India is a country where history and mythology are scattered at every step. Usually we think that cities are named after deities, sages or natural characteristics. But do you know that there are some cities in India whose name was ever named after demons and demons? These names are not just stories, but are also associated with our deep cultural and religious beliefs. Let’s know about the 7 bizarre cities of India, which are associated with the names of demons and one of which is called ‘Mokshanagari’.
Jalandhar
The ancient city of Punjab Jalandhar was once the capital of the demon Jalandhar. According to the legend, Jalandhar was born from the sea and was so powerful that even the gods could not kill him. Finally Lord Vishnu dissolved the penance of his wife Vrinda and got him killed by Lord Shiva. Not only this, some beliefs also consider it to be the capital of Lord Rama’s son Love.
Kullu valley
This beautiful valley of Himachal Pradesh was earlier known as Kulantpeeth. It is believed that a demon named Kulant tried to sink the whole world by stopping the flow of Vyas river. Lord Shiva killed him and his body became a mountain, which is today’s Kullu Valley.
Mysore
The city of Mysore of Karnataka was earlier called Mahisha -Uru, which means – the city or capital of Mahishasura. This is the same demon, which was slaughtered by the Chamundeshwari Roop of Goddess Durga. Even today, there is a grand temple of Goddess on the Chamundi hills of Mysore and special events are held here on Dussehra.
Tiruchirappalli
This city of Tamil Nadu was earlier called Thirisirpuram. A demon named Tirisiran did harsh penance to Lord Shiva here. The city was named Tiruchirappalli after him. Today people love it with love also call it ‘Trichy’.
Sudhmahadeva
The Sudhamahadev Temple located in Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir is associated with the story of a demon named Sudhanath. Although he was a devotee of Lord Shiva, he once intimidated Mother Parvati. Then Shiva killed him with Trishul. But later seeing his devotion, Lord Shankar also appeared to him. He sought a boon to add Lord Shankar’s name to his name. Thus this place was named Sudhamahadev.
Went
The famous pilgrimage site in Bihar Gaya, named after an Asura named Gaiasura. Gaiasura did so much penance that only from his touch, sins used to disappear. The gods became worried and Lord Vishnu asked him for his body for the yajna. Ghayasura gave it gladly and today the city Gaya is situated at that place. This is why Gaya is considered the most sacred place for Pitra Tarpan and Moksha.
Palwal
Palwal of Haryana was once called Palambasurapur. The demon named Palambasura was slaughtered by Lord Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. Even today, Baldev Chhath Mela is organized here, which reminds of this historical event.
Gayaji: The entrance to salvation
The most special place in all these places is, which is called Mokshabhoomi. The tradition of Pindadan and Pitra Tarpan has been going on here for thousands of years. People come here for the peace and salvation of the soul of their ancestors. The sacrifice of Gaiasura makes this land so sacred. Currently this city is called Gayaji.