Hastinapur

Hastinapur, located on the banks of the sacred Ganges River near Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, is a historic and spiritual town deeply rooted in Indian mythology, Jainism, and ancient culture. The name "Hastinapur" is derived from Sanskrit, where “Hastina” means elephant and “Pur” means city — together translating to the "City of Elephants."

This legendary city was the capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas during the era of the Mahabharata, making it one of the most important mythological sites in India. As per Hindu texts, Hastinapur was the political and cultural center of the Kuru Kingdom and played a vital role in shaping ancient Indian history.

For Jain pilgrims, Hastinapur holds special spiritual importance. It is considered the birthplace of three Jain Tirthankaras and is home to major pilgrimage sites like Shri Digambar Jain Mandir, Jambudweep Jain Teerth, Ashtapad Teerth, and the grand Kailash Parvat Jain Temple. These beautifully constructed temples attract thousands of devotees every year.

Hastinapur is also dotted with important Hindu temples that reflect its deep historical and religious roots. Temples like the Pandeshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Karna Temple, associated with the legendary warrior Karna, are must-visits for devotees and history lovers alike.

Adding to its spiritual and historical appeal is the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Spread across districts like Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Bijnor, the sanctuary shelters species such as leopards, deer, nilgai, and a variety of migratory birds.

Whether you're a pilgrim, a history buff, or a wildlife lover, Hastinapur offers a unique combination of religion, mythology, architecture, and natural beauty. It is truly one of Uttar Pradesh’s most underrated yet significant destinations.

History of Hastinapur   

Hastinapur, situated along the banks of the Ganga River, holds a significant place in Indian mythology and history. It is mentioned in both the Ramayana and ancient texts related to the Mauryan Empire. According to Hindu scriptures, Hastinapur was once the capital of the Kuru Kingdom, ruled by the Kauravas. The famous Mahabharata war was fought for the throne of Hastinapur. After the war, the Pandavas emerged as the rightful rulers and governed the city for over 35 years.

While Hastinapur is deeply rooted in Hindu history, it also holds great importance for the Jain community. It is a major pilgrimage site for Jains, home to sacred places like the Astapad, Lotus Temple, and the Digambar Jain Temple. These temples attract devotees from across the country.

Archaeological excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India have uncovered structures and artefacts dating back to the Mahabharata era, adding more depth to its historical significance. The town is also known for its many ancient temples, including the Karna Temple, Pandeshwar Temple, and Kailash Parvat. In addition to its rich history and religious importance, Hastinapur is renowned for its biodiversity, which can be seen in the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary. This mix of historical, spiritual, and natural beauty makes Hastinapur a fascinating destination for visitors of all interests.

Major Attractions in and Around Hastinapur   

Best Time to Visit Hastinapur 2025

If you wish to avoid travelling in a hot and humid environment then the months from September to March is the best time to visit Hastinapur.

Things to Do in Hastinapur

• Pandeshwar Temple: Visit this ancient Shiva temple with connections to the Mahabharata era.
• Jain Temples: Explore sacred Jain sites like the Digambar Jain Mandir, Jambudweep, Astapad, and Lotus Temple.
• Kailash Parvat: Discover this major Jain pilgrimage site with beautiful statues and temples.
• Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary: Enjoy birdwatching and wildlife photography in this peaceful sanctuary.
• Karna Temple: Learn about the legendary Karna from the Mahabharata at this ancient temple.
• Archaeological Sites: Explore sites revealing artifacts from the Mahabharata period.
• Jambudweep Jain Tirth: Experience Jain cosmology at this unique temple complex.
• Local Culture: Stroll through the town and enjoy local markets for a taste of traditional life.

Activities to Experience in Hastinapur

• Spiritual Tours: Explore the Jain temples and participate in spiritual rituals and ceremonies.
• Heritage Walks: Take guided tours around ancient ruins and historical monuments.
• Wildlife Safari: Enjoy a safari in the sanctuary and spot animals like swamp deer, leopards, and various migratory birds.

How to Reach Hastinapur

Hastinapur, located in Uttar Pradesh, is a prominent spiritual and historical destination, attracting Hindu and Jain devotees, history lovers, and tourists. Key attractions like Ashtapad Teerth, Baba Digambar Jain Mandir, and Jambudweep Jain Complex see significant footfall throughout the year.

Well-connected by road and rail, Hastinapur is approximately:

• 132 km from Delhi
• 1,500 km from Mumbai
• 1,500 km from Kolkata
• 2,200 km from Bengaluru

By Road

Traveling by personal car or bike is a convenient and scenic option, thanks to well-maintained national and state highways. Direct road access is available from nearby cities such as Delhi, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar. Buses and taxis also regularly operate on these routes, offering affordable travel options

• Meerut - 40 km via NH 34 
• Noida - 120 km via Mawana Kithaur Hapur Marg 
• Delhi - 136 km via NH 34
• Moradabad - 128 km via NH 9 
• Kurukshetra - 178 km via NH 709 A
• Haridwar - 121 km via Bijnor Haridwar Road 

Apart from private transport one can also travel via govt run or private buses to Hastinapur from various metro cities.

By Air

Delhi’s IGI Airport is the nearest airport to Hastinapur. From the airport, one may take a tourist bus or a tourist taxi to cover another 136km to reach this holy ancient city of Hastinapur. To Delhi’s IGI airport there are direct flights from all the major metro cities of India. 

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Delhi

• Mumbai to Delhi Flight
• Bangalore to Delhi Flight
• Hyderabad to Delhi Flight
• Chennai to Delhi Flight
• Kolkata to Delhi Flight

By Rail

Meerut city railway station, Muzaffarnagar, and Hapur are the nearest railway stations to reach Hastinapur. Although from all these stations one has to travel another 35km, 45km, and 50km respectively to reach Hastinapur. Listed below are the direct trains that you may consider to reach Meerut city railway station;

• Delhi to Meerut City - Dehradun Shtbdi, Nanda Devi Express, Ujjaini Express
• Dehradun to Meerut City - NDLS Janshatabdi
• Haridwar to Meerut City - Kalingautkal Express
• Bulandshahr to Meerut City - Sangam Express  
• Agra to Meerut City - Chattisgarh Express, Panchvalley Pass, Utkal Express  

Conclusion

A trip to Hastinapur is a journey through India's rich history and cultural heritage. From exploring ancient temples to embracing the tranquility of the wildlife sanctuary, Hastinapur offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. Plan your Hastinapur tour and uncover the tales of the Mahabharata while enjoying a serene getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hastinapur

Q1: Does Hastinapur Palace still exist?
A1: No, the original Hastinapur Palace from the Mahabharata era does not exist today. However, the area has archaeological sites and ruins believed to be part of the ancient kingdom. The town still holds mythological and historical significance.

Q2: What is Hastinapur famous for?
A2: Hastinapur is famous as the ancient capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas in the Mahabharata. It is also a major Jain pilgrimage site and home to temples like Jambudweep, Kailash Parvat, and Pandeshwar Temple, along with the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q3: Who built Hastinapur in the Mahabharata?
A3: According to Hindu mythology, King Hasti, an ancestor of the Kauravas and Pandavas, founded Hastinapur. The city was later expanded and ruled by the Kuru dynasty, including Shantanu, Bhishma, and Duryodhana.

Q4: Where is Panchal today?
A4: The ancient kingdom of Panchal, home to Draupadi, is believed to be located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, covering areas around Bareilly, Badaun, and parts of Rohilkhand region.

Q5: Who saw the full Mahabharata war?
A5: Sanjaya, the charioteer and advisor of King Dhritarashtra, witnessed the entire Mahabharata war through divine vision (divya drishti) granted by sage Vyasa. He narrated the events live to the blind king in Hastinapur.