Deep below the waters of the Arabian Sea lies a captivating mystery – the sunken city of Dwarka. It is believed to be the legendary home of Lord Krishna and has fascinated historians and archaeologists for a long time.

Some people think it might be just a made-up story, while others believe it could be evidence of a forgotten civilization.

According to old Hindu texts, Dwarka was a magnificent city created by Lord Krishna after he defeated his uncle Kansa in Mathura.

Dwarka was described as a perfect place with fancy buildings and is said to have magically risen from the sea. But after Lord Krishna passed away, the city is said to have sunk beneath the Arabian Sea, becoming a story of the past.

Explorers have searched underwater in the Arabian Sea to find proof of Dwarka’s existence. Proofs have discovered stone structures, like circles, rectangles, and squares, at different depths underwater.

The ruins are thought to be the remains of the lost city of Dwarka.

The exact age of the ruins is still debated, but some researchers suggest that Dwarka may have existed around 9,000 years ago. This would make it one of the oldest known civilizations.

Excavations have also uncovered things like stone blocks, pillars, and signs of a seaport. All of these findings add to the evidence supporting the existence of Dwarka.

Theories Supporting the Myth behind Submerging of Dwarka

Lack of Concrete Evidence

Some people argue that there is no solid proof, like buildings or objects, to show that Dwarka actually existed. Some people believe it might be a story passed down through generations rather than a real city.

Religious Symbolism

Others think that when Dwarka is mentioned in ancient texts, it is meant to be symbolic, representing a spiritual place rather than a physical city.

Mythological Interpretation

Skeptics suggests the tale of Dwarka is created to teach moral and spiritual lessons, rather than a historical fact.

Theories Supporting the Truth of Dwarka Sinking

Ancient Texts and Epics

Supporters of Dwarka’s existence point to ancient texts like the Mahabharata that describe Dwarka as a prosperous city ruled by Lord Krishna. They believe that these detailed descriptions wouldn’t exist if the city wasn’t real.

Underwater Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeologists have found underwater structures and artifacts near the modern-day coast of Dwarka. These findings provide evidence that there was once a thriving city in that area.

Geological Subsidence

Scientists suggest that the region where Dwarka is believed to have been located is prone to sinking due to natural factors. This makes it possible that the city gradually sank over time.

References to Curses and Dwarka’s Submergence

According to ancient Hindu texts, there are references to two curses that are believed to be responsible for the submergence of Dwarka. These references add a mystical element to the legend of Dwarka’s sinking.

Gandhari curses Krishna

Krishna and the Pandavas went to Gandhari to apologize and offer condolences. But suddenly, her grief turned into anger. She ignored the Pandavas and aggressively approached Krishna, saying, “This is what you wanted. I worship you as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Aren’t you ashamed of what you’ve done?”

She continued, “You have the power to stop the war, but you chose not to. Is this what you desired from your own creation? I begged you every day to prevent this horrible event, but you ignored my prayers. Ask your mother, Devaki, about the pain of losing a child.

Seven of her children were killed right after birth, and now hundreds of my children have been killed in this war—a war that could have been avoided if you wished.”

Upon hearing this, Krishna laughed softly. Angered, Gandhari asked, “You’re smiling after such a terrible event. What kind of person are you?”

Then, the inevitable moment arrived. Krishna probably already knew what was coming when Gandhari cursed him.

Gandhari said, “If your devotion to Lord Vishnu is true and you are loyal to your husband, then 36 years from today, you will die, and Dwaraka will be flooded.

Your entire Yadava clan will be destroyed, just as you caused the Kuru family to kill each other.”

Sages curse Krishna’s son, Samba

Years passed, and Yudhishthira became the king of Hastinapura. He proved to be an excellent ruler, and everyone enjoyed a happy and peaceful life. Similarly, the people in Dwarka lived in prosperity and joy.

Once, great sages like Vishwamitra, Durvasa, Vashista, and others were on a pilgrimage. After visiting many places, they went to Dwarka to meet Lord Krishna and his elder brother, Balarama. A group of young Yadava boys decided to play a prank on the sages to test their powers.

They dressed up Samba, Krishna and Jambavati’s son, as a woman to make him look pregnant. They approached the sages, and Samba, disguised as a woman, asked them whether she would give birth to a boy or a girl.

Due to their divine powers, the sages realized that it was actually a boy dressed as a woman. This disrespectful act by the Yadava boys made the sages furious.

They cursed Samba, saying that the next day he would give birth to a lump of iron, which would bring about the destruction of the entire Yadava clan.

Theories Regarding How Dwarka Sank

Natural Calamities

One theory suggests that Dwarka could have been affected by natural disasters like powerful floods, earthquakes, or tsunamis.

The coastal region of Dwarka is believed to have existed is prone to such events, and a catastrophic natural calamity could have caused the city to sink beneath the sea.

Gradual Erosion

Another theory proposes that gradual erosion played a role in Dwarka’s submergence. Over time, coastal erosion and rising sea levels could have slowly eroded the city’s foundations, eventually leading to its submergence. This process may have left little physical evidence behind.

Divine Intervention

According to the mythological aspect of the legend, people believed that divine intervention caused the sinking of Dwarka.

Some people see Dwarka’s submerge as the punishment for the sins. This theory emphasizes the role of supernatural forces in the fate of Dwarka.

Bollywood and Tollywood Movies Depicting Dwarka Sinking

“Krishna Aur Kans” (2012)

This animated film tells the story of Lord Krishna and includes the destruction of Dwarka as a significant event.

“Sri Krishna Leelalu” (1977)

This Telugu film showcases various episodes from Lord Krishna’s life, including the submergence of Dwarka.

“Krishna” (2006)

This Animated film delves into the life of Lord Krishna, showcasing his journey to Dwarka and the sinking of the city.

Karthikeya 2

The movie “Karthikeya 2” is in Telugu and Hindi. The central characters of this movie are Lord Shri Krishna and his sacred city Dwaraka. A narrative from the Mahabharat period, or the time of Lord Shri Krishna and the Dwarika Sinking, opens the movie “Karthikeya 2.”

Indian Television Serials

“Jai Shri Krishna” (2008-2009)

This popular television series explores the life of Lord Krishna, including his association with Dwarka and the eventual sinking of the city.

“Paramavatar Shri Krishna” (2017-present)

This ongoing television series depicts various episodes from Lord Krishna’s life, including the submergence of Dwarka.

“Shri Krishna” (1993-1996)

This classic television series portrays the life and teachings of Lord Krishna, featuring the story of Dwarka’s sinking as a significant event.

“Dwarkadheesh – Bhagwaan Shree Krishna” (2011-2012)

This television series focuses on Lord Krishna’s life, including his role as the ruler of Dwarka and the city’s eventual submergence.

Hollywood movies depicting Dwarka Sinking

“Atlantis the Lost Empire” (various adaptations)

Atlantis, a mythical city believed to have sunk beneath the sea, has been the subject of several movies and series.

While Atlantis is different from Dwarka, the idea of a lost underwater city resonates with the concept of Dwarka’s submergence.

“The Abyss” (1989)

Although not specifically about Dwarka, this science fiction film delves into the depths of the ocean and the discovery of a submerged alien civilization. It explores the mysteries and dangers of exploring underwater environments.

“Waterworld” (1995)

This post-apocalyptic film presents a future where the polar ice caps have melted, resulting in a world mostly submerged underwater. While not directly related to Dwarka, it portrays a world drastically changed by rising water levels.