’. A transcendental love letter indeed! Composed of seven shlokas, this letter which is mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana is available in the Rukmini temple as printed pamphlets for anyone to pick and read.
Also, this transcendental love letter is read in the Dwarkadhish temple every day before Lord Dwarkadhish is put to sleep. This transcendental love letter led to the kidnapping of Rukmini Devi by Dwarkadhish, their marriage, and all the transcendental activities that followed up to the establishment of the Rukmini Devi temple.
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