Before we even enter Dwarka, its reputation precedes it—as one of the Char Dham; the kingdom of Krishna; a city that was built, submerged and has survived through faith. We arrived as visitors, familiar with the mythology but uncertain how that will translate into a living space. What we discover is not a museum of faith, but a functional religious town, in which history, ritual, commerce and devotion all find their place on the same streets.
The lanes of Dwarka are narrow and judicious. Defined by pilgrims walking with purpose, temples, shopkeepers laying out garlands and vendors selling conch shells, bangles, incense and pictures of Krishna in every form. The Dwarkadhish Temple looms over the skyline, but the town does not revolve around it quietly, it is constantly bustling with locals and pilgrims.
