Kurukshetra is a religious city in Haryana state in India. It is an ancient land, given massive importance in Hindu mythology. This city is very famous for its historical values as well as a major pilgrimage centre of the country. After independence, this city was under the Karnal district of Haryana but in 1973 it was converted into a separate district. According to Hindu mythologies, Kurukshetra has an area of 48 sq. km.
This city is famous for its spiritual values as well as for its astonishing wildlife reserves. Haryana’s first university “Kurukshetra University” is situated here, that was established by Shri Rajendra Prasad. 88% of the land here is used for farming purposes, which makes it an agriculture-based – economy. The city is famous as the Rice Bowl of India, as the holy rivers Yamuna as well as Sarasvati are on its eastern and northern borders. This city is also famous as Thanesar.
Unrevealed facts about Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra is a city that has so many stories related to Indian religious history. It is believed that in this city Lord Brahma for the first-time sacred Veda mantras. The sage Manu has scripted his “Manusmriti” on this holy land. Rig Veda and Sam Veda are compiled here by great sages and many more. It is an important city with uncountable spiritual facts, as it has its name listed in numerous Hindu mythologies.
This city is named after King Puru, who was the successor of the Kuru dynasty as well as the ancestor of the Pandavas and Kauravas. They say that he ploughed this land with a golden plough for cultivating this land. The city has so much evidence of the great war of Mahabharata, which was fought on the battlefields of Kurukshetra. Earlier this city was named Uttarvedi, Brahmavedi, and Dharmakshetra.
It is also said that the Maharishi Parshuram made five pounds here with the blood of Kshatriyas, as revenge for his father’s murder. Later these pounds were converted into sacred lakes and the city was named “Samantpanchak.” These lakes were worshipped by so many Rishis as well as Gurus over the years. This city has been given a lot of names according to its rulers and people’s beliefs.
Must visit tourists attractions
- Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium :- This planetarium was created by the government to honour Kalpana Chawla, the first lady astronaut of India. Here you can explore the solar system from near and learn about the astronomy of historic Indian civilization. It is a place where you can have unique experiences of space.
- Kurukshetra Panorama & Science Centre :- This is an interesting place to visit here. as here you will find a perfect blend of scientific technologies with Indian mythologies. In this science centre, different scenes of Mahabharata are shown with scientific techniques. It is a must to explore the place for every visitor to the city.
- Pipli Zoo :- This is a small zoo spread over 27 acres. This zoo is a famous picnic spot for tourists. The zoo is home to several species of birds and animals. You can find monkeys of different kinds, tigers, Asiatic lions, cheetahs, and many more animals here. This zoo is the breeding centre of blackbucks.
- Bhor Saidan Crocodile Farm :- It was founded in 1982, by the government to maintain the ecological balance. This farm has a big pond filled with numerous crocodiles. These crocodiles are closely observed here by the experts. It is a huge farm where four pairs of crocodiles are bought from Madras.
Stories behind the majestic Sarovars of Thanesar
- Jyotisar :- It is a wetland near the bank of Jyotisar Sarovar. This is the place where Shri Krishan recited Bhagwat Geeta to Arjuna under a banyan tree. It is the most visited as well as a worshipped place here. It is believed that this tree is still present in the city. The light and sound show here in the evening is the major tourist attraction of the town.
- Bhishma Kund :- This pound is formed on the place where Bhishma Pitamah laid on the bed of arrows to witness the war of Mahabharata. It is a sacred pound formed from the spring of water which was founded by Arjuna to quench the thrust of Bhishma. This is a famous tourist attraction as well as an important site from Mahabharata.
- Brahma Sarovar :- It is a must to visit the location of Kurukshetra. This is a sacred water tank with a temple of Lord Shiva, which is believed to be established by Lord Brahma himself. It is an ancient destination as well as the most peaceful place here. Tourist visit here to dip in its holy water to gain solitude. The morning and evening aarti here are very famous.
- Sannihit Sarovar :- This beautiful reservoir is the meeting point of seven creeks of the holy River Sarasvati. A dip in this holy pond is compulsory while visiting the city during eclipse day. As it is said that a dip on Amavasya in this Sarovar will bring you the fortune of Aswamedha Yagya. This place is also considered the home of Lord Vishnu.
Ancient landmarks of Kurukshetra
- Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple :- This is the temple where Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva and got their blessings. According to the archaeological survey, it is believed that this temple was the capital of King Harsh Vardan. It is said that the pound in its premises is blessed with the power to heal.
- Bhadra Kali Temple :- It is one of the Shakti Peeths of the country. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali as well as has so much significance among the people. This temple is a place where you can fill yourself with spirituality and devotion. This temple is believed to be the place where Pandavas prayed before the war.
- Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb :- It is an old tomb with the finest Persian architecture. It is a beautiful place to visit in the city. As the name suggests it is the place where the dead remains of Sheikh Chilli are buried along with his wife’s. He was a well-known Sufi saint and had a generous personality. This tomb has a museum, madrasa, and tomb.
- Krishna Museum :- It is a must to explore things in the town. This museum is completely focused on the life of Shri Krishna. In this museum, there are six galleries with numerous paintings, stone sculptures, and bronze castings. This majestic museum has various shades of Lord Krishna from Mahabharata and Bhagwat Gita.
Conclusion
Hence Kurukshetra is a spiritual land having a lot of incidents happening here. People say that the soil of this city was once red in colour, as this land is the battlefield for the war of Mahabharata. This city is worshipped because Lord Krishna recited Bhagwat Geeta for the first time to Arjuna here. It is also said that you can witness the knowledge of Geeta in every crumb of this city. This city is a very important city in Hindu mythologies as well as has great significance among the people.
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