Rukmini Devi Temple

Rukmani Devi Temple Dwarka - Rukmini Temple is dedicated to Idol Rukmini, Rukmini Temple, Dwarka is located at a distance of 2 km away from Dwarka City. The local explanation given for this distance is an old legend. They say, once Lord Krishna and his wife Rukmini went to the sage Durvasha to invite him for dinner at Dwarka. He agreed on the condition that Krishna & Rukmini would have to pull his chariot instead of any animal. The couple happily obliged. While pulling the chariot, Rukmini became thirsty so Lord Krishna prodded his toe into the earth to draw a spring of the holy Ganga water. Rukmini took a sip without offering Durvasha. Annoyed by her impoliteness he cursed Rukmini that she would be separated from her beloved husband. Hence Rukmini temple is located 2 kms away from Dwarka's Jagat Mandir. around 2500 years old, but its domed mandapa and stepped sanctuary cannot be older than the 12th century in its present form.

The exterior of the Rukmini Temple is richly carved. It has a panel of sculpted naratharas (human figures) and a panel of sculpted gajatharas (elephants) at the base. The traditional spire of the main shrine contrasts strongly with the hemispherical dome of the pavilion. The garbhagriha (inner sanctum) has a recessed seat on which the present image of Rukmini, wife of Lord Krishna, was consecrated. The usual sculptures of god and goddesses, along with male and female figures, are seen on the exterior of the shrine.

Rukmini Devi Temple – History
The ancient Rukmini Devi Temple in Dwarka stands in solitary splendor some 2 kilometers away from the heart of Dwarka. Why is Krishna’s beloved wife away from him? You may wonder? Rukmini Devi Temple Dwarka history is very interesting. The temple to Rukmini has a legend behind it that is associated with Saint Durvasa who is famously known for his legendary anger. Legend has it that once Krishna and Rukmini went to invite the sage Durvasa to their abode for dinner. The sage agreed to their invitation but had one condition, he wanted Krishna and Rukmini to pull the chariot which would take him to their palace. Both Krishna and Rukmini readily agreed to the sage’s condition.

So it was that Krishna and Rukmini tethered themselves to the chariot on which sat the venerated sage Durvasa and started pulling it. It was a tiresome task and more so for the queen, she soon felt tired and was assailed with severe thirst. She needed water to quench her thirst which had become unbearable. She beseeched Krishna who was by her side for water. Krishna used his divine powers and with his toe made an indentation on the ground and out sprang the waters of the Ganga. Rukmini driven by thirst partook of the holy water and quenched her thirst. All this was observed by the sage Durvasa who turned crimson with rage. How dare did Rukmini drink water without even offering it to him, who was their guest? Seething with anger the sage cursed Rukmini, saying that she would live separated from her husband at that very spot.

It is believed that the Rukmini Devi temple stands in that very spot. The Rukmini Devi temple near Dwarka stands as a silent testimony to the retribution of Sage Durvasa, the idol of Rukmini Devi in the Sanctum Sanctorum stands alone, devoid of the company of her beloved Krishna.