Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in an extraordinary underwater ceremony in the Arabian Sea near the coast of Gujarat this afternoon, Sunday, 25 February. The ceremony involved conducting a puja in the submerged remains of the ancient city of Dwarka, associated with SriKrishna through the epic Mahabharata and religious texts Srimadbhagavata and Harivamsa.

Modi touches city of Dvapara Yuga

Captivating photos and videos shared on the Prime Minister’s social media account show him wearing scuba gear as he descends into the azure waters to offer his prayers at this historically and spiritually significant location.

A day before the darshan of God by the prime minister, a video of the newly made bridge was released.

Reflecting on his “profound” experience, Prime Minister Modi expressed a deep connection to a bygone era of spiritual grandeur and unwavering devotion. He described his underwater visit to Dwarka, an ancient city believed to have been submerged after Lord Krishna departed from Earth, as a truly divine encounter.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi paid homage to the ancient city by offering peacock feathers, symbolizing Krishna who established Dwarka.

In a public address, the prime minister emphasised the city’s significance, mentioning that archaeologists and scriptures have described Dwarka as a city adorned with magnificent gates and towering structures.

The prime minister also shared his emotions, stating, “Today, I had the privilege to personally witness those moments that will forever remain with me… I immersed myself in the sea and had a ‘Darshan’ (sacred viewing) of the ancient Dwarka city. It was the fulfilment of a dream I had cherished for decades.”

Earlier today, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, officially opened the Sudarshan Setu, a cable-stayed bridge that stretches an impressive 2.32 km across the Arabian Sea. This remarkable infrastructure project connects the Beyt Dwarka island to mainland Okha in the Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat.

Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development initiatives in the city, amounting to a staggering Rs 4,150 crore investment.

These endeavors signify the government’s commitment to progress and prosperity, while also showcasing the Prime Minister’s dedication to preserving and celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage. The attention garnered by his underwater puja and visit to Dwarka further emphasizes the historical and cultural significance of this ancient city, solidifying its place in the collective consciousness of the nation.

Historical Dvaraka that PM Modi referred to

Dvārakā, also known as Dvāravatī, is a revered historical city mentioned in the sacred texts of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It is alternatively spelt as Dvarika. According to Hindu mythology, the name Dvaraka was bestowed upon the city by Krishna, a prominent deity in Hinduism. Dvaraka holds the distinction of being one of the Sapta Puri, the seven sacred cities of Hinduism.

In the epic Mahabharata, Dvaraka was situated in what is now known as Dwarka, previously referred to as Kushasthali. The city’s fort, which needed repair, was inhabited by the Yadavas. In this epic, Dvaraka is described as the capital of the Anarta Kingdom. The Harivamsa states that the city was located in the region of the Sindhu Kingdom.

Dvaraka is referred to as Dvaravati in Hindu epics and Puranas, and it is recognized as one of the seven Tirtha, or pilgrimage, sites for spiritual liberation. The other six Tirtha sites are Mathura, Ayodhya, Kashi, Kanchipuram, Avantika (Ujjain), and Puri.

Harivamsa

• In the Harivamsa, Dvaraka is depicted as a city that emerged from the depths of the ocean, standing on submerged land (2.55.118 and 2.58.34).
• Previously known as “Dvāravāti,” it served as King Raivataka’s renowned sporting ground and was designed in a square pattern resembling a chessboard (2.56.29).
• Adjacent to the city was the Raivataka mountain range, considered the abode of the gods (2.56.27 and 2.55.111).
• The city’s dimensions were meticulously measured by Brahmins, and the Yadavas contributed to its construction, laying the foundations of the houses (2.58.9 – 15).
• Vishwakarma, the divine architect, miraculously built the entire city in a single day, using his mental prowess (2.58.40, 2.58.41, and 2.58.44).
• Dvaraka was enclosed by sturdy walls, boasting four main gates (2.58.48 and 2.58.53).
• The houses within the city were neatly arranged in rows, and the cityscape featured towering structures that seemed to reach the heavens (2.58.41, 2.58.50, and 2.58.54).
• These remarkable buildings were adorned with doors resembling the colour of white clouds (2.58.48).
• The fort walls of the city radiated a golden hue, shining like the sun, while the grand houses emitted enchanting sounds (2.58.53).
• Within the city, there was a designated temple area, including a palace exclusively for Krishna, complete with its bathroom (2.58.43).
• Just as Indra’s celestial city is adorned with precious jewels, Dvaraka was adorned by the ocean, enhancing its beauty on Earth (2.58.47 – 66 and 2.58.49).

Incidents from Mahabharata

• Pandu’s sons resided in Dvaraka during their exile in the woods. Indrasena and the other servants stayed there for a year, which was the 13^th year of their exile. (4.72)
• Balarama mentioned performing a sacrificial fire in Dvaraka before embarking on his pilgrimage across the Sarasvati River. (9,35)
• Rukmini is depicted as becoming the principal queen of Dvaraka after eloping with Krishna, who is considered the chief consort of Krishna in the Mahabharata.
• One must approach Dvaravati with controlled senses and a regulated diet. By bathing in the sacred place known as Pindaraka, one can receive abundant blessings equivalent to the gift of gold. (3,82)
• King Nriga had to reside in Dvaravati for an extended period due to a single mistake he made. Krishna played a crucial role in rescuing him from that unfortunate situation. (13,72)
• The sage Durvasa lived in Dvaravati for an extended period. (13,160)
• Arjuna visited Dvaravati during his military campaign following the Kurukshetra War. (14,83)
• When the Pandavas decided to retire from the world, they visited the location where Dvaraka once stood and witnessed the city submerged underwater.