Hastinapura, also spelled as Hastinapur, is the ancient city that finds a mention in several Hindu scriptures. The word is pronounced as /hæstɪnəpu:rə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first part of the word, "hastina", refers to the king of elephants, while the second part, "pura", means city or town. Hence, Hastinapura means the city of the king of elephants. Today, the city of Hastinapur is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts.
Hastinapura is a noun that refers to an ancient city mentioned in Hindu mythology and historical accounts as the capital of the Kuru Kingdom. This city is primarily associated with the epic Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics from ancient India.
Derived from the Sanskrit words "hastina" meaning elephant and "pura" meaning city, Hastinapura literally translates to "City of Elephants." It is believed to have been situated on the banks of the River Ganges in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.
According to Hindu mythology, the city of Hastinapura was founded by King Yayati's son, King Kuru. It played a significant role in the epic Mahabharata, serving as the capital for numerous Kuru Dynasty kings, including King Bharata, King Shantanu, and King Dhritarashtra.
Hastinapura is often described as a magnificent and prosperous city, known for its grandeur and sophistication. It was not only an administrative and political center but also a cultural and educational hub, attracting scholars, philosophers, and sages.
In the Mahabharata, Hastinapura is the site of the great Kurukshetra War, a legendary battle between two factions of cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, for control over the kingdom. The war ultimately resulted in the victory of the Pandavas, led by their righteous and revered leader, Lord Krishna.
Today, Hastinapura is considered a significant archaeological site, with ongoing excavations revealing remnants of the ancient city. It continues to be an important cultural and historical landmark, holding immense value in Hindu mythology and the study of ancient Indian civilization.
The word "Hastinapura" is of Sanskrit origin and is made up of two parts: "hasti" and "pura".
The term "hasti" means "elephant" in Sanskrit and symbolizes strength, power, and royalty. In ancient Indian culture, elephants were considered majestic animals and were often associated with kings and emperors.
The term "pura" translates to "city" or "fortress" in Sanskrit. It refers to a well-fortified and structured city that serves as a capital or the seat of power for a kingdom or dynasty.
Therefore, the etymology of "Hastinapura" suggests that it denotes a city or fortress associated with elephants or a city of the elephants, indicating its significance and grandeur as the capital of the Kuru kingdom in ancient Indian mythology and epic literature, particularly in the Mahabharata.