Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra, the focal point of Indian life and culture, is a very blessed centre of pilgrim interest. It is a land of holy legends. Of sages, and epics filled with religious tenets. This is the `Dharma Bhumi' of King Kuru who tilled the land and gave himself in sacrifice so that the land could flourish. The place is named after him, having attained the sanctity of a `Tirtha' (holy place) owing to his supreme sacrifice.

Kurukshetra is the town where Hindu philosophy of karma was preached by Lord Krishna. According to legend, this is the spot where Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of the Bhagwad Gita, to force the wavering Arjun to perform his duty. This is the land of the famous war of Mahabharata in which the Pandavas vanquished the Kauravas. Kurukshetra was also the abode of the sage Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas and the Puranas.

There are as many as 365 Hindu shrines in and around here. The place which is also famous for its kumbh mela witnesses millions of devotees pouring in during the eclipse and moonless (Amavas) nights to take a bath in the Brahma and Sannihit Sarover tanks to be absolved of sins and to be blessed with Salvation.

ACCESS

150 km from Delhi, on the Delhi - Ambala - Amritsar highway.

PLACES TO SEE

Kurukshetra Tank, popularly known as Brahma Sarover, is said to have been built by King Kuru. Lord Brahma is said to have performed his first "Yajna" at this site. The temple of Sarveshwar Mahadev lies within the tank and behind this lies the `Chandra Kupa' tirtha. Laxmi Narayan, Birla Mandir, Geeta Bhawan and Jai Ram Vidyapith Mandir are some of the temples standing close by.

Sannihit Tank is the place where the performance of `Shraadh' or the prayer for the dead during the solar eclipse takes place. The ritual is said to invoke blessings of a thousand Ashwamedha sacrifices. Dhruv Narayan and Laxmi Narayan temples stand close to the ghat.

Banganga is a holy water tank lying 5 kms away from Brahma Sarover. It is said that the water of this tank was used to quench the thirst of Bhisma Pitamaha after Arjun shot an arrow into the earth.

Jyotisar is the place where an `Akshaya Vat' or the eternal Banyan tree stands. Lord Krishna is believed to have given Arjun the sermon of Gita here. The pilgrims going on a pilgrimage to Badrinath and Kedarnath, visit this site before undertaking their journey.

Kamal Nabh Tirth is the site where Lord Brahma was born from the navel of Lord Vishnu. A sacred water tank lies in this tirth. Sthanwishwar Mahadev, is a holy watertank believed to have healing powers. The Pandavas are said to have prayed to Shiva here before they began the war. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stand alongside.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

Sheikh Chelli's mazaar, the Pattar and the Chini Masjid, the Gurudwara of Sidhbati - where Guru Nanak is believed to have stayed, Sri Krishna Museum and Kurukshetra University.

ACCOMMODATION

A number of dharamshalas opened by the Kurukshetra Development Board are run for the visiting pilgrims. Krishna Dham Yatri Niwas, and Parakeet tourist complex at Pipli, 2 km from Kurukshetra.