Why should visit Kurukshetra?

WELCOME TO KURUKSHETRA !

Kurukshetra, a city in the state of Haryana that also finds its origin in the Puranas. The city is also known as holy place as its key importance lies in the fact that the famous Kurukshetra War of the Mahabharata is believed to have been fought here, and Jyotisar is held to be the spot at which Krishna preached the Gita to Arjuna. The city has also several other interesting places to visit. As the city is considered to be a religious Centre, therefore it is no surprise that temples of the city draw many tourist’s interest to Kurukshetra. Some of the temples in the city include the Bhadra Kali Mandir, the Birla Mandir and the Sthanswer Mandir. Many water bodies in the city are considered to be holy, and Hindus come to these places to bathe, because they believe  this will cleanse their sins and illnesses. The Brahma Sarovar and San hit Sarovar are two of the most popular tanks in the city. The Chatti Patshahi Gurudwara draws many Sikhs, who come here to take a religious dip. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Sheikh Chill i’s tomb, built during the Mughal era to commemorate the Sufi Saint Sheikh Chehli lies here. He was believed to be the spiritual teacher of the Mughal Prince, Dara Shikoh. The Bhor Crocodile Park and the Chhilchhila Wildlife Sanctuary are two other tourist hotspots that are worth visiting.

Here are some riveting destinations of Kurukshetra that draws tourist's attention:

1. JYOTISAR

Jyotisar is an important place of religious tourism. The holy land of Jyotisar is believed to be the cradle of Hindu civilization and culture. It is believed that Lord Krishna delivered the eternal message of Bhagwad Gita to Arjuna before commencement of Mahabharata battle here.

It is situated about 12 km from Kurukshetra on Kurukshetra-Pehowa road.

A central place of interest at Jyotisar is a captivating marble statue of Krishna on a beautiful chariot, delivering the immortal Gita to Arjuna canopied by a banyan tree.

A light and sound show on the theme of Bhagwad Gita is also a worth an experience. 

2. BRAHMA SAROVAR 

A beautiful water tank in Kurukshetra, Brahma Sarovar, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the universe from this land.

The Sarovar comes to life in winters when birds migrate from faraway places to take a dip in these waters. This beautiful tank bears a shining look during the 'Deep Daan' and 'Aarti' on the occasion of Gita Jay anti in the late November and early December.

3.BHADRAKALI MANDIR

Bhadrakali is a form of Shakti. This is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti 'pith's' of India. It is believed that an anklet of Sati fell in the well. The mythical incident of Sati is being recalled here with a marble ankle. The Bhadrakali Temple is situated on the Jhansa Road in the town of Thanesar in the district of Kurukshetra.

It is also believed that Pandavas along with Lord Krishna worshiped Maa Durga and after the victory in Mahabharata battle, they came here again to worship Mother Goddesses. They also offered their horses in her service. Since that day, the devotees offer terracotta and metal horses to the deity after their wishes are fulfilled. It is also believed that 'mundan' (hair removing) ceremony of Shri Krishna and Balaram was performed in this temple.

4. SHEIKH CHILL I 'S TOMB

This beautiful tomb and the madrasa (school) are associated with the Sufi saint Abdu'r-Rahim alias Aabd-ul-Razak, popularly known as Shaikh Chehli (also pronounced Chilli) believed to be the spiritual teacher of the Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shahjahan. The tomb, overlooking the madrasa and standing on an artificial terrace, is octagonal in shape with the entrance in the south. It is built of buff sandstone and is crowned with a pear-shaped dome of white marble standing on a high circular drum. The cenotaph of saint occupies the centre of the chamber, while his grave is located in the lower chamber, which conjoins the madrasa through a narrow gallery. The madrassa has nine-arched openings on each side of a central courtyard that has in the centre a stone masonty tank.

5. KRISHNA MUSEUM

The museum, unscramble the mystery of the cult of Lord Krishna. It aims to present the multifaceted personality of Krishna as narrated in the episodes of Mahabharata and the Bhagvata Purana. The museum has six galleries, three each in two blocks. On display are stone sculptures, bronze castings, leaf etchings, miniature paintings, clay pottery and terracotta artifacts. An extension of this museum is the Multimedia Mahabharata and Gita Gallery set up by Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

6. KURUKSHETRA PANORAMA AND SCIENCE CENTRE

Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre is a unique Centre that combines science with religion. The main attraction of the Centre is a life-like panorama of the epic battle of Kurukshetra that showcases Mahabharata war with scientific explanations justifying every episode in the war. 

The magnificent two-storied building of the Centre has cylindrical walls. The Centre has an interesting exhibition called 'India: A Heritage in Science, Technology and Culture', consisting of working and interactive exhibits on ancient Indian concept of properties of matter, structure of atom, geometry, arithmetical rules, astronomy, medicine and surgery.

The tall and cylindrical building has elegant architecture and ambiance. On the centre of the cylindrical hall, there are paintings 34-feet in height depicting various episodes of Mahabharata from confrontation between the Pandavas and the Kauravas to the diorama of the battleground that epitomizes the carnage realistically. The chanting of Gita and distant war cries blended with lighting illusions end a perfect ambiance.

A Science Park has also been set up outside the Center's building. It is a refreshing concept of science learning for children through fun and enjoyment. Not only children but also adults get attracted to these aesthetically placed exhibits in the greenery of the park.

HAPPY JOURNEY !