<P> The present Dwarakhadheesh temple, also called the Jagat Mandir (universal shrine) or trilok sundar (most beautiful in all three worlds), is a seven storied structure, 43 metres (141 ft) in height, appears to be raising above the Arabian sea . It is dated to the 13th century AD on the basis of oceanographic explorations undertaken to trace the ancient temple, which was submerged in the Arabian sea . The elegantly carved temple shikara (tower) is adorned with a huge flag, which is said to be 52 yards (156 ft) in length with seven colours that can be seen flying from a distance of 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) (hoisting this flag has a great religious significance). There is an approach to the back side of the temple from the Gomti River end, which is built of 56 steps . The temple built in soft limestone has a sanctum enclosed within a large hall with covered entrance from three sides . While the external carvings depict erotic scenes, the temple sanctum is austere in design but the main image is elaborately ornamented . </P> <P> A temple dedicated to Rukmini, Krishna's consort, is located in Bet Dwarka, 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) away from Dwarka . The temple is said to be 2500 years old but in its present form it is inferred to be of 12th century vintage . It is a richly carved temple decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses on the exterior with the sanctum housing the main image of Rukmini . Carved naratharas (human figures) and carved gajatharas (elephants) are depicted in panels at the base of the tower . An interesting legend is narrated to justify separate dwelling temples, far away from each other, for Rukmini and her husband Krishna . It is said that at the request of sage Durvasa (who was renowned for his short temper and bestowing curses) Krishna and Rukmini pulled a chariot taking sage Durvasa to their house for dinner . On the way, when Rukmini asked for water to quench her thirst, Krishna drew Ganges water, by prodding the ground with his toe, for her to drink . Rukmini quenched her thirst with the Ganges water . But Durvasa felt insulted since Rukmini did not have the courtesy to offer him water to drink . He, therefore, cursed her that she would live separately from her husband . </P> <P> Another legend states, while Dwarka was the official capital of Krishna where he held his assembly, his residence was at Bet Dwarka . </P> <P> Kanchipuram (12 ° 49 ′ N 79 ° 43 ′ E ﻿ / ﻿ 12.82 ° N 79.71 ° E ﻿ / 12.82; 79.71), the pilgrimage city, in South India, also known as Conjeevaram during the British rule, built during the Pallava Dynasty between 6th and 8th centuries, located on the bank of the Vedavathi River, has an architectural legacy of over 1000 years . Before this period, it was the capital of early Cholas in the 2nd century BC . After the rule of the Pallava Dynasty, the Vijayanagar empire and the Nayaka dynasty period followed, in that order . Prior to the Pallava reign, it is conjectured, based on the chronicles of the Xuanzang, the Chinese pilgrim who visited Pallavas court, that the city was under the influence of Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor in 3rd century BC . Xuanzang had also noted that Buddha had visited this place . Jain and Buddhist temples and stupas of the Chola Dynasty reign have been recorded but mostly do not exist on ground . But South Indian architecture got a fillip only during the Pallava rule, particularly of rock cut temples during Mahendarvarman I's reign after he converted from Jainism to Hinduism . He was considered a man with vision and intelligence, a scholar, musician and a playwright . Kanchipuram was considered second only to Varanasi city in fame and learning . Adi Shankara, the Hindu philosopher saint, who propagated the Advaita philosophy lived and taught here in the eighth century AD . </P>

Varanasi in the north and madurai in the south are pilgrimage cities for