Kurukshetra Land of Geeta - Introduction

Kurukshetra is probably the most famous religious site in India and one of the most ancient places of pilgrimage in the world. The name of Kurukshetra derives from a tribe, Kuru. By the evidence of its name and its archaeological remains there can be no doubts that Kurukshetra was occupied by the Aryans. The city is said to be as old as the Rigveda, and was also called Saryanvat.

According to Mahabharat the land between the Saraswati and Drishdvati was called Kurukshetra, which covered an area of five yojanas in radius. The territory between Tarantuka and Arantuka and between Machkruka  and Ramhrada is called Kurukshetra, Samant Panchaka and the Northern Vedi of Brahma. Kurukshetra derives its religious sanctity from more than one source. Its religious importance has been described as the land of righteousness in Rigveda, Sathpath Brahaman, Jabali Upnishad, Puranas, Bhagwat Gita, Mahabharat and other religious books.

Kurukshetra has been declared as the land of Dharma or righteousness in the very first shloka of Srimadbhagwad Gita and it is quite evident that the name Kurukshetra was prevalent even before the great war of Mahabharat. It was after the name of King Kuru, the ancestor of Kauravas and Pandavas this place was called Kurukshetra. Prior to the name of Kurukshetra this place of pilgrim was known as 'Brahmkshetra', 'Bhrigukshetera', 'Aryavarat' and 'Samant Panchak ' etc. All these names can be found in the holy pages of Mahabharat.

List of Tirths

• Sannihit Sarovar - Situated at a distance of 3 km from Kurukshetra Railway Station on Pehowa Road, Sannihit Sarovar is believed to be the permanent abode of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that entire range of Tirthas assemble here on the Amavas day and if a man performs Shradhs at the time of solar eclipse and takes bath in this tank, he aquires the fruit of 1000 Ashwamedh sacrifices. The tank is 500 yard in length and 150 yards in breath. Pilgrims are led first to this holy spot at the time of solar eclipse. The idols of Lord Vishnu, Druv Bhagat, Lord Hanuman and Goddess Durga are placed here. Pilgrims also visit to Pandas and Tirath. Purohits who have their offices on the banks of Sannhit Sarovar, keeping the records hundreds of years old of the pilgrims coming from various parts of the country. People come here for Shradhs of their ancestors. Sikh Gurus have visited Kurukshetra from time to time. Pilgrims go to the Pnadas of their area and sign in their register after taking a bath.

• Braham Sarovar - The memoirs of Al Beruni, called 'Kitab-ul-Hind' mentions this sacred water tank. The water tank is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said in the scriptures that the holiness of performing 'Ashvamedh Yajna' can be achieved by a dip in this sacred water tank. This place is believed to be the land where civilization was born. Lord Brahma is said to have created the universe from this land. 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 all the attractive during the 'Deep Daan' and Aarti during Gita Jayanti in the later November and early December.