- By Kishan Prajapati
- Mon, 26 Aug 2024 11:09 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Happy Janmashtami 2024 Special: The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna is being celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm. Janmashtami is a revered Hindu festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, the divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu and devotees observe a whole-day fast on this occasion. Amongst numerous ways to celebrate Janmashtami, devotees also visit the sacred temples of Lord Krishna to understand their significance and seek the blessings of the deity. One such holy place is Dwarka and whoever goes for Dwaraka Darshan, gets mesmerised by seeing Lord Krishna’s Srivigraha.
But do you know that there are 16 special signs in the form of Lord Dwarkadhish that are known to be divine and of great significance? Dr Nirbhayram Pujari, who studied Puranas, Shastras and religious texts years ago, explains about the significance of these 16 sacred symbols of Lord Krishna in the form of Dwarkadhish.
Deepakbhai Pujari said that in the Dwarka temple, there is the idol of Virajit Thakorji that represents the 16 symbols of Lord Shri Krishna as Dwarkadhish. There are 16 symbols in the Shri Ang of Thakorji, which are further categorised into four symbols- Ang, Shring, Upang, Ayudha and Councilor.
16 Symbols Of Lord Krishna As Dwarkadhish
Shri Ang: Thakurji’s dark complexion is considered as the complete form of Lord Krishna and is made from sapphire stone.
Upanga Kaustubh Mani: Kaustubh Mani is located in the Upanga of Thakorji's Srivigraha. During the sea churning between the gods and the demons, a precious necklace called Kaustubhamani came out of it. This necklace was not to be worn by anybody except Lord Narayana, which is why the precious necklace was offered to Lord Vishnu. That is Kaustubhamani's necklace around Dwarkadhishji's neck.
Bhrigu Rishi Lanchan: The sages examined Dwarkadhish Ji to decide who was the best among the three gods ie. Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Bhrigurishi struck Dwarkadhish Ji on the chest with his foot, which is represented as the symbol of Shrivaksh Lanchan on Dwarkadhish.
Nabhi Kamal: Brahmaji appeared on the lotus seat protruding from the navel of Nabhikamal Narayan. He then created the entire universe, which is Navikamal in the Srivigraha of Dwarkadhish.
16 Symbols Of Lord Krishna as Dwarkadhish (Image Credits: Kishan Prajapati)
Yajnopavita: It is one of the 16 rites performed for the physical protection of an individual, which is referred to as ‘Janoi’ in Gujarat, as agreed by Dwarkadhish ji.
Kalianagpas: When Lord Krishna freed the Yamuna from the influence of Kalinag, the God danced by wrapping his teeth on his waist which is wrapped around the waist of Kalinag Dwarkadhish Ji.
Mulakkacha: Charuna wrestled with Mushtiq and defeated him. He was wearing a helmet at that time which is located in the sanctum of Dwarkadhish temple.
Vyjantimala: Goddess Lakshmi appeared during the churning of the ocean and composed swayamvar with Lord Vishnu. At that time, the Vyjantimala that the Lord had given to Goddess Lakshmi during their marriage was visible from the neck to the feet of Dwarkadhish.
Ayudha Panchajanya Shankha: Dwarkadhish is holding Panchajanya Shankha in one hand. In Guru Dakshina, the Lord held the panchamukhi conch to kill the demon to bring back the dead son of the Guru, which is symbolised in his lower left hand.
Sudarshan Chakra: Dwarkadhish ji is holding the Sudarshan Chakra in his upper left hand. Lord Krishna had killed Shishupal and other deities with this Sudarshan Chakra.
Kaumodaki Gada: Lord Vishnu was resolute in destroying demonic powers and inspiring Sattvik's intellect. Dwarkadhish ji is holding a mace in his upper right hand which is one of the 16 symbols of Lord Krishna as Dwarkadhish.
Padma: There is a padma located in the lower right hand of Dwarkadhish which inspired people to stay away from doing wrong to one another.
Parshan Srinandaji Nanda: He stands at the feet of God and prays for salvation.
Shri Sunanda: He is a devotee at the feet of Parshan Sunanda Bhagwan Dwarkadhish ji.
Shri Lakshmiji is standing in the service of Lord Chamar, while Goddess Saraswati is at the service of Chamar.
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