Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, Dwarka - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir

At a distance of 2 Km from Dwarkadhish Temple and 4 Km from Dwarka Railway Station, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient Hindu temple in Dwarka, Gujarat. Built on a small hillock on the Arabian Sea, the Bhadkeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Chandra-Mouliswar. This temple enshrines a Shivalinga in the sanctum which was found at the confluence of Gomati, and Arabian Sea by the Jagatguru Sankaracharya himself. This revered temple is situated near Geeta Mandir and Rukmini Temple. It is one of the most enchanting pilgrimage sites in Gujarat, and among the major tourist places in Dwarka.

History & Mythology of Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir

The Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, believed to be over 5000 years old, ranks among the oldest in the region. During high tide, it becomes partially submerged, enhancing its unique and mystical allure. A distinctive legend surrounds the temple, which speaks of the sea god performing the abhisheka of the Shivalinga. Annually, in June or July, there is a day when the Arabian Sea gradually rises and enters the temple. For a brief period, the entire structure is engulfed in water until the abhisheka of the Shivalinga is completed. Following the sea's prayers, the water recedes to its normal level.

Architecture of Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir

The architecture is elegantly simple yet striking, embodying the spiritual essence of this location. The Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple features a naturally occurring Shiva ling that emerges from the Arabian Sea, becoming visible solely at low tide. Perched on a limestone cliff, the temple is enveloped by water during high tide, enhancing its distinctive mystical charm. Furthermore, the temple grounds include 1200 Salgramshilas, 1300 Shiva Lingas, and metal representations of 75 Sankaracharyas. It also serves as an excellent vantage point for observing the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Festivals of Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir

The Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, located in Devbhoomi Dwarka, is famous for its annual Maha Shivratri festival, which takes place in February/March. On the eve of Maha Shivratri, a fair is held on the grounds of the temple premises when thousands throng to pay respect to Lord Shiva. Additionally, the entire month of Shravan, spanning from July to August, is deemed particularly auspicious for Lord Shiva, with Mondays (Shravan Somvar) drawing large gatherings for prayers and ceremonies. Moreover, Kartik Purnima and Navratri are also celebrated here with great enthusiasm and grandeur.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir

While Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir in Dwarka doesn't have a strict dress code, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are generally allowed to visit Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Dwarka, Gujarat. There is no specific requirement to be Hindu to enter the temple.

Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 7 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 7 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 7 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 7 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 7 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 7 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 7 PM

Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir Entry Fee

Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 100

Best Time to Visit Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir

The optimal period for visiting Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant, and ideal for sightseeing. To experience the temple in its most spiritually enriching state, it is advisable to plan your visit during Maha Shivratri or the month of Shravan, when the temple is adorned with elaborate rituals and celebrations that elevate its sacred ambiance. Although there are steps leading to the temple, it becomes surrounded by water during high tide. The most favorable time to visit Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is at sunset and during low tide. It is recommended to avoid the summer and monsoon seasons; particularly, the summer months from April to June can be excessively hot, with average temperatures reaching around 40 degrees Celsius, while the monsoon months of July and August are marked by high humidity, resulting in considerable discomfort.

How to Reach Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir

Jamnagar Airport is the nearest airport which is about 126 Km from Dwarka and has direct flights from Mumbai. Dwarka Railway Station is well connected by trains with Okha, Tuticorin, Guwahati, Gorakhpur, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Somnath, Allahabad, Varanasi, Puri, Rameswaram, Jaipur, Bhavnagar, Kochi, Howrah, Nathdwara, and Viramgam. Dwarka has well road connectivity with Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Amreli, Porbandar, Somnath, Gandhidham, Bhuj, Gandhinagar, Baroda, Bhavnagar, Surat, Jamnagar, and Junagadh. From these places, one can reach Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir by hiring a cab or an auto-rickshaw.