I travelled to Hastinapur a few days ago for the 8th time and fell in love with the lush greenery, and revered environment, all over again. Therefore, as a true admirer of the city, I am thrilled to share with you the top reasons to visit Hastinapur.
Hastinapur is described in many Hindu texts such as the Mahabharata and Puranas. It also finds mention in the ancient Jain religious texts. However, there is much more for a traveller visiting the city apart from its spiritual side.
In my blog today, I will share with you some pressing reasons why Hastinapur will make an excellent travel destination.
21 Fascinating Reasons to Visit Hastinapur
Hastinapur is a city located on the banks of the Ganges river, in the northern region in the Meerut district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
Although known to be a pilgrimage town, Hastinapur is a perfect combination of scenic beauty, mountains, temples, wildlife parks and fun activities.
So, why should you visit Hstinapur as a traveller? Given below are the 21 reasons that make the city the perfect pick for your next trip.
1. The Accessibility Makes Hastinapur an Ideal Travel destination For All Age Groups
One of the most important reasons that make Hastinapur a wonderful travel destination is the ease of access. The city is well connected to other parts of the country by rail and road.
The nearest airport to Hastinapur is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi which is only around 130.5 km from the center of the city. If travelling by train, Meerut Cannt, which is around 40 km from the city, is the best choice. Other than this, buses are easily available.
This ease of access makes Hastinapur a great travel spot for people of all age groups including the elderly.
Hastinapur is of immense significance to the Jains as many of the Tirthankaras have been associated with the place.
2. Hastinapur Is the Best Place For Jain Devotees Looking To Dig Deep Into Their Spiritual Side
Hastinapur is deeply connected with Jainism. Jains believed that in Hastinapur, the first Tirthankara, Rishabhnatha ended his 13-month long expiation after receiving sugarcane juice (ikshu-rasa) from King Shreyans.
It is also believed to be the birthplace of three Teerthankaras, the 16th Shantinatha, the 17th Kunthunatha, and the 18th Tirthankara Arahanatha ji. It is said that it is here that they attained ‘Nirvanas and Kalyanakas.’
3. Hastinapur’s Excellent Layout, Sculptures & Temple Architecture, Are Reasons Enough To Visit the Town
The first time I visited Hastinapur, I was so captivated by its well-designed layout of the city and its exquisite sculptures.
The city has some very beautiful Hindu and Jain Temples. Ancient Hindu temples like Pandeshwar Temple and Karna Temple are worth exploring.
Other than that, ancient Jain temples like Shri Digamber Jain Mandir ( the oldest Jain temple in Hastinapur), Jambudweep, Kailash Parvat, and Shwetambar Jain Temple are worth exploring for their architectural beauty alone.
4. The Majestic Kailash Parvat Is One of the Main Reasons to Visit Hastinapur
Witnessing this gigantic Kailash Parvat Structure is one of the most important reasons to visit Hastinapur. Since the Kailash Parbat is under the control of China, this has been made in its stead. This 40-meter-high (131 ft) structure, is beautiful.
The Kailash Parvat premises are home to 72 Jain temples with circular steps leading to each temple. The journey to the top, although a little tiring is totally worth it.
The temple boasts exquisitely engraved gates, decorated ceilings and majestic pillars. Kailash Parvat also has an auditorium and a helipad on the premises. It also includes Yatri Niwas and Bhojanshala.
5. The Mahabharata Connection of Hastinapur Make It a Fascinating Place To Visit
For Hindus, Hastnapur has an important significance. In the Mahabharata, Hastinapur is portrayed as the capital of the Kuru Kingdom of the Kauravas.
According to this epic, the 100 Kaurava brothers were born in this city to their mother, Queen Gandhari, the wife of King Dhritarashtra.
Later on, after the Mahabharata battle, Pandavas started ruling it. Many incidents in the Mahabharata supposedly happened in the city of Hastinapur.
6. The Importance of Ashtapad Temple To Jains Makes Hastinapur an Ideal Spot for The Devotees
Ashtapad means eight steps. According to the Jain scriptures, there is an Ashtapad spiritual centre somewhere in the snow-clad Himalayan ranges, which is now in Chinese possession.
It is believed that King Bharat, in whose name our country is named Bharat and who is the elder son of the first Tirthankar Bhagwan Rishabhdev, performed the fire ceremony of the mortal body of Tirthankara Rishabhdev at 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 their respect to the lord.
The Lotus Temple in Hastinapur is one of the most beautiful temples, I have come across.
7. The Beauty & Significance of the Lotus Temple attract ardent Followers of Jainism
There is also a beautiful lotus temple in Hastinapur. It has a beautiful 10-10.5-foot tall Kharagasan statue of Lord Mahaveera lying under the Kalpavriksha.
Devotees from far and wide are here to visit the nine idols of the Bhagavan, who are enshrined in the Navagraha Shanti Jain Mandir.
8. The Alluring Scenic View and Attraction Make Hastinapur, a travel Destination for All Age Groups
The city is easy to explore and offers visitors many things.
Several tourist attractions are situated within 500 m of the main Jain Bada temple-like Jal Mandir, Jain Library, Acharya Vidyanand Museum, 24 Tonks, and The ancient Nishiyajis.
Apart from this, there are parks, fun rides and even wildlife adventures, that cater to the needs of travelers from all age groups.
9. Airavata Elephant Ride and Swings Attract The Young And The Old Alike
Besides religion, Hastinapur also has a fun side for its visitors. There are many swings and rides that you can enjoy with the little ones.
My daughter especially loved the Airavat Elephant of Hastinapur. It is a sculpture of a white giant elephant and its ride is very famous among the visitors.
Make sure, you get on this ride, because it really offers some amazing views f the entire town.
10. With Its Spectacular Architecture, Jambudweep Mandir Is a Visual & Spiritual Treat
Jambudweep is a Digambar Jain temple in Hastinapur built in 1972. It is one of the most important places to visit in the city.
Its main attraction is the building and the scenic view it offers. The place is neat and maintained really well.
It is one of the most serene and peaceful places in all of Hastinapur.
11. Hastinapur Also Offers A Spiritual Solace for Sikh Religious Beliefs
I was really amazed to hear that besides Jains and Hindus, Sikhs also have spiritual connections to Hastinapur.
Bhai Dharam Singh Gurudwara is a small Gurdwara located in the village of Saifpur, around 2.5 km from Hastinapur and it is an important pilgrimage centre for the Sikhs.
It is the birthplace of Panch Pyare Bhai Dharam Singh, who was one of the five disciples of Guru Govind Singh.
12. Hastinapur Is An Ideal Spot For Short Trips and Even One Day Outings
Hastinapur is a small town and the entire town can be covered easily in a couple of days.
If you are visiting Hastinapur from Meerut, a day trip is quite enough to explore the city.
If you are looking to go on a weekend trip with family somewhere, Hastnapur is a great option.
13. Pandeshwar Mahadev Temple In Hastinapur Will Give You A Look Into History
Another reason to visit Hastinapur is a trip to this historical temple. Pandeshwar temple is believed to be the place where Kauravas and Pandavas received their education in Vedas and Puranas.
The temple is located in a very serene location.
The town is very well connected by Internal Transport, which makes it very convenient for visitors.
14. The Ease of Travelling Within Hastinapur, Makes it Extremely Travel Friendly for Visitors
One of the many reasons to visit Hastinapur is the ease of travelling within the town.
Public transport is easily available in Hastinapur. You can hire an auto-rickshaw or a cycle rickshaw to move around the city. Other than rickshaws, you can also hire cans for a more comfortable journey.
15. Visit Hastinapur For an Unforgettable Boating Experience
Hastinapur also offers boating to visitors. The boating experience is really unforgettable and whenever I go to Hastinapur, I, for sure, go boating.
Also, it is believed that if a person drops a coin at the River Ganges taking a pledge or resolution with a soulful, pure and selfless heart then the Ganga Mata fulfils it.
16. One of The Main Reasons To Visit Hastinapur Is to Seek Peace at The Meditation Centre of OM
Another reason to visit Hastinapur is to seek some peace. In Hastinapur, near Jain Mandir, there is a ‘Shanti’ or ‘Dhyan Kendra’ or Meditation Centre.
It has a big statue or sculpture of OM that beholds 24 Statues of Tirthankaras. The whole aura of this place is very soothing and calm.
I sat down there for almost half an hour to reflect on my inner self and felt relaxed after this meditation.
17. Jain Library In Hastinapur Is a Great Place to Learn About Jainism As a Religion
Jain Library is very informative for tourists wanting to learn about Jainism as a religion. It has various Jain scriptures, religious texts about Jainism, Vastu Shastra, and Meditation.
Also, newspapers, magazines, and some kids’ storybooks are available here to teach kids about Jainism.
Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many reptiles including the Gharials
18. Festivals and Fairs Make Hastinapur An Ideal Spot To Witness Our Culture
Apart from the religious site, Hasinapur is also well known for its fairs and festivals.
Various cultural events and religious celebrations are held in Hastinapur annually, including Akshaya Tritiya, Das Lakshana, Kartik Mela, Holi Mela, and Durga Puja.
These festivals are organized by non-government organizations (NGOs) and the State Tourism Department.
19. Visit Hastinapur For Exploring Its Rich & Varied Wildlife
Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of some of the finest elements of nature i.e. forests, and wildlife in their spectacular primaeval form.
This sanctuary was founded in 1986 and lies along the banks of the river Ganga. We were told that the Sanctuary is home to over 350 species of birds such as painted stork, sarus crane, black and white-necked stork, Indian horned owl, woodpecker, kingfisher, bulbuls and peacock. It also has many reptiles that include gharials, snakes, lizards and various amphibians.
It is a perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts who can get to see these beasts up close and learn more about their nature.
Apart from the regular restaurants, there are plenty of street food stalls all around Hastinapur
20. Finding Delicious Food Is Never a Problem In Hastinapur
Since Hastinapur is primarily a pilgrimage town, it is hard to find non-vegetarian food here. However, there is no dearth of delicious vegetarian food in the town.
Jain Bhojanalaya provides pure Jain food without onion, and garlic and the guideline they strictly follow is NO FOOD AFTER SUNSET. Jain Marwari Bhoj and Restaurant and Recipe Restaurant are some other great places to try some delicious food.
Besides this, there are many stalls all over the city where you can enjoy some street food. Some popular food items are Chai, Pakoras, Chaat, Chatpati Tikki, Rajkachori, Lassi, Ice creams etc.
21. Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options Make Hastinapur A Great Travel Destination
It is very easy to find cheap accommodations in Hastinapur as a traveller. Rooms are available at very cheap rates at the Jain Dharamshala.
Apart from the Dharamshala, hotels are readily available at different rates in the whole town.
All in all, there are plenty of reasons to visit Hastinapur. It’s like a fun outing for kids and a religious site or Dharmik Yatra for the religiously inclined. I have visited the town eight to nine times so far but every time I visit, the experience is equally satisfying. Plan your trip to the town soon and let me know how was your experience.
Happy Wayfaring 🙂