34 kms northeast of Mehsana, Vadnagar is one of the most ancient towns of Gujarat with its first reference in Skanda Puran. An important reference is found in the Vadnagar Prasasti. An inscription in 46 lines commemorating the building of the walls by Kumarpala Solanki. It traces the history of Solanki dynasty and refers to the special position of Nagar Brahmins inhabiting this town.

Family deity of Nagar Brahmins is located at Hatkeshwar Mahadev, a profusely carved temple who's shivling is believed to have self-emerged. Of the older remains of Vadnagar are two magnificent Kirti-Stambh (triumphal arches) that should have formed a part of the gateway to some great temple whose remains are not traceable.

Built of red and yellow sandstone without mortar or other cementing material, the structure derives its stability from dimensions. Considered as one of the best specimens of Indian sculpture, the arch (torana) springs from the bracket capitals of the pillars.

An important centre of education in the past, the town is credited with for authoring Kalpasutra by Jain muni named Bhadrabahu.Yet another legend relates it to Tana and Riri, two sisters, who sang Malhar, to relieve Tansen from the burning sensation that he had developed from singing `Dipak'.