Mathura: (Uttar Pradesh)
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Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, Mathura was a famous place of pilgrimage during Mahabharata period. In the Dwapar Age, the Kshatriyas of King Shursen’s lineage made this as their capital. Shri Krishna was born here. Shri Krishna killed the oppressor Kans, son of King Ugrasen and got back Ugrasen his throne. After the fight in between the Yaduvanshis, when the Yadavas were killed, Yudhishthir crowned Brijnath, great grandson of Krishna the King of Mathura.
Angadesh (Malini Nagari): (Gonda, Uttar Pradesh)
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Malini Nagari was the capital of an ancient region of the Gonda district in Uttar Pradesh. Duryodhan had throned Karna the King of this state. Duryodhan had received this state as a gift from Jarasandh. The capital Malini Nagari is a Shaktipeeth. According to the Puranas, Sati’s right hand after being cut by the chakra of Vishnu had fallen here.
Naimisharanya: (Uttar Bharat)
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Near the Gomati Station of Northern Railway, on the banks of the River Gomati is situated a place of pilgrimage named Naimisharanya. According to an ancient story, to find out the right place to perform a Gyansatra (sacrifice) Saint Shonak swirled the Chakra given by Lord Brahma. Brahmaji had said that on swirling the Chakra, wherever the circumference of the wheel will fall, that place will be the perfect place for the sacrifice to be performed. The circumference of the Chakra fell in a Tapovan (a forest in which ascetics perform religious austerities) on the banks of the River Gomati and became famous as a place of pilgrimage. Here only at the time of the Yagya of Shonak Rishi, Ugrashruva said the story of Mahabharata. During the time of the war of Mahabharata, Balram had also visited this place while going on a pilgrimage.
Kaushambi: (Uttar Pradesh)
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Kaushambi was the capital of Vatsa desh during the Mahabharata period and situated to the south of River Ganga near present day city of Allahabad. The residents of Vatsa desh had supported Kauravas in the war of Mahabharata. Later, Kuruvanshis took over this state. Parikshit’s son Janmejay had made Kaushambi his capital.
Kashi: (Uttar Pradesh)
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The ancient city of Mahabharata period, Kashi was famous as the chief education centre of India. Bhisma Pitamah had won over Amba, Ambika and Ambalika, the three daughters of Kashi King. Bhisma wanted to get them married to Vichitravirya. Amba was in love with Shalya, brother of Shishupal, so she refused to marry Vichitravirya. So Ambika and Ambalika were married to Vichitravirya. Dhritrashtra was Ambika’s son and Pandu was Ambalika’s son. Dhritrashtra’s sons were called Kauravas and Pandu’s sons were called Pandavas. The war of Mahabharata was fought between the Kauravas and the Pandavas.
Ekachakranagari: (Aarah, Bihar)
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During the period of Mahabharata, Aarah was known as Ekachakranagari. After being saved from the Lakshgriha, Pandavas had lived in Ekachakranagari for few days at a Brahmin’s house. Every day one person was being sent from Ekachakranagari for the food of a giant named Bakasur. One day, it was this Brahmin’s turn where Pandavas were staying. To save the Brahmin, Bhima went to Bakasur in place of him and killed him. It was here only that Bakasur’s son Bhishak had caught hold of the horse of Yudhishthir’s Ashvamedh Yagya and later was killed by Arjun.
Magadh: (South Bihar)
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The ancient name of present day South Bihar was Magadh. During the time of Mahabharata, Jarasandh ruled Magadh. Asti and Prapti, two daughters of Jarasandh were married to Kans. After Krishna killed Kans, he became an enemy of Jarasandh. Jarasandh attacked Mathura many times. For the Rajsurya Yagya performed by Yudhishthir, Krishna, Arjun and Bhima went to Magadh in the disguise of Brahmins and Bhima killed Jarasandh while wrestling. In the war of Mahabharata, the residents of Magadh had supported the Pandavas.
Pundrudesh: (Bihar)
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A part of Bihar was known as Pundru Desh during the time of Mahabharata. The King Pondrak of this region was a friend of Jarasandh and thought himself to be Krishna. He used to dress up like Krishna. He used to make himself famous in the names of “Vasudev” and “Purshottam”. He was present at the Swayamvar (a choice made by a princess of her husband in public) of Draupadi. Due to his ego, he challenged Krishna to discard his dress or else get ready for a fight. Krishna fought with him and killed him. According to one more mention, when Jarasandh attacked Mathura, Pondrak was with him. Later he attacked Dwarka and was killed by Krishna there.
