Haryana, India
Haryana is one of the top sites in North India, with its capital in Chandigarh. Haryana by itself has several cities and towns, such as Gurgaon (Gurugram), Faridabad, Panipat, and Kurukshetra. In this state of India, sightseeing spots range from Pinjore Gardens, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Morni Hills, Pehowa, and Panipat.
Aside from these sites, Haryana is also a land of spirituality, known as the
heartland of the Mahabharata, particularly with Kurukshetra as the battlefield
where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita. The sacred sites in Kurukshetra
are located within a convenient distance, making it possible to visit them
within a single day (KOCHI, INDIA TOP THINGS TO DO).
Jyotisar Temple, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Jyotisar Temple is a pilgrimage site in India. To reach Jyotisar Temple,
transport stops at the main road. From there, a walk leads to Jyotisar Temple.
Jyotisar Temple is linked to the holy book Bhagavad Gita. It is believed to be
where Lord Krishna delivered the Gita to Arjuna, one of the most important
moments in the Mahabharata.
Located across a pond, the first prominent
landmark in Jyotisar Temple is the sacred banyan tree. Threads and strings can
be seen tied on the tree, marking a ritual for wishes, prayers, or blessings.
Tradition holds that Krishna delivered the Gita to Arjuna under the banyan
tree.
Within the circular area of the banyan tree are Arjuna’s chariot and an altar
for prayers. Visiting typically takes
less than 30 minutes and Jyotisar Temple remains a key pilgrimage site in
Kurukshetra, North India.
Bhisma Kund, Narkatari, India
Within a driving distance of about 30 minutes lies Bhishma Kund, also known as
Bhishma Pitamaha Kund. Within the site is a small temple dedicated to Bhishma
Pitamaha and a statue of Lord Hanuman. The feature also includes a sacred water
tank at the center, the spot believed to be where a spring emerged to provide
water to Bhishma.
It is usually a brief stop, as there is
not much to do except walk around and look down at the water tank. Bhishma Kund
is indeed, a significant site in North India.
The History of Bhishma Kund
Bhishma Kund is believed to be the place where Bhishma Pitamaha, the elder of
the Kuru dynasty, lay on a bed of arrows during the Kurukshetra War. According
to legend, Arjuna pierced the ground with an arrow, creating a spring called
Banganga to give Bhishma water while he was on his deathbed.
Bhishma, also known as Devavrata, was the son of King Shantanu and the river
goddess Ganga. He was an important figure in the Mahabharata, known for his
strong sense of duty and his vow of celibacy. Even though he loved the
Pandavas, he fought for the Kauravas. Bhishma had a special boon called Ichcha
Mrityu, which allowed him to choose the time of his death. After being badly
wounded in battle, he lay on the arrows for several days, giving advice and
wisdom to warriors from both sides.
Top Spiritual Sites in Kurukshetra, North
India
In Kurukshetra, there are two other sacred sites, Brahma Sarovar and Bhadrakali
Temple. It is worth including these sites, as they can be considered within a
15-minute driving distance from Bhishma Kund for Brahma Sarovar, and within
another 15 minutes’ drive for Bhadrakali Temple.
How long the visit takes depends on
individual preferences and the time allocated for a day trip in Kurukshetra,
North India.
Brahma Sarovar
Brahma Sarovar is a large, sacred water tank (sarovar) in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
It is believed to be the site where Lord Brahma created the universe. The
sarovar is especially crowded during solar eclipses, as bathing there is
thought to cleanse sins. A monumental bronze chariot of Lord Krishna and Arjuna
stands in the center, symbolizing the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Bhadrakali Temple
The Bhadrakali Temple in Thanesar, Kurukshetra, is dedicated to Goddess
Bhadrakali, a form of Shakti. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in India,
believed to be the site where the right ankle of Goddess Sati fell. The temple
is known for its spiritual significance and attracts numerous devotees.
