Rukmini Devi Temple, Gujarat
Rukmini Devi Mandir is located in the Dwarka district of the Indian State, Gujarat. The whole district is commonly regarded as the Devbhumi, as it is believed to be the revered empire of the most charismatic incarnation of God Vishnu, the king of people’s hearts, Lord Sri Krishna. The Rukmini Devi Temple is however dedicated to the memory of Lord Sri Krishna and his consort, Lady Rukmini Devi. It is said that this is the very place where Lord Sri Krishna and Lady Rukmini Devi tied the knot of holy matrimony.
The story behind this marriage is quite an interesting one because Lord Sri Krishna actually fled with the bride to be Lady Rukmini Devi against the wish of the bride’s family. It is not too far away from the truth when we say that Lord Sri Krishna was quite the romantic god incarnate. Jokes apart, the temple is a symbolic replica of the main Dwarakadhish Temple of Dwarka. The spire and the temple complex have architectural and portrayals similarities with the significant western temple of the divine Char Dham temple circuit.
This temple is located way from the main temple on the coast. There is also another story. According to legend, it was due to the curse of Durbasa Sage that Lady Rukmini Devi could never stand beside Lord Sri Krishna. Hence the temple was built just a wee bit away from Lord Sri Krishna’s Dwarakadhish Temple. The temple has a marvelous four armed idol of Lady Rukmini and is very serenely spiritual.
Timings
Rukmini Devi Temple open at 05:00 AM to 12:00 Noon then 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM