Throwback Sunday:A travel To A Historical Ghost Town

  

Today is Sunday but I have nothing to do as it's too clouded and there is no possibility to visit any nearby place in such weather conditions. Today, I remember my trip Burnawa that I did during my visit to India in 2017.

Barnawa is a historic place right from the Mahabharata age, also known as Varanāvata, is situated in the Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh state of India. It is approximately 80 kilometers from the Delhi border which took us about one hour and forty minutes to reach due to busy traffic conditions. This town has a famous Jain Temple.

  

  
Barnawa is historically significant due to its association with the epic Mahabharata, particularly as the site of the Lakshagraha or "House of Lacquer." This location is believed to be where the Kauravas plotted to kill the Pandavas by burning them alive in a palace designed for that purpose.

The narrative surrounding Barnava is deeply rooted in the Mahabharata, where it is described as a strategic location during the conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas. The Kauravas invited the Pandavas to stay in Lakshagraha with the intent to set it ablaze. However, due to the timely warning from their ally Vidura, the Pandavas escaped through a secret tunnel that allegedly still exists today, leading toward the banks of the Hindon River close to Delhi.

The Archaeological Department of India investigates to uncover remnants of this ancient structure. The site has been identified as containing debris from the Mahabharata era, affirming its historical importance. Barnawa is identified with Lakshagraha from the Mahabharata, where the Kauravas attempted to burn the Pandavas alive. This site is believed to have remnants related to this ancient plot. However, the Pandavas who were living here in exile managed to survive and left this area.

According to the locals, after being warned about the impending disaster, the Pandavas managed to escape from Lakshagraha through a hidden passage. This escape is a pivotal moment in their saga, marking their resilience and ingenuity in facing treachery. The tale emphasizes themes of loyalty and survival against overwhelming odds, which resonate throughout the Mahabharata.

Barnawa Jain Temple

  
In addition to its Mahabharata connections, Barnawa is home to the Chandraprabha Jain Temple, dedicated to Chandraprabha, the eighth Tirthankara of Jainism. We didn't go inside but this temple features an ancient idol believed to be around 1,300 years old and showcases exquisite architectural designs.

Barnawa Jain temple houses an idol of Tirthankar Chandraprabhu in a Padmasana posture, believed to be approximately 2,700 years old. Additionally, there is a 1,300-year-old idol of Tirthankar Mallinath. The temple is considered an Atishay Kshetra, or miraculous place.

Actually, the temple's environment attracts pilgrims and tourists like us alike, adding another layer of cultural richness to Barnawa. We did not stop there for long but tried to gather as much information from notice boards and locals.

  
The temple is dedicated to the eighth Tirthankara of Jainism and features an idol of Chandraprabha that is believed to be around 2,700 years old. According to temple sources, there is an ancient idol of Mallinatha that is approximately 1,300 years old. Barnava's historical narrative has been preserved through oral traditions and various texts over the centuries.

  
The village not only serves as a reminder of India's rich epic heritage but also plays a role in contemporary discussions about cultural identity and heritage conservation. The ongoing legal and archaeological developments highlight a growing interest in preserving such sites for future generations.

  
Today, Barnawa is recognized for both its historical significance and its religious importance within Jainism. The village has a population of around 12,000 people and features various temples and sites of interest related to both Hinduism and Jainism. As a result, it has become an important pilgrimage destination for those seeking spiritual solace as well as historical knowledge.

Barnawa is identified with Lakshagraha from the Mahabharata, where the Kauravas attempted to burn the Pandavas alive. This site is believed to have remnants related to this ancient plot.

Barnawa stands as a testament to India's rich tapestry of history woven through mythological narratives and archaeological evidence. Its association with the Mahabharata not only enhances its cultural significance but also invites ongoing exploration into India's ancient past.

  
Even today the department of archology is working on excavation and more information is unfolding about its historical sites, Barnawa remains pivotal in understanding both the epic tales and their implications for modern cultural identity.

Barnawa town offers a blend of historical intrigue, religious significance, and modern amenities. Its attractions not only reflect its rich heritage linked to the Mahabharata but also provide spiritual solace through its temples and ashrams. It was a different experience for us, both ancient history and contemporary culture in this unique but ancient destination.

Banawa has old ruins all over the town.

Barnawa, located in the Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh, is historically important. The Lakhshagriha of Barnawa is not only an archaeological site, but it goes back in ancient Indian history. The ruins here, especially the Lakhshagriha, are associated with the tales of the Mahabharata period. As I said earlier, this is the place where the Kauravas planned to burn their stepbrothers, the Pandavas, to keep control of the Hastinapur kingdom.

According to the Mahabharata epic, Duryodhana, the king of the Kauravas, and Shakuni, his maternal uncle, built a house of lacquer here, in which an attempt was made to trap the Pandavas. But the Pandavas somehow managed to get information in time and escaped through a secret tunnel.

As you can see in the picture, the remains of the Lakhshagriha can still be seen in Barnawa. There is a high mound here, surrounded by broken walls and trees. The visitors can also see the marks of burning still on the walls, giving an idea about the tragic story of this place.

No local wants to stay here or consider it worth living as they feel the place is cursed and say that it is impossible even to try to settle here, as many people have already died here.

We found that the environment of Barnawa is deserted and desolate, and there are not many people around here, barring an ashram and school with a dairy farm and a place where wrestlers practice in an open place.

The number of people visiting here is very low, and most people consider it a haunted place. The Archaeological Survey of India has excavated here and discovered many ancient objects, including pottery, which is believed to be about four thousand five hundred years old. We saw a couple of signs of tunnels present in the ruins here, which present a mysterious atmosphere but a center of attraction for the visitors.

The boards show that this entire area is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. This place is not only historically important, but it also symbolizes Indian culture and the legend of Mahabharata. Even if the locals consider it the heritage of their ancestors and want to keep it conservation, they feel scared living in this area.

The Story of Lakshagraha, Barnawa: The Town Connected With the Mahabharata Era
Whatever the history or feelings of the locals, Barnawa offers glimpses of historical and religious significance, minus the modern amenities. Its attractions reflect its rich heritage linked to the Mahabharata but also provide spiritual solace through its temples and ashrams. We visited and experienced both ancient history and contemporary culture in this unique destination.

Incidentally, a local mortgage broker thought we were looking to buy land in the area for colonization and tried to convince us with a reasonable price, but we managed to convince him that we were just ordinary visitors.

All images my work

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