The Lord’s Decision to Depart Mathurā
After slaying Kaṁsa and liberating the Yādavas from his tyranny, Śrī Kṛṣṇa remained in Mathurā for some time. But the city became increasingly vulnerable to attacks from Jarāsandha, the father-in-law of Kaṁsa and the powerful king of Magadha.
Jarāsandha launched attack after attack—seventeen times—to avenge Kaṁsa’s death. Though Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma defeated him each time, the people of Mathurā lived in constant fear.
Realizing that Mathurā was no longer safe for the Yādava dynasty, Kṛṣṇa resolved to establish a new city—one that would be protected from external assault and fit to be the abode of His eternal associates.
The Ocean Responds to the Lord’s Call
Kṛṣṇa meditated upon Samudra-deva, the deity of the ocean, and requested him to offer land within the sea where a divine city could be built. The ocean, delighted to serve the Supreme Lord, withdrew his waters near the western shore, revealing twelve yojanas of golden land.
Upon this newly emerged land, Viśvakarmā, the celestial architect, was summoned. He bowed to the Lord and immediately began to construct a fortified city, more splendid than the abodes of the gods.
The Glory of Dvārakā
This divine city, known as Dvārakā, was constructed with:
- Walls of crystal, coral, and sapphire
- Gardens blooming with eternal spring
- Mansions of gold, adorned with precious gems
- Palaces for every noble Yādava
- Temples, lakes, and pathways, each radiating divine opulence
The city was surrounded by massive walls and watchtowers, making it impregnable to all enemies. Canals, moats, and secret gates were designed to protect the residents and honor the Lord.
Kṛṣṇa Brings the Yādavas to Their New Home
Kṛṣṇa summoned the entire Yādava dynasty. With divine mystic power, He transported them overnight from Mathurā to Dvārakā, establishing them safely in their new homes.
The people rejoiced. The turmoil of Mathurā ended, and a new era of prosperity and devotion began in Dvārakā.
Here, Kṛṣṇa would rule not merely as a king, but as Bhagavān Himself, engaging in His pastimes with queens, children, sages, and devotees.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- The Lord always protects His devotees, even by shifting them from one place to another for their well-being.
- Kṛṣṇa’s leadership blends spiritual vision, political strategy, and divine grace.
- A city becomes sacred not by its location, but by the presence of the Lord and His devotees.
- Even the elements of nature, like the ocean, eagerly serve the Lord when called.
- Faithful surrender to Kṛṣṇa always results in divine shelter and prosperity.
Origin of the Story: Harivamsa Purana 3 – Chapter 129: The Manifestation of Dvārakā and the Migration of the Yādavas
