Overview
Kurukshetra: Land of Eternal Bliss
Some cities have secured a permanent place in history. Ancient texts like the Vedas and Puranas highlight the great events that occurred here, making Kurukshetra a land of mythological and historical significance.
Kurukshetra is renowned as the birthplace of the Bhagavad Gita, the holy scripture of Hindus. The name ‘Kurukshetra’ means Land of the Kauravas and is also known as Uttravedi, Brahmavedi, and Dharmakshetra. Located in Haryana, it is revered nationwide for its sacred association with the Vedas and Puranas.
Kurukshetra Tourism offers sightseeing options such as museums, galleries, forts, tombs, science centers, exquisite temples, and sacred water tanks. Visitors can also explore planetariums and forest reserves if time permits.
The city derives its name from King Kuru of the Bharata Dynasty. Known as Thanesar in ancient times, Kurukshetra witnessed the legendary Mahabharata battle, where Lord Krishna preached the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
Don’t miss tasting the local cuisine, especially the sweet dish Malpua, made of maida and milk, deep-fried in pure butter.
Main travel attractions of Kurukshetra:
Jyotisar Temple
A celebrated temple where Lord Krishna preached the Bhagavad Gita. Devotees visit the holy Banyan tree offshoot and take a dip in the adjacent Brahma Sarovar. Daily aarti and a sound and light show recreate episodes from the Mahabharata.
Bhadrakali Temple
Dedicated to Bhadrakali, a form of Goddess Shakti, this temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths. Devotees offer terracotta horses upon the fulfillment of wishes.
Brahma Sarovar
An ancient holy water tank of immense religious and historical importance. It is among the largest man-made tanks in Asia. Separate bathing areas exist for men and women. A dip here is believed to wash away sins, attracting thousands during eclipses.
Bhishma Kund
A large water reservoir named after Bhishma from the Mahabharata. Legend states that Arjuna shot an arrow here to provide Bhishma water during the 10-day battle.
Krishna Museum
Established in 1987, it exhibits artefacts of Lord Krishna and his incarnations from 1st to 11th century AD, including wooden carvings, ivory works, pal-leaf etchings, stone sculptures, and other archaeological artefacts. The museum has six galleries.
Kalpana Chawla Planetarium
Built in memory of astronaut Kalpana Chawla, the planetarium features opto-mechanical and digital projectors, an exhibit gallery, and an astro-park.
Nearby Attractions from Kurukshetra
Visitors can explore Patiala (60 km) and Chandigarh (88 km).
Shopping in Kurukshetra
Popular markets include Tula Ram Market, Shastri Market, Shree Krishna Market, and Virk Market.
Timing
The best time to visit is February to March. The Lohri Festival in January is also a lively time to experience the city’s festive spirit.
How to Reach
Air: Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi, well connected nationally and internationally.
Rail: Kurukshetra Junction connects to Delhi, Kalka, Pune, and other major cities.
The historical and religious sites in Kurukshetra attract tourists and history enthusiasts alike. A trip to Kurukshetra offers both education and spiritual enrichment.
