The ancient land of Kurukshetra is the headquarters of the Kurukshetra District of Haryana State. A popular destination for pilgrimage, Kurukshetra is located at a distance of 160 km from the North of Delhi, 39 km from the North of Karnal, 40 km from South of Ambala and 102 km from Chandigarh on the national highway NH1. The legendary past of Kurukshetra associated with the Vedas and Vedic culture holds a prominent place in the history of the Hindu religion and Hindu scriptures. Kurukshetra is a holy place famous all over India for its rich cultural heritage that dates back to 2800 BC. As per the ancient records, Kurukshetra was the foremost centre of Vedic Civilisation and learning. King Kuru of the Bharata Dynasty was the ancestor of Kouravas and Pandavas and Kurukshetra was derived from his name. Known as the land of the epic Mahabharata and Bhagavad-Gita, Kurukshetra was known as Uttaravedi, Bhrahmadevi, Dharamkshetra (land of righteousness) and Brajhmakshetra (the field of Brahma) during different ages. Situated on the banks of the River Sarasvati and River Drishadvati, Kurukshetra was the battleground of the great Mahabharata War that took place between the Kouravas and the Pandavas. Archaeological evidences suggest that the land of Kurukshetra existed even during the Pre-Harappa period. That Kurukshetra was visited by Sri Buddha and Sikh Gurus proves that this place was considered as a holy place even during earlier ages. Besides, the Bharata dynasty, King Asoka and Harsha have also made Kurukshetra a part of their kingdom. Kurukshetra was a part of Punjab in the earlier days. The ancient land of Kurukshetra comprises a wide area that covered about 128 km with Panipat and the north-western part of Jind District on its southern border, eastern part of Patiala District on its west, River Saraswati on its north and River Yamuna on its eastern border. Today, Kurukshetra is situated in the north-eastern part of Haryana State and includes many sacred and religious places connected with ancient traditions and the Mahabharata War. The land of Kurukshetra comprises of several political, cultural and spiritual centres like holy shrines, Kunds, Gurudwaras, etc. that are interconnected with the history of Indian civilisation. Prithudaka or Prithu's Pool, Srikrishna Museum, Jyotisar, Sannehit Sarovar, Brahmasarovar, Sheikh Chehli’s Tomb, Gurdwara Patshahi, Gurdwara Rajghat, the excavated Archaeological site and site museum at Harsha ka Tila, etc. are some of the major attractions of Kurukshetra. Kurukshetra has become a popular place of attraction for historians, pilgrims and tourists alike. With its distinct religious and cultural predominance, Kurukshetra provides a deep insight in to the history of ancient India. The best time to visit Kurukshetra is from September to March.
Tourist Spots
Jyotisar is the place where the sacred book of Bhagwad Gita originated. It is located at a distance of 12 km from the region of Kurukshetra on the Pehowa Road. The name Jyotisar derives its name from the Hindi words, 'Jyoti’ meaning ‘light’ and 'Sar’ meaning ‘the core meaning’.
This revered site of Kurukshetra has a holy Banyan tree, which is considered as the offshoot of the Banyan tree under which Lord Krishna preached Arjuna about Bhagavad Gita, which is the doctrine of Karma and Dharma. According to legend, Lord Krishna revealed his Virat Rupa or Universal Form at this place.
Sannihit Sarovar is a holy water tank, which is 1500x450 in size and is also an assembling place of all the sacred tirthas. People from different parts of India come here to take dip or for ‘pind daan’ for their ancestors, which is in case of unnatural death. As per the ancient story, it is the same place where the Rig Vedic sage Dadhichi gave up his life. There are many Purohits who have their offices on the banks of the sarovar and have the main duty of maintaining the records of all the pilgrims who come here for shradhs.
The Lakshmi Narayan Temple is an ancient temple that belongs to the 18th century and the temple is dedicated to God Narayana and Goddess Laxmi. The structure of this temple is a double storied architecture with flights of steps running down. The temple basically stands on a massive platform with three different components like Vestibule, Sanctum and Saptaratha. The main aim behind the structure and establishment of sanctum-sanctorum is the seven projections. The latter part of the temple is a miniature temple in itself decorated all over with miniature spires. The shape of the sanctum is a small square with a conical roof.
Bhisma Kund is located in the village of Narakatari and is a large water reservoir dedicated to the Grandsire of the Pandavas and Kauravas, Bhishma. The great battle of Mahabharata has been associated with the establishment of this reservoir because as the story goes, on the tenth day of the battle when Bhishma fell on the ground and was thirsty it was Arjuna who pierced an arrow into the ground to get water for him.
Brahmasarovar is an ancient sarovar with historical and religious importance and it is also one of the largest manmade bathing tanks in Asia. Abul Fazl, who was one of the historians in Akbar’s court, called it a ‘mini sea made by man’. The size of the large tank is about 3600x1500 feet with separate bathing spaces for men and women along with arched enclosures. As per the religious beliefs of people, a single dip in the sarovar is equal to performing a Asvamedha Yajna which why this place is very popular among devotees especially during the solar eclipse.
How to Reach
Air |
The nearest Airports are at Delhi and Chandigarh, which are connected to Kurukshetra by road and rail. Taxi services are also available from the airports. Delhi international airport is air connected to all major cities in India and abroad. Delhi is at a distance of 160 km from Kurukshetra, for which taxi charge is about Rs 2,000.
Road |
Haryana Roadways Buses and other neighboring State Corporation buses connect Kurukshetra to other cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and other important places. Buses connecting to Delhi (160 km), Ambala (40 km) and Karnal (39 km) are frequently available. Private A/C buses charge about Rs 1,500 for Delhi-Kurukshetra trip.
Rail |
Kurukshetra is a major railway junction connected to all important railway stations in the country.
NearBy Places
This huge water body is considered one of the holiest tanks in India. Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple is built in the form of lotous in the middle of tank. Many meditation chambers have been built over its bank .
Thaneswar is situated near Kurukshetra is one of the most sacred places of Hindus.. It was once the seat learning. Sthanesvar Mahadev temple and the Ma Bhadra Kali Temple are the famous visiting places. Lord Shiva is worshippes in the form of the Linga . King Harsha the ruler of Thaneswar, is associated to this town very deeply.
It is believed that on this place where Bhisma was made rest on the bed of arrows. It is said that Arjuna had quenched the thirst of Bhisma through the use of his arrows on the ground. Gurudwara Patshahi It is dedicated to the sixth Guru Hargobind Singh, the sixth guru of the sikh
It is situated on the Kurukshetra Pehwa Road. It is holiest place as it is believed that Sri Krishna delivered the Bhagawadgita on the eve of battle under the banyan tree which is the offshoot of the original tree situated here. Sound & Light show on the theme of Bhagavad-Gita is organized here.