Indraprastha mahatmaya, Chapter 6- 

गच्छ त्वं त्वररतं वैश्य वनर्मैन्रं च खाडिवर्म्। 

तत्र तीथे र्महापुडयशर्मन्रप्रस्थाख्यर्मुत्तर्मर्म्।।5।। 

“हे वैश्य! तुम शीघ्र ही इन्द्र के वन अर्थात् खाण्डव वन को जाओ। वहाँ ‘इन्द्रप्रस्थ’ नाम का अत्यन्त उत्तम और महापुण्य तीर्थ है।” 

O merchant, go swiftly to the forest of Indra, known as Khandava. There lies a most sacred and highly meritorious pilgrimage place called Indraprastha.

What needs to Change? 

It is both necessary and timely to restore the original identity and name of the Capital and the National Capital Territory by replacing “Delhi” with “Indraprastha.” Indraprastha holds profound civilizational significance as one of the earliest spiritual centers of the Vedic period, which later evolved into a well-planned and flourishing urban settlement during the Dwapara Yuga. It is historically and culturally regarded as the capital established by the Pandava brothers, symbolizing governance rooted in Dharma. The present-day National Capital Territory corresponds to the geographical and cultural expanse of ancient Indraprastha, which for millennia served as a focal point of political, spiritual, and intellectual life in Bharat. This region was widely acknowledged as a central Rajdhani, reflecting the ethos of a civilization that aspired toward excellence in philosophy, social organization, and economic prosperity. Bharat’s emergence as a Vishwa Guru—beginning in the Vedic era and continuing through the Dwapara Yuga into parts of the Kali Yuga—was deeply anchored in centers such as Indraprastha. The region flourished not only materially but also as a beacon of ethical governance and civilizational continuity, grounded in the principles of Dharma—righteousness and duty toward society and the nation. Over time, as Indraprastha came to be known as “Delhi,” the region witnessed repeated phases of conflict, invasion, and upheaval. These disruptions brought periods of bloodshed and destruction, often interrupting its natural trajectory of growth and stability. In this context, restoring the name Indraprastha is not merely a symbolic act, but an effort to reconnect with a deeper civilizational memory and to reaffirm values that once defined this land.

Issues

The name of a place carries the essence of its history, culture, and the legacies of those who once thrived there. Indraprastha, a city that has witnessed the many chapters of Indian history, deserves to be celebrated for its rich heritage. The name Indraprastha evolved after the sacred yajna performed by King Indra, sanctifying the region of Khandavprastha. This historical transformation was marked by the noble presence and blessing of Lord Vishnu avatar Narasimha, who saved Bhakt Prahlad from the demon Hirankshyap. This enriched the area, as it became famous as Indra’s Prastha— later Sri Krishna helped the Pandavas establish their Rajya and Rajdhani - a kingdom based on righteousness and sanctity. On Kartik Purnima 3188 BCE, Yudhishthira bathed in River Yamuna, performed the scared yajna and assumed the title of "Chakravarti Raja" of Indraprastha kingdom.  On the other hand, the name Delhi, as commonly known today, is linked to folklore about King Dhelu, which lacks the profound spiritual and historical connotations present in the ancient name of Indraprastha. Historical records such as those from the Mahabharata reference Indraprastha as a central character of its tales, grounding its significance in both our hearts and minds. Recognizing the name Indraprastha would not only rekindle the echoes of historical triumph and spiritual eminence but also offer a renewed identity that connects with the past while inspiring future generations. Restoring this name symbolically pays homage to India's grand spirituality and rich historical tapestry.

To bring this change, we propose a series of actionable steps:

1. Form a committee of historians and cultural scholars to assess the historical evidence supporting the name change.
2. Initiate public dialogues and discourse with local communities and stakeholders to gather widespread consensus and support for this initiative.
3. Engage with governmental authorities to officially recognize Indraprastha, starting with educational materials, tourism promotions, and street signages.

We urge you to sign this petition to restore Indraprastha's historical name, so it can continue to shine brightly in both our cultural consciousness and administrative records. Issued by Draupadi Dream Trust.

Indraprastha mahatmaya, Chapter 9- 

केचचदाहुः सप्तपुरी समपुण्या महष्यः। 

अयोध्यार्दयाः सन्तताभ्यः इन्रप्रवथः प्रचक्षते।।45।। 

“कुछ ऋषियों ने कहा है कि समस्त नगर समान रूप से पुण्य प्रदान करते हैं। इन नगरों में अयोध्या आदि और इन्द्रप्रस्थ शामिल हैं।”  

“Some great sages have said that the seven cities are equally meritorious. Among these are Ayodhya and Indraprastha.”