Search
» »Travel to the Historical Town of Hastinapur

Travel to the Historical Town of Hastinapur

Situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the river Ganga, Hastinapur traces its roots to the times of Mahabharata, and according to the epic it was the capital of the Kauravas. Legend has it that the Great War of Mahabharata was fought between the Pandavas and Kauravas over this region that was eventually won by the Pandavas who then ruled Hastinapur for the next 36 years, till the beginning of the 'Kalyug Age'. Many astrological natural, geographical, physical, inscription and scriptural evidences have been found that support the validity of the above belief.

There is so much of history in this town, that travellers coming here at times feel that they just walked back in time and are living in the Mahabharata age. It is a major pilgrimage site as there are many Hindu and Jain temples in this region. It is thronged by historians and devotees around the year and is a place to visit for those want to experience a slice of history. Here is a guide to the town of epics, Hastinapur.

Click Here to avail Rs. 200 OFF on Domestic Flights.

Ashtapad

Ashtapad

Ashtpad means eight steps, according to the Jain scriptures there is an Ashtapad spiritual centre somewhere in the snow clad Himalayan ranges. It is believed to be nearly seven miles from the Mansrovar Lake that is now under the Chinese possession. It is believed that Bhagwan Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar attained salvation in this place. It is also believed that those who visit Ashtapad attain salvation. With this belief in view, the Jain community built a replica of the Ashtapad in Hastinapur. Jain devotees come here from far and wide to pay respects to the lord and also pray that they attain salvation.

Photo Courtesy: Sanjeev Kohli
Hastinapur Sanctuary

Hastinapur Sanctuary

Hastinapur Sanctuary is also called Hastinapur National Park and boasts of some of the finest elements of nature in their spectacular primeval form. This sanctuary was founded in 1986 and lies along the banks of river Ganga. It is home to a variety of wildlife and is said to house over 350 species of birds here; namely painted stork, sarus crane, black and white necked stork, Indian horned owl, jungle owlet, woodpecker, kingfisher, bee-eater, bulbuls and peacock. It also has many reptiles that include snakes, lizards and various amphibians. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts who can get to see these beasts up close and learn more about their nature.

Photo Courtesy: Madison Berndt
Kailash Parvat

Kailash Parvat

Kailash Parvat, located in the snow clad Himalayan Mountains, is considered to be a holy place not only by the Hindus, but also by the Jains, who believe that it was here that their first Teerathankar, Bhagwan Rishabhdev attained salvation. As it is not possible for all the devotees to travel to the actual place the Jain community built a replica of the holy place at Hastinapur. The structure houses 72 temples with circular steps leading to each temple. The temples boasts of exquisitely engraved gates, decorated ceilings and majestic pillars. Travellers coming here can marvel at the beauty of this structure and also offer their respects here.

Photo Courtesy: Sanjeev Kohli
Digambar Jain Bada Mandir

Digambar Jain Bada Mandir

The Digambar Jain Bada Temple is the oldest Jain shrine in the city, located on a 40 ft high hillock. The temple stands on a four feet high plinth and is topped with an artistically built spire. The alter, with three gates, holds the white colored statue of Bhagwan Shantinath, the main deity of the temple, sitting in the posture of Padamasana. A unique feature of the temple is that it is built like a spiral all through. The interior is covered with gold paintings depicting stories from Jain scriptures. Travellers coming here can admire the skills of the artisans who built this majestic structure and also learn more about the religion here.

Photo Courtesy: Jain1910
Karn Temple

Karn Temple

The Karn Temple inHastinapur is said to have been built during the Mahabharata period. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses a Shiv Lingam in its interior that as per legends was placed here by Karn, one of the heroes of Mahabharata. The temple is located on a mound on the banks of the river Ganga. Though a small one room structure, it draws large number of devotees, pilgrims and visitors round the year.

Photo Courtesy: Giridharmamidi
How to Reach Hastinapur

How to Reach Hastinapur

By Air: The nearest airport to Hastinapur is the Delhi airport. It is well -onnected with all the major cities in the country.

By Train: The nearest railway station is at Meerut. It is well-connected to the other major hubs of the country from here

By Road: There are many buses that travellers can avail to reach Hastinapur. You can choose from local state buses or the deluxe inter-state bus to travel here.

Photo Courtesy: Sanjeev Kohli

Read more about: hastinapur uttar pradesh
Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X