Context:
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is going to undertake a project to determine the antiquity of the recovered objects from Dwarka’s expeditions through scientific analysis of sediments, archaeological and marine deposits.
Dwarka:
- The name “Dwarka” translates to “gateway to heaven” in Sanskrit and is associated with the renowned Dwarkadhish Temple.
- Location – Situated on the western shore of the Okhamandal Peninsula, Gujarat.
- Positioned on the right bank of the Gomti River at the Gulf of Kutch‘s mouth, facing the Arabian Sea.
- Mentioned in the epic Mahabharata.
- Recognized as one of the 7 most ancient religious cities (Sapta Puri) in India.
- Believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna, established after defeating his uncle Kamsa in Mathura.
- A prominent Hindu pilgrimage site, home to temples like Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Devi Temple, Gomti Ghat, and Bet Dwarka.
Dwarkadhish Temple:
- Part of the Chardham, a group of 4 sacred pilgrimage sites founded by Adi Shankaracharya, dedicated to Lord Krishna.
- Associated with Dwaraka Matha, also known as Sharada Matha, one of the 4 religious institutions established by Adi Shankaracharya.
- Included in the Krishna Pilgrimage Circuit along with sites like Vrindavan, Mathura, Barsana, Gokul, Govardhan, Kurukshetra, and Puri.
- Selected under the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme as one of 12 cities for enhanced civic infrastructure development.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?
1. Arasavalli
2. Amarkantak
3. Omkareshwar
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)