Kurukshetra is a city located in the Indian state of Haryana. It is situated approximately 160 km north of New Delhi and is considered a holy place for Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, Kurukshetra is the site where the epic battle of the Mahabharata was fought between the Pandavas and Kauravas. It is believed that Lord Krishna preached the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna at this site during the battle.
Kurukshetra is home to several important Hindu temples and pilgrimage sites. The most famous of these is the Brahma Sarovar, a sacred tank located in the heart of the city. The tank is surrounded by several temples and is considered a holy site for Hindus.
Apart from its religious significance, Kurukshetra is also known for its historical and cultural heritage. The city has several museums and monuments, including the Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre, which showcases the history and culture of the region.
Kurukshetra is also a major educational hub, with several prestigious universities and colleges located in the city. It is known for its focus on science and technology education, and is home to the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra.
In conclusion, Kurukshetra is a city with a rich history and cultural significance, and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Its museums, monuments, and educational institutions make it an interesting destination for visitors interested in exploring the region’s history and culture.
Other Names Of Kurukshetra:
Kurukshetra is an ancient city located in the state of Haryana in India. It is a holy place for Hindus and is known for the famous battle of Mahabharata that took place here. Some of the other names of Kurukshetra are:
- Dharmakshetra: It is believed that Kurukshetra is a place where righteousness, truth, and justice prevailed during the battle of Mahabharata, hence it is also known as Dharmakshetra.
- Brahmadevakula: It is believed that the place was visited by Lord Brahma during the early days, and hence it is also known as Brahmadevakula.
- Uttaradevi: It is believed that the goddess Uttaradevi (the mother of Abhimanyu) was worshipped here.
- Kurukshetrapuri: Kurukshetra is also known as Kurukshetrapuri, which means the city of Kurukshetra.
- Samantapanchaka: The region surrounding Kurukshetra is known as Samantapanchaka, which includes five holy places- Kurukshetra, Prabhasa, Haridvara, Varanasi, and Dwarka.
- Brahmavarta: It is believed that Kurukshetra was a place of the origin of the Vedic civilization and hence it is also known as Brahmavarta.
Historical Importance Of Kurukshetra:
Kurukshetra is an ancient city located in the state of Haryana in India. It holds great historical and religious importance in Indian culture. Here are some of the historical importance of Kurukshetra:
- The Battle of Mahabharata: The most significant historical event associated with Kurukshetra is the battle of Mahabharata, which took place here. The battle was fought between the Kauravas and Pandavas, two branches of the same dynasty, and resulted in the victory of the Pandavas. This battle is considered a significant event in Indian history and has been narrated in the epic Mahabharata.
- Vedic Civilization: Kurukshetra is also considered the cradle of Vedic civilization, which dates back to more than 5,000 years ago. According to Hindu mythology, this region was blessed by Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, and hence it is considered a sacred place.
- Spiritual Significance: Kurukshetra is also known as the land of spirituality, and several saints and sages, including Lord Krishna, have visited this place. It is believed that the holy Gita Updesh or the discourse of Bhagavad Gita was given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna at Kurukshetra, making it a significant place for spiritual seekers.
- Archeological Significance: Kurukshetra is also rich in archaeological significance, with several excavations revealing evidence of ancient civilizations. The remains of a pre-Harappan civilization have been found here, and several other excavations have also unearthed pottery, beads, and other artifacts.
Overall, Kurukshetra is a place that holds immense historical, religious, and spiritual significance in Indian culture and is considered a sacred place for Hindus.
How to Reach Kurukshetra:
Kurukshetra is located about 150 kilometers north of the national capital, Delhi. There are several ways to reach Kurukshetra:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Kurukshetra is the Chandigarh International Airport, which is about 85 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kurukshetra.
- By Train: Kurukshetra has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Trains like Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, and Haryana Express connect Kurukshetra to Delhi, Chandigarh, and other major cities in the region.
- By Bus: Kurukshetra is well-connected by road, and there are regular buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other nearby cities. Haryana Roadways and other private operators run buses to Kurukshetra.
- By Car: You can also reach Kurukshetra by car. The city is located on National Highway 44, which connects it to Delhi and other cities in the region. You can hire a taxi or drive your own car to reach Kurukshetra.
Overall, Kurukshetra is well-connected to other parts of India, and you can choose the mode of transport that is most convenient for you.
10 Interesting Facts Of Kurukshetra:
- Kurukshetra is an ancient city located in the state of Haryana, India. It is believed to be the site of the famous battle of Mahabharata.
- Kurukshetra is also known as the “Land of Bhagavad Gita” as the holy book of Hindus, Bhagavad Gita was preached by Lord Krishna at this very place.
- The name “Kurukshetra” is derived from the name of the Kuru dynasty, which ruled the region during ancient times.
- According to Hindu mythology, Kurukshetra was once a holy place where the gods came to bathe in the sacred waters of the Saraswati River.
- Kurukshetra is home to several ancient temples, including the Brahma Sarovar, which is one of the largest man-made tanks in the world.
- The Kurukshetra University, located in the city, is one of the largest universities in Haryana and offers a range of courses in various disciplines.
- The city hosts a famous annual fair called the Kurukshetra Mela, which attracts visitors from all over India.
- Kurukshetra is also known for its production of high-quality rice, which is exported to various countries around the world.
- The city is home to several parks and gardens, including the Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple and the Birla Mandir.
- Kurukshetra has been declared as a holy city by the Indian government and attracts a large number of pilgrims every year.
10 Places To Visit In Kurukshetra:
- Brahma Sarovar: This is a sacred water tank located in Kurukshetra and is believed to be the spot where Lord Brahma created the universe. It is also the venue of the International Gita Mahotsav, which is celebrated every year in December.
- Jyotisar: This is the place where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna during the battle of Mahabharata. A marble statue of Lord Krishna and Arjuna can be found at this spot.
- Sannihit Sarovar: This is another sacred water tank in Kurukshetra, which is believed to be the meeting point of seven rivers. It is also the site of a popular annual fair called the Sannihit Sarovar Mela.
- Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre: This museum showcases the history, culture, and science of Kurukshetra through various exhibits and interactive displays.
- Bhadrakali Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali and is located on the banks of the Saraswati River and is believed to be over 500 years old.
- Sheikh Chehli’s Tomb: This tomb is located in the old city of Kurukshetra and is the final resting place of Sheikh Chehli, a famous Sufi saint.
- Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium: This planetarium is named after Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-American astronaut who died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003. It features several shows and exhibits related to space and astronomy.
- Krishna Museum: This museum showcases the life and teachings of Lord Krishna through various exhibits and artifacts.
- Dharohar Haryana Museum: This museum features exhibits related to the history, culture, and heritage of Haryana.
- Pipli Zoo: This zoo is home to several species of animals and birds, including tigers, leopards, deer, and peacocks and is a popular spot for families and children.
Delicacies And Cuicines Of Kurukshetra:
Kurukshetra is located in the state of Haryana in North India, and its cuisine is influenced by the local Haryanvi food culture. Here are some of the popular delicacies and cuisines of Kurukshetra:
- Kadhi Pakora: This is a popular Haryanvi dish made with yogurt, gram flour, and deep-fried pakoras (dumplings) and is usually served with rice or roti.
- Bajre ki Roti: This is a flatbread made with millet flour and is a staple food in Haryana and is usually served with sarson ka saag (a dish made with mustard greens).
- Besan Masala Roti: This is another type of flatbread made with gram flour and spices. It is a popular breakfast dish in Haryana.
- Kachri ki Sabzi: This is a vegetable dish made with a local vegetable called kachri, which is similar to a cucumber and is usually served with roti or rice.
- Lassi: This is a popular yogurt-based drink in Haryana, which is usually sweetened with sugar and flavored with cardamom.
- Churma: This is a sweet dish made with wheat flour, ghee, and sugar and usually served as a dessert after a meal.
- Kheer: This is a rice pudding made with milk, rice, and sugar. It is a popular dessert in Haryana and is usually served during festivals and special occasions.
- Rajma Chawal: This is a popular dish made with kidney beans and rice, which is a staple food in Haryana.
- Aloo Tikki: This is a popular snack made with boiled potatoes and spices and usually served with chutney or yogurt.
- Gajar ka Halwa: This is a sweet dish made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. It is a popular dessert in Haryana and is usually served during winters.
Hotels And Restaurants In Kurukshetra:
Hotels:
- Hotel 9th Planet: This is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Kurukshetra, offering modern amenities and spacious rooms.
- The Legend Sarovar Portico: This is a four-star hotel located near the Brahma Sarovar, offering comfortable rooms and excellent hospitality.
- Hotel Pearl Marc: This is a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Kurukshetra, offering clean and comfortable rooms.
- Hotel Rama Residency: This is a boutique hotel located in the outskirts of Kurukshetra, offering tranquil surroundings and comfortable rooms.
- Hotel Mela Plaza: This is a four-star hotel located near the Sannihit Sarovar, offering spacious rooms and excellent hospitality.
- Hotel Alpine: This is a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Kurukshetra, offering clean and comfortable rooms.
- Hotel Saffron: This is a three-star hotel located near the Brahma Sarovar, offering comfortable rooms and excellent hospitality.
- Hotel Tania: This is a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Kurukshetra, offering clean and comfortable rooms.
- Hotel Krishna Mahal: This is a three-star hotel located near the Jyotisar, offering comfortable rooms and excellent hospitality.
- Hotel Leela Grande: This is a luxury hotel located in the outskirts of Kurukshetra, offering spacious rooms and excellent hospitality.
Restaurants:
- The Feast Street: This is a multi-cuisine restaurant located in the heart of Kurukshetra, offering a range of dishes from Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine.
- The Yellow Chilli: This is a fine-dining restaurant located near the Brahma Sarovar, offering a range of North Indian and Mughlai dishes.
- The Curry Club: This is a casual dining restaurant located in the outskirts of Kurukshetra, offering a range of Indian and Chinese dishes.
- Goli Vada Pav: This is a fast-food chain located in the heart of Kurukshetra, offering a range of Mumbai-style vada pav and other street foods.
- Pind Balluchi: This is a themed restaurant located near the Jyotisar, offering a range of Punjabi dishes and live music.
- Tandoori Junction: This is a casual dining restaurant located in the heart of Kurukshetra, offering a range of North Indian and Mughlai dishes.
- Pizza Hut: This is a popular chain restaurant located in the heart of Kurukshetra, offering a range of pizzas and other Italian dishes.
- Domino’s Pizza: This is another popular chain restaurant located in the heart of Kurukshetra, offering a range of pizzas and other Italian dishes.
- Thali Point: This is a casual dining restaurant located in the outskirts of Kurukshetra, offering a range of North Indian thali and other dishes.
- Bikanervala: This is a popular chain restaurant located in the heart of Kurukshetra, offering a range of North Indian and Rajasthani dishes, as well as sweets and snacks.
Places Of Worship In Kurukshetra:
Kurukshetra is known as a holy city with a rich history of religion and spirituality. Here are some of the most popular places of worship in Kurukshetra:
- Brahma Sarovar: This is a holy tank located in the heart of Kurukshetra, and it is believed to be the spot where Lord Brahma created the universe. It is surrounded by many temples, including the famous Shri Krishna Museum.
- Jyotisar: This is a small town located on the outskirts of Kurukshetra, and it is believed to be the spot where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna during the Mahabharata war. There is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Krishna at this site.
- Sannihit Sarovar: This is another holy tank located in Kurukshetra, and it is believed to be the meeting point of seven sacred rivers. There are many temples and ashrams located near this tank, including the famous Gita Jayanti temple.
- Bhadrakali Temple: This is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, located near the Brahma Sarovar and is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India.
- Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb: This is a famous tomb located near the Brahma Sarovar, and it is believed to be the final resting place of Sheikh Chilli, a Sufi saint.
- Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple: This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the outskirts of Kurukshetra. It is believed to be one of the five holy shrines of the Panchkula district.
- Baba Nath Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near the Brahma Sarovar and is a popular destination for pilgrims and devotees.
- Gurdwara Rajghat: This is a famous gurdwara located on the banks of the Saraswati River, and it is believed to be the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited during his travels.
- Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre: This is a unique museum dedicated to the history and culture of Kurukshetra, including its religious significance.
- Jain Temple: This is a beautiful temple located on the outskirts of Kurukshetra, dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the founder of Jainism. It is a popular destination for Jain pilgrims and tourists.
Schools And Colleges In Kurukshetra:
Kurukshetra is a city in Haryana, India that has a number of schools and colleges offering education at various levels. Here are some of the schools and colleges in Kurukshetra:
- Kurukshetra University: This is a state university located in Kurukshetra, Haryana. It was established in 1956 and offers a wide range of courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
- National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra: This is a public engineering college located in Kurukshetra. It was established in 1963 and is one of the 31 National Institutes of Technology in India.
- Guru Nanak Khalsa College: This is a college affiliated to Kurukshetra University, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in science, arts, and commerce.
- Dyal Singh College: This is a college affiliated to Kurukshetra University, offering undergraduate courses in science, arts, and commerce.
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani: This is a private university located in Pilani, Rajasthan, with a campus in Kurukshetra. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in engineering, science, and management.
- Holy Child Public School: This is a co-educational English medium school affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), offering education from kindergarten to grade 12.
- DAV Public School: This is a co-educational school affiliated to CBSE, offering education from kindergarten to grade 12.
- Kurukshetra Public School: This is a co-educational school affiliated to CBSE, offering education from kindergarten to grade 12.
- Army Public School: This is a co-educational school affiliated to CBSE, offering education from kindergarten to grade 12.
- Kendriya Vidyalaya: This is a co-educational school affiliated to CBSE, offering education from kindergarten to grade 12. It is run by the Government of India and is located on the campus of National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra.
Conclusion:
Kurukshetra, located in the state of Haryana in India, is a city with a rich cultural and religious heritage. It is known as a holy city and is steeped in mythology and history, with many temples, tanks, and monuments that hold immense significance for Hindus. The city also has a vibrant educational system, with a number of schools and colleges offering education at various levels. From its delicious cuisine to its comfortable accommodations, Kurukshetra has something to offer to everyone. It is a city worth exploring and experiencing for its unique blend of history, culture, and spirituality.