Junagadh Radha Damodar Temple, Gujarat

Address

Damodar Kund, Girnar Rd,

Gujarat 362001

Moolavar

Damodar Hari (Krishna)

Introduction

Sri Radha Damodar Temple is situated in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. The temple is dedicated to the Damodar Hari, another name of god Krishna. In this temple, Damodar ji is worshiped in his four arms form of Lord Vishnu along with the Goddess Radha who is seated next to him in the central shrine. Within the premises of temple, Damodar kund and Revati kund are also present. This temple comes under the special care of the Government of Gujarat.

Puranic Significance

Sri Damodar Pilgrimage which includes Sri Radha Damodar temple and its popular lakes – Damodar Kund and Revti Kund, is situated along the road to Girnar mountains. The renovation of this pilgrimage was done in the year 462 A.D during the regime of King Skand Gupta who belongs to Gupta Empire.

The main temple is made up of pink sand stone and has two important parts—Nij temple and Saloha Mandap. Peak of Nij temple is 65 feet high and the height of Saloha Mandap’s peak is 30.5 feet. The flag is at the apex of Nij temple. The temple also has 32 arcs and 84 well crafted pillars.

The central shrine of temple is dedicated to Radha and Damodar (Krishna) where Krishna is present in his four hands form of Vishnu holding a conch, discus, mace and lotus in each hand. Adjacent to central shrine, another shrine is present which is dedicated to Lord Balrama and his wife Revati. In the south-west side of the temple there is a temple dedicated Ganesha.

Special Features

Sri Radha Damodar temple is one of the ancient temple of Gujarat. It is believed that temple was built by Vajranabh, grandson of Krishna. The temple is crowded with thousands of devotees on special occasions like 15th day of Krishna paksh of Bhadra month for Pitru Tarpan (paying tribute to deceased ancestors). Devotees also take holy bath in sacred Damodar Kund with the belief of getting salvation post life. In the Skand Upanishad, it is described that the Damodar kund rests in the path of river Swarna Rasha. By bathing in this river, people get rid of their sins. The famous devotional poet Narsinh Mehta also used to bath in Damodar Kund every day before worshiping Damodar (Krishna).