Shri Dwarkanath/Dwarkadhish Temple

Shri Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the oldest and largest Hindu temples of Mathura city in state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The current structure of temple was built up by Seth Gokul Das Parikh, the treasurer of then Gwalior State (Scindia) in 1814, with approval and donation from Shrimant Daulatrao Scindia, Maharajah of Gwalior. In this historic temple, Lord Krishna is worshipped in his Dwarkanath or Dwarkadhish form along with his counterpart goddess Radha in form of Radharani.

Architecture

The temple has a large premises with the main building enclosed by a magnificently carved Rajasthani style entrance with steep steps leading to temple courtyard. In the central courtyard a platform is built up lined up with three rows of richly carved pillars which support the ceiling which is also beautifully painted. Another small temple of another form of Lord Krishna (Vishnu) Shaligram is also built up within the temple courtyard.

Festivals

The temple management is under the followers of Vallabhacharya sect (whose followers were the original founders of the premises). The main festival of the temple is called Hindola festival which is celebrated annually in the rainy month of Shravan (Occurring in July/August). It is the 13 days long festival. The temple in this duration is beautifully decorated in theme colours. Lord Dwarkadheesh and goddess Radharani are brought out of their sanctum and are placed in beautifully decorated Jhoola (swing) adorned with golden and silver ornaments for the special darshan.Besides Hindola festival, temple also celebrates Janmashtami, Radhastami, Holi and Diwali with great fervour. The temple has religious significance and therefore lakhs of pilgrims visit the shrine every year from different parts of the country and world.