Kusasthali is an ancient city of India. There are various stories that revolve around this ancient city of western India. It was the ancient name of Dwarka in Gujarat.
History of Kusasthali
The Indian Puranas mention that Kusasthali is the capital of Anartta, which was part of Kutch of Gujarat. It is also said that Kusasthali was the older city, upon which the city of Dwaraka was built during the reign of Vasudeva Krishna.
Mythology of Kusasthali
Some ancient scriptures also say that Kusasthali is an island and the city was constructed by the king Revata. Revata was the son of Anartta, grandson of Vaivaswatamanu while some others credit Anartta for constructing the first forts in Kushasthali. However, the island was submerged after a few years. Later, it arose and turned into a dense forest. Many years later, Krishna built Dwarka. After his death, it went underwater again. As per Devibhagavata Saptamaskanda and Shrimadbhagavata Dashamaskanda, this place is west of the Gujarat coast.
Myth of Kusasthali
In another mythical story, it is said that Yadavas from the terror and panic of Jarasandha, the Magadha king, left Mathura and ran away to the city of Dwaravati. Later they fled towards more West. There was a pleasant city in the West called Kusasthali. In this city, the Yadavas settled to build a fort and made it so strong that it became indestructible. The fort was built in a manner so that even the women might fight the foe. In Kusasthali, Vasudeva Krishna dwelt. Again, at Kusasthali, an assembly of the Devas was held. Kuvera came here surrounded by three hundred Yakshas carrying various weapons. Some historians also believe that Kushasthali was named after a daitya called Kusha. He was known here as Kusheshwara Mahadeva.
