Located 35 km north-east of
Meerut, Hastinapur is a legendary village in
Meerut District of
Uttar Pradesh. Legend holds that King Hastin, fifth in line from king Bharatha, founded this village. Hastinapur is famed as the capital of
Pandavas.
Hastinapur was a prosperous village during the Mahabharat era. According to Vayu Purana, Hastinapur had to confront a severe flood of the Ganges, during which the whole area was swept away. The capital was then transferred to Kaushambi, about 50 km from Allahabad. The ruins of the ancient city scattered around the village is divided into two parts, namely, Patti Pandavan and Patti Kauravan.
Also known as Dan Teerth, Hastinapur is a popular Jain center. It is believed to be the place where the King Shreyans donated 'ikshuras' to Rishabhdev - the first Jain Tirthankar. Some relevant Jain statues can be seen in the vicinity, prominent being the life-size image of the 16th Tirthankara, Shantinatha.
Excursions in the vicinity include Vidura ka Tila, Draupadi ki Rasoi and Draupadi Ghat. All these were revealed during the excavations made here in 1952. Several iron, copper and gold articles such as arrows, spearheads, utensils and ornaments were also excavated. Another attraction is the main temple of Jambudeep. A major draw is a fair held here during Katik Purnima.
Mawana to the south-west, Bahsuma to the north-west and Phalanda to the west are the major surrounding places. Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi is the nearest airbase and Meerut City Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
