Gopal Mandir

The Gopal Temple in Ujjain, also known as Dwarikadhish Temple, is indeed dedicated to Lord Krishna in his blue form. It holds significance as a place of worship for devotees who revere Lord Krishna as the celestial herdsman and the great incarnation of the Preserver of the Universe, Vishnu.

Constructed in the 17th century, the temple is a remarkable example of Maratha architecture, with a steeple structure made of marble. Bayajibai Shinde, the queen of Maharajah Daulat Rao Shinde, was responsible for its construction.

The temple houses an impressive 2-feet tall silver statue of Lord Krishna, placed on a marble-inlaid altar. The altar is adorned with silver-plated doors. The silver door itself has an interesting history – it was originally part of the Somnath Temple but was stolen by Mahmud Ghazni. Later, Mahmud Shah Abdali took it to Lahore. Subsequently, Mahadji Scindia recovered the door and had it installed in the Gopal Temple, where it stands today.

The Gopal Temple not only serves as a place of worship but also stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. The recovery and installation of the stolen silver door add an intriguing layer to the temple’s history.