Pehowa's is an ancient
city and its religious significance is mentioned in several puranas, such
as Skanda Purana (1st to 5th century CE), Markandeya Purana (4th
to 6th century CE) and Vamana Purana (5th to 11th century CE). Two
inscriptions dated ninth Century CE found at Pehowa mention that the place was
controlled by Mahendrapala, of Kanauj and a Vishnu temple was constructed
at this place by Tomara family, but such historic temple is not found
in present day Pehowa.[3] The earliest extant historical reference to the Tomara
dynasty occurs in the Pehowa inscription issued during the reign of
the Pratiharaking Mahendrapala I (r. c. 885-910 CE) [Tomars of
Delhi were vassals of Partiharas of Kannauj].[4] This
undated inscription states that Jaula of the Tomara family became prosperous by
serving an unnamed king. His descendants included Vajrata, Jajjuka, and Gogga.
The inscription suggests that Gogga was a vassal of Mahendrapala I. It records
the construction of three Vishnu temples by Gogga and his
step-brothers Purna-raja and Deva-raja. The temples were located at Prithudaka
(IAST: Pṛthūdaka; Pehowa), on the banks of the river Sarasvati.[5] No information is available about the immediate successors
of Gogga.[6] The Pehowa inscription suggests that this particular
Tomara family was settled around the Karnal area. However, F.
Kielhorn suggested that this Tomara family actually resided in Delhi: they
may have visited Pehowa on pilgrimage, and built a temple there.