Rukmini Devi Temple

The Rukmini Devi Temple is a temple in Dwarka, 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) away from Dwarka, Gujarat, India. It is dedicated to goddess Rukmini, the chief queen of Krishna and an incarnation of Lakshmi. The temple is believed to date back to the 5th century BC, though its present form is thought to originate from the 12th century. It is a richly carved temple decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses on the exterior with the sanctum housing the main image of Rukmini. Carved naratharas (human figures) and carved gajatharas (elephants) are depicted in panels at the base of the tower. The present structure of temple is believed to have been built in the 19th century. The temple is also known for its jal daan (water offering) custom where devotees are asked to donate water to temple. The sanctum of the temple has a marble idol of Rukmini, with her four hands holding the attributes of the shankha, chakra, gada, and padma. According to local tradition, the pilgrimage to Dwarka is said to be completed only after praying to the goddess of this temple.