Kurukshetra is said to be a city having
great historical and religious significance. It is situated in the Haryana
state of India. Being a holy place, it is at times also known as Dharamkshetra
which simply means the Holy Place.
History
Legend says that based on the Puranas,
Kurukshetra got its name after King Kuru who as the ancestor of the Pandavas
and the Kauravas as has been depicted in the epic of the Mahabharata. The
importance of Kurukshetra lies in the fact that the war of Mahabharata was also
fought on this land. It was here that Lord Krishna preached the Bhagavad Gita.
The period between 2000 and 1500 BC saw the Aryans making their entry into this
subcontinent. It was in this period that the Rig Veda was also written here.
The main importance of the place of Kurukshetra can be gauged from the fact
that the 18 day battle of Mahabharata took place here between the Kauravas and
the Pandavas. Kurukshetra has many different names such as Nardak and
Brajhmakshetra in which the later means without sorrow and the former means the
field of Brahma.
Nearby
Attractions
Narkatari Mandir: This temple can be near
the Bhishma Kund. A story has revealed that that it is here where Pitamaha
Bhishma laid on a bed of arrows which was created by Arjuna. Asides this,
Arjuna created the Bhishma Kund in order to quench the thirst of Pitamaha
Bhishma. When Bhishma told about his thirst to Arjuna, he instantly discharged
an arrow into the ground. In this way, a stream was let loose gushing with
water. This is why, this tank has been named after Bhishma as the Bhishma Kund.
Nabhi Kamal: It is regarded as another
sacred tank which is located in Kurukshetra. The tank is said to have a
religious lotus in it. A legend tells us that this lotus came from the home of
Lord Brahma. It is from the navel of the lotus that the Lord is believed to
have manifested.
Brahma
Sarovar: The Brahma Sarovar is a sacred tank in
Kurukshetra. It is a tank which has been dedicated to Lord Shiva. The legend
tells us that it is from the land here that the Lord Brahma made the universe
and this is how the existence of civilization came into being. When a person
takes a dip in this tank it is said to bring all the holiness and goodness.
This is equivalent to performing 'Ashvamedha Yagna'. The festival of Gita
Jayanthi is observed here during the months of November/December. People visit
this place during Brahma Sarovar so that they are able to see the Deep Daan and
also it’s Aarti. Asides from this many other types of cultural events such as
music recitals, theatre performances and pageants are held here. You can also
visit the Baba Nath's haveli and also the Birla Gita Mandir.
Shri
Krishna Museum: It is a museum which is located in
the heart of the town. It is a museum which has been built in the memory of
Lord Krishna. It depicts the life of Krishna in the form of paintings. You will
also be able to see other collections like the Kangra, paintings of Patta
Chitra, Pichhvai and Madhubani as well as the bronze collections of the chola,
Pallava as well as the Nayaka dynasty.
Jyotisar: The place of Jyotisar is located on the road of Kurukshetra Pehwa.
It is a pious place since Sri Krishna under the banyan tree delivered the
Bhagawadgita during the battle. When here, you will be able to witness a Sound
& Light show which has been based on the theme of Bhagavad-Gita.
How
to Reach
By
Air: The nearest Airport in Kurukshetra is at
Chandigarh and Delhi and both of which are lined to Kurukshetra by road and
rail. You can also avail of taxi services to reach the place.
By
Bus: Kurukshetra is also well connected by road.
Here the Haryana Roadways Buses as well as the buses of the other neighboring
State Corporation are also connected with Kurukshetra.
By
Rail: The place of Kurukshetra acts as a major
railway junction and this is why it is connected to all the important railway
stations in the country.
When
to Visit
The best time to visit Kurukshetra is
between the months of October to March.
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