Jyotisar is located near Kurukshetra in Haryana and it is believed that the Bhagavad Gita was narrated by Sri Krishna to Arjuna here. A Vat Vriksha, a banyan tree, believed to be more than 8000 years is worshipped here. The tree was not properly maintained. Now efforts are being made to give a new lease of life to the tree.  Hindustan Times reports  A team of experts from Dehradun-based Forest Research Institute (FRI) will visit Jyotisar in a fortnight to launch restoration programme for the tree.  Experts have clarified that the preliminary investigations suggested that the ancient tree was not dying but suffocating due to unscientific methods being adopted for beautification.    They blame emphasis on superficial beautification and poor landscape planning for the deteriorating health of the holy banyan. The marble platform around the tree is doing the most harm.    FRI scientists said marble platform had hampered water-absorption capacity...

The Bhadrakali Temple, also known as Shri Devi Koop, holds significant religious and historical importance in Hindu mythology. As you mentioned, it is revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the sacred sites where various body parts of the goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva danced with her corpse. In the case of Bhadrakali Temple, it is believed that the right heel of Goddess Sati fell at this location. Located on Jhansa Road, north of Thanesar Town, the temple attracts devotees from far and wide who come to seek blessings and pay homage to the divine goddess. It is said that the Pandavas, the legendary protagonists of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, sought blessings at this temple before embarking on the Kurukshetra War. One fascinating legend associated with the Bhadrakali Temple is the mundan sanskar, or the hair removal ceremony, of Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama. It is believed that this sacred ritual was performed at this very temple, adding to its sanctity and historical signif...

The Arunay Temple, situated in Arnai, Kurukshetra, holds significant spiritual and cultural importance. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it stands as a symbol of devotion and reverence. However, what truly sets this temple apart is its location at the confluence of the Saraswati River and the Arunay River, adding a layer of sanctity and significance to the site. This confluence of rivers is considered highly sacred in Hindu tradition, believed to possess profound spiritual energy. The presence of both the Saraswati River, revered as the river of knowledge and wisdom, and the Arunay River, adds to the spiritual aura of the temple and its surroundings. Annually, during the auspicious occasion of Shivratri, which falls in the Phalgun month of the Hindu calendar, the Arunay Temple becomes a focal point for devotees. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the temple, drawn by the allure of participating in the vibrant celebrations and seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. The Shivratri festival and fa...

Located at Kurukshetra in Haryana, Kamal Nabhi Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu and Brahma. The sacred spot is associated with creation in Hindu tradition - Brahma atop lotus from navel of Vishnu. It is located near Thanesar town and is around 3 km from Kurukshetra Railway Station. As per Hindu tradition, after the great deluge, Srihari Vishnu alone floats atop a banyan leaf. Jagadamba (Goddess Shakti) appears before the Vatapatrasayi  Vishnu and reminds him that it is time for the next cycle of creation. Then from the navel of Vishnu appears a lotus with Brahma atop it . Kamal Nabhi Temple at Kurukshetra is based on this divine event. The temple has numerous images of Brahma and Vishnu. A sacred tank is located near the temple. 

Sannihit Sarovar is an important sacred pond in Kurukshetra in Haryana. The belief is that it is formed by the merging of all the rivers in the world and some legend has it that seven Saraswati rivers merge here. Bathing in the Sannihit Tirth on Amavasya, or no moon day, in Hindu lunar calendar is considered highly auspicious. Legend has it that all the rivers of the world complained to Vishnu that they were polluted due to humans washing their sins in them. Vishnu as a solution asked them to collect in the Sannihit Sarovar on Amavasya day and get all the sins removed. Thus Sannihit Sarovar became a holy spot for those looking for redemption of sins. There are numerous temples located near the Sarovar – the most famous among them is that of Laxminarayan Temple . Other temples are of Hanuman, Durga, Dhruv and Vishnu. There is also a Birla Mandir nearby. Sannihit Sarovar is located near the Kurukshetra Railway Station.

Narkatari Temple at Kurukshetra in Haryana is believed to the spot where Bhishma lied down on a bed of arrows after he was defeated by Arjuna in the battle of the Kurukshetra in the Mahabharata. There is a holy tank or Kund known as Bhishma kund and a small temple here. It is around 2 km from Thanesar on the Kurukshetra-Pehowa road. Bhishma Narkatari Temple and pond is of great significance as Arjuna brought Ganga as a spring from the ground here using his arrows to quench the thirst of Bhishma. It is at the same spot, Bhishma gave numerous advices to Yudhishtira and the other Pandavas regarding worldly conduct and how to rule to a kingdom. It is at the same spot, Bhishma finally died as he had got the boon that he will only die when he wished to die.  

A sacred lake, Brahma Sarovar at Kurukshetra in Haryana is believed to be spot from where Brahma created living beings on earth. It is also and important bathing spot during Surya Grahan, or Solar Eclipse. Brahma Sarovar is around 1 km from Kurukshetra Railway Station. There are two islands in Brahma Sarovar. There are numerous temples on the islands and there is holy tirth known as Chitrakupam on one of the islands. Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple , Birla Gita Mandir and Baba Sharwannath’s Temple are located here. Thousands of people take holy dip in the sarovar on the Amavasya day – no moon day – in Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that bathing on Amavasya day will help in redemption of sins. Brahma Sarovar also attracts thousands of devotees during Gita Jayanti day. Special aarti and satsangs are held during the period.

The Lakshminarayan Temple in Kurukshetra holds significant cultural and religious importance in the region. Situated on the serene banks of the Sannihit Sarover, this temple stands as a testament to the rich architectural heritage of India. Despite its modest size, the Lakshminarayan Temple captivates visitors with its graceful design and intricate craftsmanship. Adjacent to the Sri Krishna Museum, the temple forms part of a spiritual hub that draws pilgrims and tourists alike. Surrounding the Lakshminarayan Temple are other sacred sites dedicated to various deities such as Dhruv Narain, Vishnu, Hanuman, and Goddess Durga, contributing to the spiritual ambiance of the area. The temple experiences its peak activity during the Amavasya day, a significant lunar phase in Hindu tradition. On this auspicious day, thousands of devotees flock to the temple to partake in rituals and seek blessings. The Sannihit Sarovar becomes a focal point, with people arriving to cleanse themselves in...

Jyotisaras is a holy place located near Kurukshetra in Haryana and it is believed that the Bhagavad Gita was narrated by Sri Krishna to Arjuna here. A Vat Vriksha, a banyan tree, believed to be more than 8000 years is worshipped here. Jyotisaras is located on the Pehowa – Kurukshetra Road and is around 5 km from Kurukshetra. It was at Jyotisaras, Krishna showed the Virat Roopa. The Banayan Tree standing here is witness to the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata. It was also lucky to listen to the Gita and also witness the Virat Roopa. Today one can see a marble chariot depicting Arjuna and Krishna . There is also a mango shaped pond. Another highlight is an old Shiva Temple .

An ancient temple, Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple is located at Thaneshwar in Kurukshetra in Haryana. The temple is dedicated to Shiva. The temple is small but unique and it is believed that Pandavas before the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata took the blessings of Shiva here. Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple is around 2km from the Kurukshetra Railway Station. Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Shivling and the place is famous as Pandavas visited the shrine. A water tank is located near the temple and the water in it is believed to have medicinal properties. Legend has it that many people including King Bana had got cured from leprosy after sprinkling the water from the tank. Many believe that a visit to Kurukshetra is incomplete without having the darshan of Sthaneshwar Mahadev. You do the puja of Shivling directly – a Nandi sits facing the Shivling. 

Pehowa is a holy place located near Kurukshetra in Haryana. It is around 27 km from Kurukshetra. The small pond here is believed to be River Saraswati which has gone underground. Shradh for those people who were killed or died in accidents are performed here. The pond is surrounded by numerous temples. The Tirth is also known as Prithudhak Teerth. It is believed that taking a holy dip in this Tirth will help in attaining Moksha. Shradh, Tarpan and other rituals are performed here for those who met with unnatural death. It is believed that souls of such people get peace due to the rituals performed here. Legend has it that King Prithu performed the last rites of his father here on the banks of Saraswati River . Thus children come here to perform the Shradh of their father. This is also a rare place with a temple dedicated to River Saraswati.

Kurukshetra is the place where Sri Krishna advised Arjuna in the Mahabharata and this unparalleled conversation came to be known as Bhagavad Gita. Kurukshetra is also the place where the Mahabharata war took place.  Kurukshetra is a large place and there are numerous temples, tirths and sacred spots most of them associated with the Mahabharata. These sacred places are today found in Kurukshetra, Karnal and Kaithal District. Some of the important temples and sacred spots any visitor should visit are: Brahma Sarovar – The Lake – Brahma Sarovar – here is famous for taking holy dip during Surya Grahan, the solar eclipse. There are two islands in the lake with temples and sacred spots. Sannihit Sarovar – The pond here is formed by the merging of seven rivers. Worshipping and taking a holy dip on Amavasya is considered sacred. Lakshmi Narayana Temple – Located on the banks of the Sannihitha Pond. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Vishnu. Thaneswar ...

The Sri Krishna Museum at Kurukshetra in Haryana is the only museum in the world exclusively dedicated to Lord Krishna. Bhagavad Gita was rendered by Lord Krishna at Kurukshetra. Conceived by Gulzari Lal Nanda, who was twice the acting Prime Minister of India, in 1987, the Museum in its present form was inaugurated by, Shri R Venkatraman, President of India on July 28, 1991. Today, two blocks of Shri Krishna Museum at Kurukshetra have six different galleries which present and preserve ideals associated with Lord Krishna. The main attraction here is the huge paintings depicting the battle of Kurukshetra. Wood carvings, metal castings, ivory carvings dedicated to Lord Krishna are the main attraction in the first gallery. Second gallery consists of archeological objects associated with Lord Krishna. Miniature paintings, palm leaf etchings, Pahari and Rajasthani paintings, murals and illustrated manuscripts are part of the third gallery. Important episodes in the Life of Krishn...