The submergence of Dwarka, an ancient city located in present-day Gujarat, India, is shrouded in mystery and subject to various theories. According to Hindu mythology, Dwarka was the capital of Lord Krishna's kingdom, which flourished thousands of years ago. The epic Mahabharata describes Dwarka as a prosperous city built by the divine architect, Vishwakarma.
One popular belief is that Dwarka was submerged due to a catastrophic event, possibly an earthquake or a tsunami. Geological studies suggest that the area around Dwarka has experienced seismic activity in the past, which could have led to the city's downfall. Additionally, there are oral traditions and local legends that mention a great flood that engulfed Dwarka.
Legend tells a captivating tale of the downfall of Dwarka city, woven with the threads of intrigue and divine retribution. It is said that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, once played a cunning trick on the wise sages, assuming the guise of a pregnant woman and coaxing them to foretell the gender of the unborn child. Enraged by this deceit, one sage, seeing through the illusion, cast a curse upon Samba, prophesying that he would birth an iron pestle that would herald the doom of his lineage.
True to the sage's words, Samba eventually gave birth to the fateful pestle, which, consumed by fear, he pulverized into powder and cast into the depths of Prabhas Sagar. Yet, the curse had been set in motion, and eerie portents began to plague Dwarka. Witnessing these ominous signs, Lord Krishna, in his wisdom, urged his people to embark on a pilgrimage to the sacred waters of Prabhas Sagar or Sea.
Upon reaching the shores, they indulged in revelry, drowning their sorrows in copious libations until drunkenness overtook them. Depleted of conventional weapons, they turned to the humble Eraka grass that carpeted the beach, unwittingly wielding the very essence of their impending destruction. For the Eraka, born from the remnants of the iron pestle, possessed a lethal power, unleashing havoc akin to thunder upon the tumultuous scene.
In the chaos that ensued, even Lord Krishna found himself perceived as a foe by his own kin. Tragically, the once-mighty Yaduvanshis met their demise, with Balram ji, too, departing from his mortal form amidst the tumult. Witnessing the carnage, Lord Krishna sought solace beneath the shade of a tree, only to meet his end at the hands of a hunter named Jara, whose arrow, fashioned from the very essence of the cursed pestle, sealed his fate.
With the departure of the divine, Dwarka succumbed to the wrath of the elements, swallowed by the relentless deluge of the sea, vanishing beneath its unforgiving waves, forever shrouded in the mists of legend.
Significance of Prabhas Sea
The Prabhas Sea in Dwaraka refers to a significant body of water mentioned in Hindu mythology and ancient texts. It is believed to be the area where the legendary city of Dwaraka, associated with Lord Krishna, was situated.
According to Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas, Dwaraka was a prosperous city located on the western coast of present-day India, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The Prabhas Sea is often identified as the maritime region adjacent to Dwaraka.
The name "Prabhas" itself has significance in Hindu mythology, often referring to brilliance or splendor. In the context of Dwaraka, the Prabhas Sea is mentioned in various narratives, including those recounting the exploits of Lord Krishna and the Yadava dynasty.
The Prabhas Sea holds significance not only in the geography of Dwaraka but also in the various legends and events associated with Lord Krishna's life and the ultimate fate of the city.
Archaeological findings
Archaeological excavations off the coast of Dwarka have revealed the presence of submerged structures and artifacts, providing evidence of a once-thriving ancient city. Some researchers propose that gradual sea level rise over millennia could have contributed to Dwarka's submergence.
Another theory posits that Dwarka's decline might have been a result of coastal erosion or changes in the course of rivers, leading to the gradual submergence of the city.
Despite the various theories, the exact cause of Dwarka's submergence remains uncertain. It continues to captivate the imagination of historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike, adding to the mystique and allure of this ancient city.
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