KURUKSHETRA
ABOUT KURUKSHETRA:
- The ‘Land of Mahabharta’ is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrim centres in the country.
- It is named after king Kuru, the descendent of legendary king Bharat, after whom India was named as Bharat.
- According to Puranas, Kurukshetra is the site from where Lord Brahma created the universes.
- It was here that 18 day long Mahabharta battle between Kaurvas and Pandvas was fought.
- Where Lord Krishna preached the philosophy of ‘Karma’ to Arjuna, before the start of the epic battle.
- The very first verse of ‘Bhagwat Gita’ describes Kurukshetra as ‘Dharam-Kshetra’ or the ‘Region of Righteousness’.
- Region has 360 sacred sites associated with Mahabharta.
- Kurukshetra is also a highly revered Sikh pilgrim site, as it is one of the very few places visited by all the Sikh Gurus.
- It also has sacred sites for Muslims like, the beautiful white marble tomb of Sufi saint Sheikh Chehli Jalal, Chini Masjid and Pathar Masjid etc.
MODE OF COMMUNICATION:
- Airport: Chandigarh Airport, Chandigarh (IXC), 116 kms away from Kurukshetra town.
- Rail: Kurukshetra Railway Station, Kurukshetra, 5.5 kms away from Kurukshetra centre of town.
- Road: Well connected with NH 1.
SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:
HOLY SITES
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Brahma Sarovar Lakshmi Narayan Temple Sannehit Sarovar Gurudwaras Jyotisar Thanesar Pehowa
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FORT & MONUMENTS
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Sheikh Chehli’s Tomb Sri Krishna Museum
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MUSEUM & AUDITORIUM
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Kurukshetra Panorama Project & Science Centre
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FAIRS & FESTIVALS
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- International gita mahotsav
- chaitra chaudas mela
- somvati amavasya
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For more information, please visit: https://haryanatourism.gov.in
ATTRACTIONS OF KURUKSHETRA
Brahma Sarovar:
- Huge water tank is one of the most sacred sites of Kurukshetra.
- Lotus like temple of Sarveshwar Mahadev in the centre of the tank is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- According to mythological legends, Lord Brahma established a Shivalinga and worshipped Lord Shiva here.
- Holy water body is 1298 metres long and 630 metres wide and is dividing into two by a small passage.
- It is surrounded by 20 feet wide platforms, stairs and 40 feet wide ‘Parikrama’.
- There are also a number of meditation chambers built for the convenience of pilgrims.
- Some ancient shrines are located around the tank.
- A holy dip in the waters of the Sarovar absolves one of all sins and is considered to be of great importance, especially on the days of an eclipse, amavasya (moonless night) and during the Kumbh.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple:
- This important shrine located just opposite to the Brahma Sarovar is dedicated to Lord Narayan (Vishnu) and his consort Lakshmi.
- The towering sprite of the shrine dominates the skyline and its architecture is noteworthy.
Sannehit Sarovar:
- Sacred water body is located about 1 km north-east of Brahma Sarovar.
- Mythological legends suggest that the Sarovar was created by the holy water that flowed from Lord Brahma’s navel.
- It is believed that the devotees are blessed by praying, bathing or just by touching the water of the tank.
Gurudwaras:
- There are a number of Gurudwaras at Kurukshetra.
- Most important are – Gurudwara Sidhbati, Gurudwara Patshahi and Gurudwara Rajghat.
Sheikh Chehli’s Tomb:
- Beautiful tomb resembling the Taj was built by Dara Shikoh (Shah Jahan’s son) in memory of his spiritual teacher.
Kurukshetra Panorama Project & Science Centre:
- Highlights the scientific progress of man and the epic Mahabharata.
Sri Krishna Museum:
- It lies near the Brahma Sarovar and provides a glimpse of the history and archaeology of the region.
- Museum has beautiful sculptures of Lord Krishna.
ATTRACTIONS AROUND KURUKSHETRA
Jyotisar:
- Small pond of Jyotisar or the source of light and inspiration is said to be the place where Lord Krishna preached the philosophy of Karma through the ‘Gita Upadesh’, just before the battle of Mahabharta.
- Jyotisar tank is surrounded by bathing ghats and ancient shrines.
- Main attractions on the banks of the sacred pond are – 150 year old Shiva temple built by the Maharaja of Kashmir; the Shankracharya temple, where Adi Shankracharya is said to have meditated.
- An ancient banyan tree, under which the marble image of Lord Krishna and Arjuna were erected by the Shankracharya of Kanchi in 1967.
- An excellent sound and light show is held in the evening which brings the message of Bhagvad Gita.
Thanesar:
- The twin city of Kurukshetra is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centres.
- Named after the ‘Sthan-esvar’ or the abode of God (Mahadev) and was an ancient centre of learning.
- Main attractions here are the temples of Sthanesvar Mahadev and Ma Bhadrakali.
Pehowa:
- Pilgrim centre 27 kms west of Thanesar is regarded to be a sacred site for the ceremony of ‘pind-daan’, which grants Moksha (salvation) on the departed soul.