Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra is situated in the north Indian state of Haryana. The
name Kurukshetra was originally given to an area covered by 48 kosas
(an Indian form of measuring land) where 860 places of pilgrimage
related to the Mahabharata exist today. Extending between 29.97'N
and 76.85'E, Kurukshetra is in the district of Karnal, about 150
km northw.
Kurukshetra is a place of great historical and religious importance,
revered all over the country for its sacred association with the
Vedas and the Vedic Culture. It was here that the battle of Mahabharat
was fought and Lord Krishna preached his Philosophy of 'KARMA' as
enshrined in the Holy Bhagwad-Gita, to Arjuna at Jyotisar. In the
very first verse of Bhagwad-Gita, Kurukshetra is described as DHARAMKSHETRA
i.e. 'Region of righteousness'. According to Hindu mythology, the
name Kurukshetra applied to a circuit of about 48 KOS or about 128
Km which includes a large number of holy places, temples and tanks
connected with the ancient Indian traditions and the Mahabharat
War and Kurus, the ancestor of Kouravs and Pandavs. Kurukshetra
is intimately related to the Aryan civilization and its growth along
the Saraswati river.
Excursion
There are about 360 Tirthas of religious and historic importance.
The foremost among the Kurukshetra tirthas are Brahmsarovar or Kurukshetra
Tank, Sannihit Tank, Sthanesvra Mahadev Mandir, Jyotisar, Baan-ganga,
Bhisam Kund (Narkatari) Chandrakupa, Nabhi Kamal, Bhadarkali Mandir,
Arnai Temple, Prachi Tirath Pehowa, Saraswati Tirath Pehowa, Prithduk
Tirath Pehowa, Rantuk Yaksh Bir pipli, Karan Ka Tila,etc.
A few archaeological sites which have yielded various objects of
interest and a distinctive class of pottery known as the Painted
Grey Ware (PGW) are Raja Karan Ka Tila, Asthipura, Bhor Saidan,
Bhagpura and Daulatpur.
Kurukshetra is one of the very few places visited by all the Sikh
Gurus and Gurdwaras have been erected to commemorate their visit,
the most prominent among them being the Gurdwara Patshahi dedicated
to the sixth Guru Hargobind. Hundreds of devotees visit this shrine
every day whose design is simply marvelous.
The eighth Sikh guru Harkishan performed a miracle of making a deaf
and dumb boy recite verses from the Bhagvad-Gita. The ninth Guru,
Teg Bahadur, set camp near Sthaneshwar tirtha where a gurdwara now
stands. Gurdwara Rajghat, the biggest all the Kurukshetra gurdwaras,
is located near the main bank of the Kurukshetra tank. This was
built in the memory of the Guru Gobind Singh who came here.
Tomb of Sufi saint Sheikh Chilhi Jalal is a fascinating monument,
octagonal in shape, crowned with a dome of white marble and surrounded
by a white marble courtyard. Also worth a visit are, Chini Masjid
and Pathar Masjid.
Festivals
Each year in November and December, the Brahma Sarovar attracts
large crowds to observe Deep Daan and Aarti, the ceremonies especially
held to celebrate Gita Jayanti. There are also theatre performances,
music recitals and pageants that bring the atmosphere to life.
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Getting There
Kurukshetra is well connected and has many access by Road, Rail
and Air. The journey is comfortable with various facilities provided
enroute.
By Air
The Airports close to Kurukshetra are at Delhi and Chandigarh, which
are well connected by road and rail. Taxi service is also available.
By Rail
Kurukshetra is a railway junction, well connected with all important
towns and cities of the country. The Shatabadi Express halts here.
By Road
Buses of Haryana Roadways and other State Corporations ply through
Kurukshetra and connect it to Delhi, Chandigarh and other important
places.
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Weather
Climate of the district is very hot in summer (upto 47 C) and cold
in winter (down to 1 C) with rains in July and August.
Best time to visit
Climatically, Kurukshetra has three major seasons. The summer season
(April'June) raises the mercury to as high as 110'F. Rainy season
is from July to September. The average annual rainfall is 58 cm.
Winter months are from October to March, when the temperature dips
to as low as 40'F. This is the best season to visit Kurukshetra.
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General Information & Accomdation info on Kurukshetra city of Haryana - India
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