The Soul of the Hanuman Birthplace
To walk the red brick courtyard of the Razia Sultan Tomb or hear the Sanskrit chants at the Gyarah Rudri Temple is to enter a plains gateway landscape shaped by ancient Ramayana legends and the dramatic history of the Delhi Sultanate. The air is dry and warm from the Haryana farmlands, carrying the sound of temple bells and Vedic recitations, the sweet smell of hot milk pedas, and the soft scent of terracotta clay. The landscape is defined by the stone steps of ancient stepwells, the brick arches of sultanate monuments, and the tranquil waters of Bidkyar Lake. This is Kaithal, where Hanuman's birthplace meets sultanate lineage.
The soul of the district lies in its sacred pools and imperial history. Walk the streets of the old town, historically known as "Kapisthala" (meaning the Abode of Monkeys), and you will see why the region is revered as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. In the nearby fields, a simple brick structure marks the Tomb of Razia Sultan, the first female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, who met her tragic end here in 1240 AD after a historic battle. Daily life is guided by the temple prayer schedules, grain market harvests, and seasonal festivals.
This relationship with faith is visible at the Phalgu Tirth in Sajuma, where pilgrims perform ancestral rituals during sacredSomvati Amavasya days.
The Timeline of Kapisthala and Sultans
Kaithal's history is a story of epic Ramayana roots, Sultanate military battles, local Sikh chieftains, and modern agricultural setups.
Abode of Hanuman
According to sacred Puranic texts, the settlement was established as Kapisthala, serving as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.
Defeat of Razia Sultan
Razia Sultan fled Delhi but was captured and killed near Kaithal by local rebel forces, where she was buried.
Rule of the Sikh Chieftains
Maharaja Desu Singh established the Sikh rule in Kaithal, constructing the historic fort gates and palace towers.
Creation of the Modern District
The Haryana government established Kaithal as an independent administrative district to boost development.
Gyarah Rudri Temple & Razia Sultan
The district preserves unique Shiva temples and Sultanate brick tombs. Use the tabs below to explore Gyarah Rudri and the Razia Sultan Tomb.
Wonders of Kaithal
Explore the major natural and heritage spots of Kaithal. Hover over the cards below to learn more about each location.
Gyarah Rudri
Eleven Rudras Temple
Gyarah Rudri Temple
A highly sacred temple dedicated to eleven forms of Lord Shiva, associated with Arjuna's Mahabharata penance.
Razia's Tomb
Historic 1240 AD Monument
Tomb of Razia Sultan
The simple brick mausoleum marking the final resting place of the first female monarch of Delhi Sultanate.
Phalgu Tirth
Sacred Ancestral Pool
Phalgu Tirth (Sajuma)
A highly sacred tank where ancestral rites are performed, hosting the famous Phalgu Mela.
Hanuman Vatika
Deity Statue Garden
Hanuman Vatika
A sprawling devotional park featuring a massive statue of Lord Hanuman, celebrating the town's Kapisthala roots.
Bidkyar Lake
Scenic Public Tank
Bidkyar Lake
A tranquil lake situated in Kaithal town, offering beautiful sunset views and walking paths near historic temples.
Deoban Shrines
Vedic Hermitage Woods
Deoban Tirth
A sacred forest grove housing ancient shrines linked to sage Vyasa and Vedic meditation heritages.
The Spirit of the Birthplace
The district's culture is shaped by ancestral Phalgu fairs and traditional Haryanvi flatbreads.
🍛 Haryanvi Bajra Roti & Ghee Lassi
The local food features winter millet flatbreads served with home-churned white butter, wild cucumber pickles, and fresh buffalo milk *Lassi*.
🎭 Phalgu Mela Pilgrimage
A major religious fair held during Pitru Paksha at the Phalgu pool, where millions gather to perform ancestral bathing rituals.
Planning Your Escape
Kaithal is located in northern Haryana, connected by the NH-152 highway from Kurukshetra.
| Mode of Transit | Key Terminals & Hubs | Logistical Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ By Air | Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL) | Located 160 km southeast, offering extensive domestic and international flights. Taxis take 3.5 hours. |
| 🚆 By Train | Kaithal Railway Station (KLE) | Connected directly to Kurukshetra Junction and Narwana by daily passenger train lines. |
| 🚗 By Road |
National Highway NH-152 Kaithal Bus Stand |
NH-152 links Kaithal directly to Ambala and Hisar. Regular Haryana Roadways buses run hourly. |
- Kaithal was historically known as **Kapisthala**, which means "Abode of Monkeys", and is revered as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.
- The **Tomb of Razia Sultan** is a simple brick monument marking where she was captured and buried in 1240 AD.
- **Gyarah Rudri Temple** is dedicated to eleven forms of Shiva, where Arjuna is believed to have obtained the Pashupatastra.
- **Phalgu Tirth** hosts a major fair where pilgrims perform rituals for ancestors during special no-moon days.
Official Tourism & Government Resources
- 🏛️ Haryana Tourism Portal: haryanatourism.gov.in
- 🔗 Kaithal District Administration: kaithal.gov.in
- 🛕 Gyarah Rudri Temple Guide: kaithal.gov.in/tourism