India is a country where everywhere has some historical or mythological significance. But the names of some cities are also such that you may surprise you, because the story behind them is to the demons. If you are planning to roam somewhere in summer, then these cities can definitely be included in your travel list, because their stories are as old as they are as interesting.
The name of many cities in India is to religious and mythological events. But there are some places which are known as demons. These names are not only limited to the story, but even today these cities have beliefs and sites to those demons.
The city of Mysore is named after the demon Mahishasura, who was killed by Goddess Chamundeshwari. According to mythological belief, Mahishasura was a very powerful monster who harassed the gods. Chamunda Devi killed her and the same place came to be called the city of Mahisha-Uru i.e. Mahishasura. Later the same name changed to Mysore. In 2014 it was officially named Massuru.
Jalandhar city of Punjab is named after Asura Jalandhar. According to the legend, Jalandhar was a very powerful demon, whose wife Vrinda's virtuous religion was so strong that even Lord Vishnu himself could not kill her directly. Later Lord Vishnu dissolved Vrinda's sativa with deceit, which weakened and killed Jalandhar. Today Jalandhar city is a big industrial center of Punjab, but its story gives you a glimpse of old times.
Gaya city of Bihar is connected to Asura Gaiasur. It is said that Gaiasura had asked God a boon that wherever his body was kept, that place would become holy. Later, when the gods stabilized her body there, it started to be called the place Gaya. This is the reason that Gaya is counted among the holiest places for Pindadan and thousands of people come here every year for the peace of their ancestors.
The city of Palwal of Haryana was called Palabapur in ancient times. It was named after the demon Palambasura, who was killed by Lord Balaram. Palabasura was a very powerful asura which was causing havoc in the entire region. After his end, the region was called Palabapur, which gradually became Palwal. Today Palwal is a major railway station and an important part of Haryana.
The city of Tiruchirappalli of Tamil Nadu is named after the demon Thirisiran. Thirisiran was an asura who did austerity of Lord Shiva. It is said that his devotion was so strong that Shiva gave him a darshan and gave him a boon. At that time it was called Thiri-Sikhapuram, which later became Tiruchirappalli. The city is today a cultural and educational center of Tamil Nadu.
Disclaimer- The information given here is mentioned on the basis of general information. Read does not claim to be true and accurate.
