Table of Contents
Introduction
Kurukshetra is a region named after King Kuru, the ancestor of the Kauravas and Pandavas in the Kuru kingdom, as depicted in the epic Mahabharata. Kurukshetra, according to Hindu mythology, is a massive territory extending across 48 kos that encompasses many pilgrimage sites, temples, and sacred ponds, with which many events/rituals linked with the Pandavas and Kauravas and the Mahabharata battle have been associate. It is also mentioned in the first verse of the Shrimadbhagvadgita as Dharmakshetra Kurukshetra. Kurukshetra is a historical and religious site that is revered in many countries owing to its relationship with the Vedas and Vedic culture. This is the location where the Mahabharata war took place, where Lord Krishna taught Arjuna the idea of karma in the Jyotisar.
Kurukshetra: The Truth of World’s Greatest War to Protect the Dharma
“I am death; I am this blood, this ruined lands, and this heinous devastation.”
– Panchali Draupadi”
History
Kurukshetra is as old as India’s history. The history of the Kurukshetra district may be traced back to the ancient Aryan Past, although faintly at times. It was a religion cultural centre long before the Aryans’ entry into India. It is said that during Somavati Amavasya and Solar Eclipse, the holy waters of all sacred rivers flow/converge into Kurukshetra’s Sannehit Sarovar. Those who bath in Kurukshetra’s tanks are said to go to paradise after death. According to the Mahabharata, those who die at Kurukshetra achieve salvation after death. It is the land of the sage Manu, who wrote his ‘Manusmriti,’ and where erudite ‘rishis’ assembled the Rig Veda and Sama Veda.
Geography of Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra is located in the north western region of Haryana State at Latitude 29°-52′ to 30°-12′ and Longitude 76°-26′ to 77°-04′. It is bounded on the east, south, and north by four districts of Haryana (Ambala, Yamuna Nagar, Karnal, and Kaithal), and on the north west by the Patiala district of Punjab. Kurukshetra is well-known throughout India for its rich cultural legacy. The district’s major rivers are the Markanda and Saraswati.
Wearther of Kurukshetra
Summers (March to mid-June)
Summers in Kurukshetra are extremely hot and humid. The temperature can reach 42°C and occasionally even 47°C. Due to the hot summers, this is not the greatest season to visit the city.
Monsoon (Mid-June to Last August)
The monsoon season lasts from the end of June until the end of August. The days are humid and hot, but the temperature cools down towards dark.
Winters (October to February)
The winter season lasts from October to February. The temperature may range from 7°C to 22°C, with a minimum of 1°C.
Places to Visit in Kurukshetra
Brahma Sarovar
It is a massive Sarovar, which is a body of water. It describes the Mahabharata battle on the pillars of the Sarovar. A massive bronze chariot depicting Lord Krishna imparting Gita Gyan to Arjuna has been erected in the centre of the Sarovar, and it is just amazing. There are several temples to gods and goddesses along the bronze chariot.
Jyotisar
It is a real proof that Mahabharata exists, as this is the location with the banyan tree when Lord Krishna bestowed Geeta Updesh on Arjuna immediately before the world’s biggest actual conflict. There is a banyan tree that is said to have witnessed Krishna presenting the Bhagwat Gita to Arjuna in the middle of the battlefield. This is one of the most important Mahabharat sites in Kurukshetra.
Krishna Museum
Founded in 1987, contains diverse items of Lord Krishna and Krishna’s incarnations from the 1st to the 11th centuries AD. The museum, which has six galleries, also displays statues in the shapes described in the Bhagavata Purana and the Mahabharata.
Sannihit Sarovar
It is said to be the confluence of seven streams of the Saraswati River and the residence of Lord Vishnu. Bathing on the day of Amavasya or on the day of an eclipse is said to bring the fortune of an Aswamedha Yajna.
Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple
The Pandavas are supposed to have received Lord Shiva’s blessings at Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple. The tank on the temple grounds is said to have medicinal abilities and to have cured Banasura’s leprosy.
Ancient Village Amin
The village’s name, Amin, is derived from Abhimanyu, the son of Arjun, the Mahabharata hero. This village’s old location is generally known as ‘Abhimanyukhera.’ It is thought that this is the location of the renowned Chakravyuha, which was arranged by the Kauravas to attack the Pandavas. During the Mahabharata battle, Arjun’s son, Abhimanyu, was imprisoned in this Chakravyuha and murdered.
Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium
The Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium is named after Haryana’s courageous daughter, Dr. Kalpana Chawla. It is on Pehowa Road, near Jyotisar. The planetarium was created to provide non-formal education in astronomy. Haryana State Council for Science and Technology established the planetarium on July 24, 2007.
Pashupatinatha Temple
It is the largest temple erected in Pehowa during the Maratha era. In its sanctorum is a chaturmukha linga of touchstone (identical to the one at Pashupatinatha temple in Kathmandu, Nepal). The domed mandapa in front of the temple is built on an elevated platform and features magnificent paintings on its ceiling.
Kurukshetra Panorama & Science Centre
If you are fascinated by science and its wonders, Kurukshetra Panorama & Science Centre is a must-see. It is a science lover’s heaven, since it is a one-of-a-kind centre that combines technology with Indian culture and history.
Nearby Destination
Chandigarh – 90 Kilometre (km) away (The Beautiful City)
Apart from its architecture and structures, such as the Capitol Complex, the High Court, the Secretariat, the Legislative Assembly, and the massive Open Hand Monument, the city is also known for its clean roads and vegetation.
Ambala – 50 km
Ambala is divided into two sub-areas: Ambala Cantonment (Ambala Cantt) and Ambala City, earning it the nickname “Twin City.” Ambala is also recognised for the strong presence of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force within its cantonment area, which was created in 1843.
Karnal – 40 km
Karnal is a well-known tourist attraction in North India. It is home to various noteworthy monuments and structures, in addition to being a major research centre. Many sights may be visited, including the Kos Minar, Kalander Shah’s mausoleum, the Karan Tal, and Babar’s Masjid.
Delhi – 150 km (The Capital of India)
The capital region of India, Delhi, is a huge metropolitan area in the country’s north. The magnificent Mughal-era Red Fort, a symbol of India, and the enormous Jama Masjid mosque are located in Old Delhi, an area dating back to the 1600s.
Morni Hills – 102 km
If you love nature and want to see it at its best, this is a must-see destination. It is set in the gorgeous lap of nature, and once you arrive, you will forget about all your concerns.
How to Reach
By Air
Kurukshetra has no airport of its own, and the nearest airport is at Chandigarh, around 100 km away. The nearest airport is in New Delhi, some 160 km away. The Chandigarh International Airport is linked to several important cities around India.
By Railway
Kurukshetra Railway Station, also known as Kurukshetra Junction, is on the major Delhi-Ambala Railway route. Kurukshetra is well connected to all of the country’s major towns and cities.
By Road
Kurukshetra is connected to nearby cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, and other key areas via Haryana Roadways buses and other surrounding State Corporation buses. There are frequent bus connections to Delhi (160 km), Ambala (40 km), and Karnal (39 km).
Some Other Important Facts
Why Kurukshetra land is red?
The Mahabharata text mentions that the majority of the site is inhabited and occupied by farmers and landlords. “Neither the dirt nor the sky are crimson.” One popular misconception about Kurukshetra is that the land is scarlet from all the blood that was spilled.
Why was the Mahabharata fought in Kurukshetra?
Lord Krishna is reported to have feared that the Kauravas and Pandavas would strike a deal if they saw each other die in this fight. So he chose to go to battle in a place where there is plenty of rage and hostility.
How much does Kurukshetra tour cost?
Total Cost INR 5,100/–
Cost for 2 Nights Stay (per person)- Starting Point Delhi
Transport- INR 1,000/- including return
Hotel- INR 2,000/-
Food- INR 1,000/-
Other Things- INR 1,100/-
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