Kampil, historically known as Kampilya, is an ancient and culturally rich town located about 45 km west of the district headquarters. It holds prominence in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Jain scriptures.
Tradition states that Shatrughna, younger brother of Lord Rama, established a Shiva Linga on the banks of the Ganga while proceeding to Mathura to slay Lavanasura. Today, this sacred site is known as the Rameshwar Nath Temple.
During the Mahabharata period, Kampilya served as the capital of King Drupada and Southern Panchala. Draupadi Kund is believed to be the site of Draupadi’s manifestation, and her swayamvara—where Arjuna accomplished the Matsya-Vedha—was organized here.
The ashram of Kapil Muni, proponent of Sankhya philosophy, is also located here, lending the town its name “Kampil.” According to Jain tradition, the city was founded by Indra. It is the birthplace of the 13th Tirthankara Vimalanatha, where his four Kalyanakas were celebrated. Magnificent Shwetambar and Digambar Jain temples stand here today.
The Chinese traveler Xuanzang and archaeologist Alexander Cunningham both documented the historical grandeur of Kampil.
