Haryana’s Palwal town is closely linked to a demon, the Pandavas and Gandhi

Every village, town and city of Haryana is permeated by ancient history that it is safe to call this state a haven for those travellers who love feeding their mind with history, culture and ancient lore.
Located only 60 km from Delhi on the Delhi-Mathura highway NH-2, Palwal is a city dating its roots from the times of the early Aryans. It is also believed to be a portion of Indraprastha Kingdom which was established by the Pandava brothers of Mahabharatha. King Vikramaditya the Great restored it about 2000 to 3000 years ago.

Another interesting legend associated with Palwal’s past states that it was named after a demon named Palwasura who ruled this region during the time of Lord Krishna. However, he was killed by Balrama, the elder sibling of Krishna. Therefore, a festival is held every year in Palwal in memory of this event, the event being called Baldev Chhat Ka Mela. The town has a temple in honour of Lord Balrama located 25 km from Palwal on GT Road, situated in Banchari village. It is known as Dauji Temple – which translates into “temple of Krishna’s elder brother.”
Palwal is also famous for the fact that Mahatma Gandhi was arrested for the first time by the British policemen from Palwal Railway station.

Palwal being closely linked to the Pandavas, there is a Panchavati Temple and Pandava Van which are sites where the five princely and warrior brothers had stayed during one of their exiles from their fraternal kingdom.