Debunking Popular Misconceptions: The True Identity of the Five Villages Requested by the Pandavas

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Introduction:

It’s well known that in the realm of ancient Indian epics, the Mahabharata stands as a treasure trove of wisdom and intrigue. One particular aspect that has captured the imagination of many is the five villages requested by the Pandavas. However, popular local traditions have led to the emergence of alternate place names associated with these villages. In this article, we will shed light on these misconceptions and emphasize the absence of any internal or external evidence supporting these claims. Instead, we will focus on the authentic details provided in the Mahabharata itself.

The Five Villages According to Popular Traditions:

In certain local traditions, alternative place names have been ascribed to the five villages requested by the Pandavas. These include five important districts in Haryana state:

Paniprastha or Parnaprastha (Panipat): Some claim that Panipat was one of the five villages, referred to as Paniprastha or Parnaprastha. However, it is crucial to note that there is no substantial evidence linking Panipat to the Pandavas’ request in the Mahabharata.

Sonaprastha or Swarnaprastha (Sonepat): Sonepat is another location believed to be associated with the Pandavas’ requested villages. Despite its inclusion in certain local traditions, there is no internal or external evidence to support this claim.

Indraprastha: Indraprastha, often cited as one of the five villages, holds historical significance as the capital city established by the Pandavas. While this is a valid reference from the epic, it does not align with the alternate place names proposed in popular traditions.

Tilaprastha (Tilpat): Similarly, Tilpat is sometimes considered one of the villages. However, there is a lack of substantive evidence connecting Tilpat to the specific context of the Pandavas’ request.

Vyaghraprastha (Baghpat): Baghpat is occasionally associated with Vyaghraprastha, one of the villages mentioned in local traditions. However, it is important to acknowledge the absence of concrete evidence supporting this association.

Furthermore, some people even link Karnal with Karnaprastha and believe that this also was one of the villages requested by the Pandavas.

Debunking the Misconceptions:

Contrary to popular local traditions, there is no internal or external evidence to substantiate the alternate place names attributed to the five villages requested by the Pandavas. These claims are often based on hearsay and lack validation within the authentic text of the Mahabharata.

The Authentic Details from the Mahabharata:

To understand the true identity of the five villages, we must turn to the original Sanskrit verse from the Mahabharata. Within its vast narrative, we encounter a verse where the Pandavas request five specific villages from Duryodhana. While interpretations may vary, the verse mentions villages such as Kushasthala, Vrikasthala, Asandi, Varanavata, and an unspecified fifth village. These authentic references provide a more reliable foundation for exploring the significance and symbolism associated with the Pandavas’ request.

The Verse in Question:

The original Sanskrit verse from the Northern (Nilkantha) and Bhandarkar Institute (BORI) Critical Editions of the Mahabharata (5.31.19) is as follows:

कुशस्थलं वृकस्थलमासन्दी वारणावतम् ।

अवसानं भवेदत्र किञ्चिदेव तु पञ्चमम् ॥

kuśasthalaṃ vṛkasthalamāsandī vāraṇāvatam .
avasānaṃ bhavedatra kiñcideva tu pañcamam ..

Interpreting the Villages:

Kuśasthala (Kaithal): Also known as Avisthala or Kapisthala (this name appears in the southern recension of the Mahabharata), it is believed to refer to the present-day Kaithal, a district in Haryana state. It is believed to be the birth place of Hanuman. This is the reason why it is known as Kapisthala. There is temple here dedicated to Anjani, the mother of Hanuman. This identification links the Pandavas to their ancestral roots, as Kushasthala is associated with their virtuous lineage.

Vṛkasthala (Gurugrama): Vrikasthala is thought to correspond to Gurugrama, the place where Dronacharya, the Pandavas’ mentor, had his Ashram and training center. Gurugrama, modern-day Gurugram, is located near the national capital, Delhi, and aligns with the geographical context of the epic.

Asandī (Assandh): Asandi is believed to be Assandh, a city and municipal committee in the Karnal district. This historical city is famous for a 2000 year old Buddhist stupa, one of the tallest one in the country. This identification implies that the Pandavas sought a village with a gathering point or a place for their subjects to assemble and seek their guidance.

Vāraṇāvata (Barnava): Varanavata is associated with Barnava, Barnava is a village located in the Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh. This is famos for the the lakshagriha or the lac house in which Duryodhan wanted to burn the Pandavas, but Vidura saved them. But Pandavas wished to have this village as they desired for a secure and prosperous capital city, where they could establish their rule and ensure the welfare of their subjects.

The Unspecified Fifth Village: The verse leaves the fifth village open to Duryodhana’s choice. It suggests that the Pandavas offered Duryodhana the opportunity to select one village of his preference, possibly as a gesture of goodwill or to foster a spirit of reconciliation.

Conclusion:

The verse in the Mahabharata referencing the five villages requested by the Pandavas has intrigued scholars and readers for centuries. By examining historical and geographical contexts, we can speculate on the possible identification of these villages. Kushasthala connects the Pandavas to their virtuous lineage, Vrikasthala represents Dronacharya’s academy, Asandi symbolizes a gathering place, Varanavata signifies a secure capital, and the unspecified fifth village reflects an open choice for Duryodhana.

It is important to note that these identifications are based on scholarly interpretations and may vary. Nonetheless, the exploration of these locations allows us to appreciate the depth and intricacies of the Mahabharata, uncovering new layers of meaning within this ancient epic.