Mahabharata places today as a part of India with history

Indian culture is filled with a variety of mythology stories which are considered as roots of many religions. Interestingly, many places mentioned in the narrations still exist and hold high moral values. Many Mahabharata places today are part of modern India. Many of the places mentioned in the epic Mahabharata still exist. 

Many Mahabharata places today have become tourist attractions. Every year, millions of visitors from across the globe come to witness Indian religious heritage as beauty to marvel. Mahabharata places today show us the richness of ancient India.

Let’s know more about the glorious Mahabharata places today!

• Punjab:

1. Shivi Desh: As one of the Mahabharata places today, Shivi Desh was located on the border of South Punjab. The generous king, Ushinaar’s grandson, was Shaivya who played the major role of an archer from the Pandava side. He married his daughter Devika to Yudhishthir. 

• Uttarakhand:

2. Ujjanak: This city is near Kashipur in the Nainital district, Uttarakhand and Dronacharya taught their students here. The kids of the Kuru clan (Pandava & Kaurava) learned the art of archery under his teaching. According to the legend, on command of his Guru Drona, Bhima himself installed Shivalingam at the Bhimashankar temple. This temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas that are famous around the world. Thus, the city became one of the Mahabharata places today that increases the value.

• Pakistan: 

3. Banganga: Banganga is located on the west side of the Sindhu River near Rawalpindi, Pakistan. This place is the place where Bhishma Pitamah was laid down on a bed of arrows on the 10th day of war and is 3 km away from. To quench his thirst Arjuna shot an arrow on the ground from where the water of the Ganga River sprung out. The water straight landed into Bhishma Pitamah’s mouth. Kurukshetra. Hence, as one of the Mahabharata places today it became important.

4. Gandhar: This ancient city is part of Sindhu Pradesh in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Kaurava’s mother ‘Gandhari’ and uncle ‘Shakuni’ were children of the king Subal of Gandhar. So, it became one of the ancient Mahabharata places today that keeps us rooted in Hinduism. 

5. Takshashila: As one of the Mahabharata places today, it’s near Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Takshashila was the capital city of Gandhar kingdom. 

6. Sindhu Desh: As one of the Mahabharata places today it’s part of Pakistan. Jaydrath, the king of Sindhu Desh, was married to Dushaala, daughter of Dhritarashtra. During ancient times, this place was famous for art literature. As a result, it became part of Mahabharata places today. 

• Haryana: 

7. Kurukshetra: Out of all the Mahabharata places today, this one is the most famous because Kurukshetra is the battlefield of the war. As one of the Mahabharata places today it’s part of Haryana state. The war between Pandava and Kaurava took place here for 18 continuous days. Therefore Kurukshetra is one of the well-known Mahabharata places today.  

• Uttar Pradesh:

8. Hastinapur: Hastinapur is under the Meerut district. In ancient India, Hastinapur was the capital city of the Kuru clan. Yudhisthir lost everything in the gamble here. As a result, Hastinapur is one of the Mahabharata places today among the glorious pilgrimages of India.

9. Varnavat: This city is located near Meerut on the bank of the Ganga River. Varnavat is also the place where Duryodhana built ‘Lakshgriha’, a wax house to kill the Pandava. The Pandava asked for 5 villages to prevent the war of Mahabharata and this was one among them. Therefore, it became one of the Mahabharata places today that adds value to Hindu legends.

10. Panchal: Panchal was located between the Himalayas and the Chamba River on both sides of the Ganga River. When the king of Panchal, Drupada heard the news of an attack from the king of Ayodhya, he said that his 5 (Panch) sons were enough to fight the war. Since then, the city is known as Panchal. ‘Panchali’ is Draupadi’s name because she was the princess of Panchal. At last, it became one of the Mahabharata places today that cannot be avoided.    

• Delhi:

11. Indraprastha: This place is situated in the South of New Delhi as one of the Mahabharata places today. In ancient India, Indraprastha was a grand city and the capital city of the Pandava. They destroyed Khandav Van (Forest) to create this beautiful city. Vishwakarma, the architect of Devi-Devta designed this magnificent place.  

• Madhya Pradesh:

12. Vrindavan: Vrindavan is 10 kms away from Mathura as Mahabharata places today. Vrinda, a devotee of Krishna performed severe penance here and from then the city got its name. Krishna spent most of his childhood in Vrindavan and also played Raas Leela with Gopis. Hence, as one of the Mahabharata places today Vrindavan is among the pious pilgrimages. 

13. Gokul: Gokul is located on the bank of the Yamuna River as Mahabharata places today. Krishna and his elder brother Balaram were brought up in this ancient city. Thus, it’s added to the list of Mahabharata places today.

14. Barsana: Barsana is 21 km away from Govardhan Mountain and is part of Mathura as one of the Mahabharata places today. The mountain has 4 hilltops that represent 4 faces of the creator of the Universe, Brahma. The hilltops also signify the major incidents from Krishna’s life. According to a legend, to win the heart of his eternal love Radha, Krishna disguised and danced as a peacock here. Radha’s father lived on the top of Brahma hill in Barsana, one of the Mahabharata places today.  

15. Mathura: As Mahabharata places today, it’s one of the well-known pilgrimages in India. It’s located near the bank of the Yamuna River. Krishna was born in the jail of Mathura because of his evil uncle Kansa. 

16. Angadesh (Malini Nagari): In ancient India, Malini Nagari was the capital of the Gonda kingdom. Duryodhan received this place as a gift from Jarasandh and allowed Karna to rule it as a king. As one of the Shaktipeeths and Mahabharata places today, Angadesh is on the list of holy destinations. 

17. Kashi: During ancient times, Kashi was a prestigious education center in the nation. Bhishma Pitahmah had won over the 3 daughters of the Kashi king: Amba, Ambika & Ambalika. Pandu and Dhritrashtra were Ambika’s sons. Hence, Kashi is added to the list of Mahabharata places today.

18. Kaushambi: As one of the Mahabharata places today, its located near Allahabad. During ancient times, Kaushambi was the capital of Vatsa Desh and was located on the South Bank of the Ganga River. The residents of the place supported Kaurava in the war of Mahabharata. 

19. Naimisharanya: This is a pilgrimage site on the bank of the Gomati River as Mahabharata places today. At the time of Yagna of sage Shonak, a poet, Uarashruva recited the story of epic Mahabharata. Balarama visited this holy place during the time of war. Thus, it’s added to the list of the Mahabharata places today. 

20. Avantika: Avantika is the ancient name of Ujjain city and is among the 7 holy cities of India. It’s considered as one of the Mahabharata places today because Krishna and Balarama studied here at sage Sandipani’s ashram.

21. Chedi: Chedi is located between the rivers Ganga and Narmada as Mahabharata places today. The king of Chedi, Shishupal wanted to get married to Rukmani and was Krishna’s cousin. However, Krishna abducted and married her. The residents of Chedi supported Kaurava and the place made it to the list of the Mahabharata places today. 

22. Shonitpur: Shontipur near Itarsi as Mahabharata places today. Banasura ruled it and his daughter Usha married Krishna’s grandson, Aniruddha. It’s a famous pilgrimage and is among the Mahabharata places today.

• Bihar:

23. Ekachakranagari: Ekachakranagari is the ancient name of Aarah as Mahabharata places today. Pandava lived in a Brahmin’s home after they were saved from the Lakshgriha. During their stay, to save the Brahmin Bhima killed a giant Bakasura and Arjuna killed his son Bhishak because he caught the house of Yudhishthir’s Ashwamedha Yagna. 

24. Magadh: Magadh is the ancient name of South Bihar as Mahabharata places today. Krishna, Arjuna, and Bhima disguised as Brahmins to enter this place. Bhima defeated and killed Jarasandha who was the king and enemy of Krishna. After that Yudhishthir performed ‘Rajsurya Yagna’ here. The residents of Magadh supported Pandava during the war. Hence, it became important among the Mahabharata places today.

25. Pundru Desh: A part of the present Bihar was known as Pundru Desh. The king, Pondrak, was a friend of Jarasandha and used to claim himself as Krishna. He even used to dress up like Krishna. According to a legend, he was present at the ‘Swayamvar’ of Draupadi and challenged Krishna to throw his clothes or fight with him. Krishna fought with him and killed him then and there. Yet, another legend says, Pondrak accompanied Jarasandh during the attack on Dwarka and Krishna killed him there.

• Assam:

26. Pragjyotishpur: It was the capital of ancient Assam and it’s located near Guwahati as one of the Mahabharata places today. During ancient times, Narkasur was the king of the state who held captive 16 thousand girls. Krishna fought and killed him. Krishna took 16 thousand girls with him to Dwarka and married each one of them. Hence, Pragjyotishpur is added to the list of Mahabharata places today.

• Manipur:

27. Manipur: The king of Manipur, Chitravahan married his daughter Chitraganda to Arjuna. Thus, it’s on the list of Mahabharata places today.

• Rajasthan:

28. Matsya Desh: North Rajasthan area was known as Matsya Desh in ancient times. Virat Nagari was the capital of Matsya Desh where the Pandavas lived in disguise during their exile period. Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son married the king’s daughter Uttara. Bhima killed the king’s brother-in-law because he had a bad eye on Draupadi. So, as one of the Mahabharata places today it’s important.  

29. Muchhkand Tirth: In ancient times it was a dangerous mountain range and at present, it’s known as Dhoulpur. Kaalyavan followed Krishna after winning Mathura and Krishna hid in the mountain cave of Muchhkand. Thus, it’s necessary to add this place’s name to the list of the Mahabharata places today.

• Gujarat: 

30. Patan: As one of the Mahabharata places today it’s located in Mehsana. Pandava lived in Patan during their exile period. During that, Bhima killed a demon Hidimb and married his sister Hidimba.

31. Vardayini Dham: Rupavati was the name of this place in ancient times and it’s known as Rupali Nagar near Kalol as one of the Mahabharata places today. On their way to Viraatnagari, Pandava performed Bhagavati Arya here and after that, it was named Vardayini Dham. Thus, it’s one of the Mahabharata places today.  

32. Dwarka: This is situated on the West coast of Gujarat as Mahabharata places today. In order to guard the Yadava clan from Jarasandh’s attack, Krishna moved to Dwarka. Hence, it’s not only a famed pilgrimage but also among the Mahabharata places today.

33. Prabhas: Prabhas region is part of Dwarka on the West coast of Gujarat as Mahabharata places today. Krishna lived in this area of Dwarka, got injured with an arrow of a hunter, and left his human body. So, among Mahabharata places today, Prabhas is one of the most remarkable places.  

34. Revatak: Revtak is an area near Junagadh and is also close to Dwarka. Today it’s known as Girnar. Arjuna had kidnapped Krishna’s sister Subhadra from here and after Krishna’s permission, he married her. Hence, it became famous from the list of the Mahabharata places today. 

• Maharashtra:

35. Vidarbha Pradesh: Certain part of Maharashtra was known as Vidarbha Pradesh in ancient India. King Bhismak was Rukmani’s father, Jarasandh’s friend, and considered Krishna as the enemy. During Ashwamedha yagna he captured the horse of Pandava. As a result, a fight took place between Sahadev and him. That ended in Sahadev killing him and due to the series of these events Vidarbha Pradesh is one of the Mahabharata places today.  

• Himalayas:

36. Indrakil: Indrakil is one of the mountains in the Himalayas range. After losing everything in gamble Pandava left for Himalaya and Arjuna performed deep penance in Indrakil. Shiva met Arjuna in disguise as a hunter and fought with him on this mountain that’s one of the Mahabharata places today. Upon being pleased with his fighting skills Shiva gifted him PashupatAstra. 

• Orissa:

37. Yayaatipur: This is the ancient name of the present-day Jajpur in Orissa. Pandava performed ‘Pind-Dan’ to their ancestors in presence of Maharshi Lomesh here. Thus, it’s one of the Mahabharata places today and a famed pilgrimage destination.     

Conclusion

We Indians are lucky to have such beautiful religious narrations that keep us closer to our rich culture. Mahabharata places today are among those pious and vibrant places that keep us rooted.

At Secret Temples, you will learn about many pilgrimage sites of different cultures and religions.