Bhalka Tirth - This is how Shri Krishna died near Veraval, Gujrat

Let us look for the answer you are seeking along with the tragic story behind it!

The place where Lord Shri Krishna died is situated around the City of Veraval on the Veraval-Patan Road. The place is known as ‘Bhalka Tirth’. Currently a beautiful Temple is adorning the very place where once there was a dense forest!

The Story:

The story goes like this. After few decades of the Great Mahabharata War, a civil war broke down among the Yadava Dynasty of the Great Dwarka Kingdom. Because of the Gandhari’s curse to Lord Krishna, entire Yadava or Yadu clan was annihilated in the civil war.

Disheartened Krishna went to forest for contemplation and sat under the Peepal Tree (Sacred Fig) in Yog Samadhi keeping his left foot folded on the right foot.

Meanwhile, there was Hunter named Jara, in the same forest looking for a Hunt. After much effort and desperation, he sensed some presence around him. A deer may be! Across the trees and leaves, his sight catches something. Now the presence of an animal is confirmed! Being an expert archer, he takes aim and let loose of the arrow. The hit was spot on! He went running towards the kill. But something else was written in the destiny. The kill was none other than the Pitambaradhari

Purushottam God himself. Terrified with his action, Jara begged for forgiveness. Then Shri Krishna smiled and assured Jara that it’s not his fault and forgave him. ‘Whatever has happened is because of my own will’. Speaking this he left his mortal body. Before merging with infinity (or himself!) he told Jara one story.

A Story within a Story:

The story is mentioned in the Kishkinda Kand of Ramayana. There were brothers Bali and Sugreev. Due to a misunderstanding, Bali drove Sugreev out of the kingdom and enslaved his wife. Years later, when Shri Ram meet Sugreeva, he agrees to help him in return of his help in finding Mata Sita. Shri Ram suggested duel between Bali and Sugreev. Sugreeva invites Bali but as two brothers were similar in appearance, Shri Ram couldn't distinguish between Sugreev and Bali. Shri Ram asks Sugreev to invite Bali for another duel but this time suggested Sugreeva to wear a Garland. This time, Ram’s arrow pierces through Bali's heart. Bali was disappointed that Shri Ram shot an arrow when his attention was on duel.

While on deathbed, Bali raises multiple ethical questions which Shri Ram answers to his satisfaction and assures Bali that he would be able to avenge his death in his next life by killing an avatar of Shri Ram in a way similar to his own death.

Jara was Bali from his previous life.

Current Temple:

The Bhalka Tirth temple is named so because ‘Bhalla’ (Arrow) killed Shri Krishna. So Bhalla Tirth or Bhalka Tirth.

Current temple has beautiful architecture and have Peepal and Banyan Tree in its surrounding. Devotees offer their prayers by circumventing the Peepal tree or Pradakshina. There is also a beautiful statue of Shri Krishna depicting his position of Yog Samadhi along with statue of Jara asking for forgiveness. There is also a Peepal tree in the inner sanctum of the Temple beside the statue of Krishna. One can definitely have an spiritual and calming experience while visiting this sacred Pilgrimage site.

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway station is Veraval Junction Railway station which is around is around 3 Km.

Nearest Airport is Diu – 85 km

Rajkot Airport – 193 km

Bhalka Tirth to Somnath Temple – 5 km

Bhalka Tirth to Dwarka – 232 km

Bhalka Tirth to Gir National Park – 60 km

One can easily visit Bhalka Tirth through Auto, Cabs or Personal Vehicle. Temple also has Washroom Facilities. Do let me know your experience from Bhalka Tirth and any new story related to it.

Thanks!

Jai Shri Krishna!