About Kurukshetra

Literally translated, Kurukshetra means the field of righteousness. Kurukshetra tourism is laden with history and mythology. It was here in Kurukshetra that the historic battle of Mahabharata between the Pandavas and Kauravas was fought. It was in this town where Lord Krishna sermonize the sacred Bhagwad Geeta to Arjun. The sacred text preaches about karma and propounds the paramount principles of the Hindu religion. Besides the Bhagwad Geeta, a good number of other sacred texts were also written here. Kurukshetra enjoys a rich and colourful history. With the passage of time, its sacredness only seemed to grow, and it was visited by Lord Buddha' and numerous Sikh gurus all of whom have left an indelible imprint in its rich religious fabric. Today, Kurukshetra tourism stands for unparalleled pilgrimage tours not just for the Hindus but for the Buddhists and Sikhs as well. The town has a large number of devotional centres including holy shrines, temples, Gurudwaras and kunds some of which have their roots in the earliest ages of the Indian civilization.

Thanesar

A part of district Kurukshetra in Haryana, Thanesar is a historically relevant city. Not just its present but events from the past too have much role to play when talking about Thanesar. From a town which had seen battles, has tales of religious importance along with that of various rulers, Thanesar today is a bustling city. There have been several advancements and much scope not only for the residents of Haryana, but from other cities as well. With good scope for education, Kurukshetra University and National Institute of Technology are part of Thanesar with the city further having a wide industrialisation and cultural prospects. From being a small, quiet village to becoming a modern city, Thanesar has come a long way. In this process there has been a rise in its approach towards tourism which has further contributed to that of the state. The city, which rests on the banks of Sarsawati Ghaggar River, attracts tourists from all parts of the country to witness its historic sites and learn about the culture of this closely knit society. Much of the city is surrounded by beautiful age old temples that has been restored and gather a number of followers each year. Thanesar is also home to some finest museums and historical monuments which stand charming in the heart of the city. The city in its growth is known by its events from the past which are fairly reflected through various elements when going about the city. Situated at a close distance from the capital city, the city’s location makes it reachable thus being inviting for tourists throughout the year.

Tourist Attractions In Kurukshetra : 22

Sort By Experiences :

Religious

Historical/Monument

Town/Village

Adventure

Museum/Gallery

1: Aapga Teerth

Aapga Teerth is situated near Aapga River. It is quite ancient and Holy River in the district. The Aapga Teerth is situated in the palace of King Karna. A pond is inside this pilgrimage which is constructed of Lakhori bricks. At each of the four corners of this pond; cenotaph is placed. The cenotaph has huge dome at the top and octagonal shape at base.

2: Amin Village

The name of the village, Amin, is derived from Abhimanyu, the son of Arjun, the hero of Mahabharata. The ancient site at this village is popularly known as 'Abhimanyukhera'. It is believed that this is the site of famous Chakravyuha, arranged by the Kauravas to fight with Pandavas. Abhimanyu, the son of Arjun had been trapped in this Chakravyuha and killed during Mahabharata war. The ancient site, in the shape of a mound, occupies an area of 650 mts x 250 mts. with maximum height of 10 mts. Two inscribed red sandstone pillars adorn with reliefs of Yaksha and other decorative motifs of circa 2nd century BC were found here and at present are displayed in the Sculpture Gallery at National Museum, New Delhi.

3: Asthipura

This historical site lies to the west of Thanesar and marks the place where the bodies of the dead soldiers of the Mahabharata war were said to have been cremated. Cunningham excavated the mound which measures about 700 feet by 500 feet and found an extensive platform of unbaked bricks still 364 feet in length. Besides, remains of walls and fragments of terracotta sculptures have also been found.

4: Bhadrakali Temple

A legendary temple that has close association with Pandavas, Bhadrakali temple at north Thaneswar holds much religious significance. Legend has it that the pandavas had performed austerities and rituals before their final battle against the Kauravas. This shrine houses various incarnations of Goddess Kali and it is considered as one among the Sakthi Peeths where the lower limb of Goddess Sati fell. Sakthi Peeths are those holy places where all the wishes are believed to be fulfilled. The devotees offer terracotta horse as a mark of respect to the deity. The temple has got a awe inspiring look after its renovation with beautiful red stone. Huge crowd gather in the holy premises of the temple on the eve of Navarathri celebrations and also on every Saturdays.

5: Bhor Saidan

It is a small village in Kurukshetra district. At about 13 kms to the west of Thanesar towards Pehowa lies the Bhurirava Tank. Tradition associates the place with the war of Mahabharata. Bhuri was son of Somadatta, King of Vaishali. The village is named Bhor after him. This small village is situated on an ancient mound.

6: Bhurishrava Teerth

Bhurishrava Teerth is 15 kms away from the Kurukshetra District; situated in Bhor Sainda town. According to the great epic 'Mahabharata' this pilgrimage is concerned with the son of the King Somdatt name Bhurishrava. There are 3 temples Bhuteshwar Temple, Mata Rajrajeshwari Temple and Sankat Mauchan Hanuman Temple situated in this pilgrimage. The Bhuteshwar Temple is the oldest among these three whereas both Mata Rajrajeshwari Temple and Sankat Mauchan Hanuman Temple is modern temple.

7: Brahma Sarovar

Every year lakhs of people come to take a holy bath at Brahma Sarovar on the occasion of "Somavati Amavasya". Brahma sarovar, as the name suggests, is associated with Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe. Since times immemorial, Kurukshetra has been the venue of the great purification ceremonies for salvation for pilgrims from the four corners of the country. The Matsya purana and Padma Purana, ancient Hindu text tell us that if an individual takes a holy dip in the sacred tanks of Kurukshetra, on the occasion of a Solar Eclipse, he attains the merits of a thousand Ashwamedha Yajna. The water tank is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Today Brahma Sarovar has been renovated. It is 1800 feet long and 1400 feet broad. Just in the vicinity of this sacred place are the Birla Gita Mandir and Baba Nath's haveli. The sight of Kurukshetra is exquisite especially in winters when birds migrate from ever different landmasses to take a dip in the waters. This beautiful looks attractive during the 'Deep Daan' and Aarti during Gita Jayanti in the later November and early December.

8: Bramha Sthan Teerth

Bramha Sthan Teerth is situated in Thana Town which covers 115 acre of land. Kurukshetra is the land of pilgrimage places. The pilgrimage places are situated almost in the all towns across the district. This teerth was described once in the epic Mahabharata. This is the pilgrimage of 'Lord Shiva'. This temple had been developed in Naagar form and situated on the height of 30 feet. The dome of the temple has many sculptures and carvings on it which comprises of Bamboo. Apart from this there is pond where different type of bird can be seen. The natural beauty surrounding to this pond is really mesmerising.

9: Buddhist Monuments

The holy land of Kurukshetra has been a witness to moment’s events of historical, cultural and religious importance. During Budda's time, the king of Kurus was called Koravya, and his debates with the elder Rattahpala, also a scion of the noble family of Kurus, are emobodied I the Rattahapala Satta. The famous Buddhist nuns Nanduttrara and Mittakali also belonged to this place. According to Dipavamsa Buddha went to a town of the Kuru region and reserved alms on the bands of Anotatta Lake, which he crossed. Udena's queen Magandiya belonged to the land of the Kurus, and Aggidatta, the prist of the Kosala king, lived on the boundary between the Kuru, Ariga and Magadha regions, and was honoured by the people of these kingdoms for forming his duties honourably and efficiently.

10: Chhnip Gyanuns

Chhnip Gyanuns is the pilgrimage in the district. Here the Nabhi Kamal is a sacred tank. It is believed that the tank houses a sacred lotus which happens to play abode to Lord Bramha. The Lord is believed to have manifested from the navel of the lotus.

11: Daulatpur

Daulatpur is another important archaeological site, situated on Thanesar Ladwa road near Pipli crossing, where excavations have revealed a relationship between the late phase of the Harappan and Painted Grey Ware cultures.

12: Gaalav Teerth

Gaalav Teerth is 38 kms away from the Kurukshetra District; situated in Guldehra Town. It is also known as Gaalib Teerth. This teerth is concerned of Maharshi Gaalav that’s why the name Gaalav Teeth came in existence. This pilgrimage is comprises of one pond and two small temples.

13: Kamyak Teerth

Kamyak Teerth is 14 kms away from the Kurukshetra District; situated in Kamauda Town. Nearby this plgrimage Kamyak forest is situated. A pond is situated in this pilgrimage which is construsted by Lakhori bricks. In this pilgrimage separate temple of Shiva and Singhwahini Durga are situated. The Durga temple is situated on some height. The idol of Ganesha and Hanuman are also settled in this temple.

14: Kurukshetra Panorama And Science Centre

Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre is a world class panorama depicting the Mahabharata war with scientific explanations justifying every episode in the war. There are also several scientific exhibits designed to kindle a curiosity for science.

15: Kurukshetra War

The Kurukshetra War was a war between the Kauravas and Pandavas, which formed an essential component of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Kurukshetra War is believed to date variously from 6000 BCE to 500 BCE. The Kurukshetra War lasted eighteen days. It was fought only during daylight hours; fighting ceased at sunset. The armies met on a vast field in Kurukshetra; each day the battle was characterised by numerous individual combats, as well as mass raids against entire enemy divisions. The victor or the vanquished on each day was determined not by any territories gained, but by the body count. This was a war to the death.

16: Manipurak Teerth

anipurak Teerth is 5 kms away from the Kurukshetra District; situated in Moortzapur Village. This pilgrimage is comprised of the temple of Gauri Shankar, Ganesh, Bala Sundari and Hanuman. The idol of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh and Nandi are also settled in this teerth.

17: Ojas Teerth

Ojas Teerth is situated in the Shamshipur Town, Kurukshetra District. To have a bath in the Ojas Kund is considered quite auspicious. The place is regularly visited by devotees.

18: Rantuk Yaksh Teerth

Rantuk Yaksh Teerth is 4 kms away from the Kurukshetra District; situated in Ratgal Village. It is situated on the bank of Saraswati River. Lord Shiva Temple is situated in the premises of this pilgrimage.

19: Sannihit Sarovar

Sannihit Sarovar is believed to be the meeting point of seven sacred Saraswatis. The sarovar, according to popular belief, contains sacred water. Bathing in the waters of the tank on the day of Amavasya or on the day of an eclipse bestows blessings equivalent to performing the ashvamedh yajna. Bathing in this sarovar is believed to offer peace to wandering and unhappy souls. Prayers and pind daan, a memorial service for the dead, is performed here. Alongside the sarovar are small shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Dhruv Narayan, Laxmi Narayan, Dhruv Bhagat, Sri Hanuman and Goddess Durga. The Sannihit Sarovar is believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu.

20: Sheikh Chehlis Tomb

It is a beautiful monument of medieval times. It contains the mortal remains of the great Sufi saint Abudul-Karim popularly known as Sheikh Chehli, who was also the spiritual teacher of the scholar prince Dara Shikoh, son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. Built of buff sandstone, the tomb is crowned by a pear shaped dome of marble on a high circular drum. The cenotaph of the revered saint is in the centre of the chamber while the grave rests in the lower. Another tomb of sand stone with a dome of marble decorated with floral designs is situated on the western wall of the enclosure. It is said to be Sheikh Chehli's wife. The beautiful monument resembles the Taj Mahal and in view of its architectural and historical importance, has been declared as a 'protected monument' of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

21: Sri Krishna Museum

Situated near Brahma Sarovar and set up by the Kurukshetra Development Board, it is one of the finest museums on the theme of Krishna. It has a collection of wide variety of beautiful sculptures, paintings and other artistic creations relating to the legend of Krishna. The Sri Krishna Museum comprises of six galleries in which a variety of art objects such as wood carvings, metal castings, ivory carvings, miniature paintings, palm leaf etches, illustrated manuscripts, tableaux depicting facets of life and exploits of Sri Krishna have been displayed. Paintings of the Kangra and Madhubani styles, pattachitra folk paintings of Orissa depicting scenes from Mahabharata have been prominently displayed. At the entrance of the Sri Krishna Museum, visitors are greeted by splendid sculpture of Ganesh in a dancing mudra. It has some historical artefacts and paintings depicting the Mahabharata war.

22: Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple

The ancient Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated in Thanesar, a holy town in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana. It was here that the Pandavas prayed to Lord Shiva and received his blessings for victory in the battle of Mahabharata. The ninth Guru, Shri Tegh Bahadur stayed at a spot near the Sthaneshwar Tirtha that is marked by a gurdwara just besides this temple. Legend has it that the waters of the tank adjoining the temple are holy. A few drops of water cured the King Ban of leprosy. No pilgrimage of Kurukshetra is believed to be complete without a visit to this ancient, holy temple. The tank and temple lie a short distance from the Thanesar town, which gets its name from this temple. It is also believed that Lord Shiva was first worshipped here in the form of a lingam. The ancestor of the Mahabharata heroes, Kuru, performed penance on the banks of the Yamuna and Parshuram; the great warrior sage killed many Kshatriyas here. The temple of Sthaneshwar is the abode of Lord Shiva and this town served as the capital of Emperor Harshavardhana. The temple with a dome-shaped roof follows a regional type of architecture. The facade of the roof is shaped like an 'amla' along with a tall pinnacle. The Lingam is ancient and still venerated by the local people.

How To Reach Kurukshetra

By Road - NH 1 connects Chandigarh and Delhi. Road network in Kurukshetra is very good by which all other major cities and states are connected.

By Air - The nearest airport is Chandigarh Airport which is about 75 kms from Kurukshetra.

By Bus - Haryana buses and private buses arrive and depart to various cities from Kurukshetra every minute regularly.

By Train - Kurukshetra has its own railway station which connects all neighbouring cities and states.

Getting Around - Auto rickshaws, taxi and private cabs are the best ways to travel the city. Local bus services are also available here to travel around the city.

Traditional Food (Regional cusine of Kurukshetra)

1 - MASALA BITE SOYA CHAAP SHOP, LOCATED AT SHOP NO 10 RAJENDRA NAGAR - (FAMOUS FOR PANEER TIKKA AND KULCHAS)

2 - GULSHAN BHAI, LOCATED AT RAILWAY ROAD - (FAMOUS FOR CHHOLE BHATURE)

3 - DADA'S, LOCATED AT KURUKSHETRA UNIVERSITY - {FAMOUS FOR TEA(CHAI)}

4 - SACHDEVA SWEETS, LOCATED AT STATE HIGHWAY 6, SHANTI NAGAR, THANESAR - (FAMOUS FOR SAMOSA)

5 - CHACHA DA PUNJABI DHABA, LOCATED AT SIRSALA - (FAMOUS FOR DAAL MAKHANI)

6 - ANMOL FOOD HUT, LOCATED AT 1/25, KURUKSHETRA, RAILWAY STATION AEA, THANESAR - (FAMOUS FOR SANDWICHES)