Locations in Indian mythological tales

With its ethnic diversity of cultures and religions, India has been a centre for emperors, poets, monks and warriors. Though those illustrious times have ended, symbols of the bygone era survive alongside the modern towns, even today.

India houses a large number of mythical narratives such as the epics of Mahabharata (story of the Kurukshetra war for throne between two cousins), and Ramayana (ancient Indian narrative that describes the struggle of Rama – Hindu God, to rescue his wife from King Ravana), amongst several others, which are now well known around the world for their religious and cultural significances and grandeur.

What if you could travel to places, which form the backdrop for these stories?

Ayodhya

Situated on the Lucknow-Varanasi rail route, the city of Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama and setting of the epic Ramayana. The place in the central region of Uttar Pradesh is today regarded as one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus.

Prayag

Prayag (place of offerings) plays a central role in Hindu sculptures. It is said that Lord Rama with his wife and brother, stayed here after having left their kingdom behind. Now known as Allahabad, the place is now famous amongst tourists.

Kurukshetra

Also known as the ‘Land of Bhagwad Gita’ (Hindu scripture in the Sanskrit language), Kurukshetra is the place where the final War of Mahabharata was fought for 18 continuous days. It is also believed that Bhagwat Gita was preached here during the war when Lord Krishna found Arjuna in a terrible dilemma. Located in the city of Ambala of Haryana state, the place speaks about the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the sake of Dharma.

Hastinapur

Located in the city of Meerut in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Hastinapur was the capital city of the Kuru clan and a place that again became the grand capital of the Pandavas once the Mahabharata war got over. Today, the city is famous for its many pilgrim sites.

Indraprastha

The now capital of India – New Delhi, was the capital city of the Pandavas according to the Hindu scriptures. The place founds mention in the Mahabharata script that records Indraprastha as being home to the Pandavas.