Known down the ages by many names such as Uttravedi, Brahmavedi and Dharamkshetra, here’s a pilgrim destination in India that is said to be one that’s responsible for guiding the oldest religion of the world. Definitely one of India’s biggest pilgrim attractions, Kurukshetra is a land that finds its mentions in sacred Hindu texts from ancient times
A popular pilgrim centre, it is said to be the place linked to Vedic culture and noted in many a Hindu scripture. Dating back to 2800 BC, Kururshera, a place of tremendous importance, was named after King Kuru, the ancestor of Pandavas and Kauravas. According to the Puranas, this was the land chosen by King Kuru to embed various virtues such as truth, forgiveness, purity, charity, austerity & more. So pleased was Lord Vishnu with the king that he promised this holy land would be named after him and that anyone dying here will directly attain salvation.
Years later, it was in Kurukshetra when the battle of Mahabharat was fought over a period of eighteen days between the Kauravas and Pandavas to uphold the basis of dharma, that Lord Krishna preached the theory of karma to Arjuna, giving birth to one of the Holiest Hindu texts, the Bhagawat Gita.
A destination known for its historical sites and religious attractions, though the history of the place is an attraction itself, this place has a lot more to offer.Temples, museums, sarovar (lakes) and more, each having an interesting legend to it are some such attractions.
While there are approx.360 Tirthas (places of religious importance) across Kurukshetra, here are some significant ones, the Bhishma Kund as per mythology is believed to be the place where Arjuna shot an arrow into the earth to quench Bhisma Pitamah’s thirst.
It is believed that the Sthaneshvara Mahadev Temple is built on the place, where the Pandavas after praying to Lord Shiva, were victorious in the battle of Mahabharata.
Another temple with an interesting mythology is the Bhadrakali Mandir, one of the 52 Shakti Peethas. Legends tells us that Goddess Sati unable to bear the insult by her father towards her husband Lord Shiva, threw herself into the Yagna and killed herself. Shiva unable to bear the loss, wandered around the universe with the corpse on his shoulder. It was then that Lord Vishnu felt it was necessary to destroy the corpse to bring lord Shiva back to his usual self. Pieces of the corpse fell at 52 different places and are today referred to as the Shakti Peethas.
Jyotisar that actually translates to ‘meaning of light’ is a most revered place, for it is here under a Banyan tree that Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, explaining about Karma and Dharma and even showing an image of himself as the Destroyer God (Virat Rupa). Tourists can enjoy the Sound and Light show recreating various scenes from the Mahabharata.
For a better understanding of the Mahabharata, the Kurukshetra Panorama and Science centre is a must, here not only can one can find scenes depicting the Mahabharata war but also several scientific explanations for every episode of the war.
Attracting several thousands of devotees every year, especially on ‘Somavati Amavasya’ the sacred no-moon day that falls on a Monday and on Sun-eclipse, it is believed that bathing in the waters of the Brahma Saravar will free one from sin and the cycle of rebirth.
Another sacred Sarovar here is the Sannihit Sarovar, which is the meeting point of the seven Saraswatis and considered an auspicious place to bathe on a day of Amavasya (night of complete darkness).
The Sheikh Chehli ka makbara is a tribute to the Sufi Saint Sheikh Chehli, who is believed to have been the spiritual teacher of the Mughal Prince Dara Shikah.Other places of importance include Kamal Nabhi, where according to mythology Lord Brahma was born out of a Lotus that grew from the naval of Lord Vishnu, the Krishna Museum for its paintings of the Mahabharata war as well as carvings and statues, and many artifacts some even belonging to the 1st Century AD, the Kalpana Chawla planetarium, Saraswati Forest Reserve, Dharohar and many more.
Pehowa is a town here of archaeological importance, that also find its mentions in Sacred Hindu texts with excavations here dating back to 895 AD. Six Km from here is Arunay Tirtha known for its grand celebrations on the occasion of Shivratri.
A place that takes you back in time, archaeological evidences suggests Kurukshetra existed even before the Harappa period, which adds to the mystery of the place. While many say it was visited by many a holy person, including the Buddha, this place is one that not only helps you understand many holy texts but also be a part of it!
