“Desan me desh Haryana, Jit doodh dahi ka khana.”
Introduction
The state of Haryana was formed on November 01, 1966. Earlier it was part of the state of Punjab in India. Its region covers 1.3 per cent of the country. It is situated in India’s northwestern area and encompassed by the territory of Himachal Pradesh toward the north, Uttrakhand toward the upper east, Rajasthan toward the south, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi toward the east and Punjab toward the northwest. It shares its capital city Chandigarh with the state of Punjab. Haryana has 22 districts, with Gurgaon, Faridabad, Kamal, Panipat, and Kurukshetra being significant. The state also has nine regions inside the Delhi National Capital Region, one of India’s quickest developing monetary areas.
As indicated by India’s 2011 enumeration information, Haryana included 5.96 per cent of India’s populace with a total population of 25.35 million, of which 13.5 million were male while 11.85 million were female. From 2017 to 2018, Haryana’s proficiency rate was 75.5 per cent, higher than the public normal of 73%. Haryana’s GSDP developed at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.66 per cent somewhere in the range of 2011 and 2012, just as somewhere in 2017 and 2018, coming to an expected US$94.4 billion somewhere in the field of 2017 and 2018. In a similar period, it had for every capita pay of US$2,975.29, while its GSDP developed 11.6 per cent, which was higher than India’s general GDP development pace of 9.8 per cent. From 2017 to 2018, Haryana contributed around 3.63 per cent to India’s economy.
Kurukshetra: Region of Righteousness
First verse of Bhagwad-Gita (धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः | मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किम् अकुर्वत संजय ||), defines Kurukshetra as DHARAMKSHETRA, i.e., ‘Region of Righteousness’. Kurukshetra is a spot of incredible spiritual and historical significance, worshipped all around the country for its holy relationship with the Vedic Culture. The battle of Mahabharat was fought here, and Lord Krishna lectured the Philosophy of ‘KARMA’ as revered in the Holy Bhagwad-Gita, to Arjuna at Jyotisar. Hindu folklore indicates that Kurukshetra is spread more than a circuit of around 48 KOS, which incorporates countless heavenly places, sanctuaries and hallowed tanks associated with the instances of Mahabharat War and Kurus, the precursor of Kauravas and Pandavs. Kurukshetra is personally identified with the Aryan civilization and its development up and down the hallowed waterway Saraswati.
It is accepted that the blessed waters of all holy streams stream/combine into Kurukshetra’s Sannehit Sarovar at the hour of Somavati ‘Amavasya’ and solar eclipse. It is accepted that the people who take a bath in the tanks at Kurukshetra go to paradise in the afterlife. Mahabharata expresses that one who gets death at Kurukshetra accomplishes salvation in the afterlife. The land where the sage Manu wrote his ‘Manusmriti’ and were learned ‘rishis’ mentioned in the Rig Veda and Sama Veda. Kurukshetra is named after King Kuru, who played out a preeminent penance to thrive the land and his kin.
ग्रह नक्षत्र ताराणां कालेन पतनाद~भयम् ||
कुरुक्षेत्रे मृताणां च पतन नैव विद्यते ||
Major Attractions
Let’s take a brief look at the holy place known for timeless euphoria and to feel its strict and heavenly intensity, legacy and vibe.
Brahma Sarovar
As the name recommends, Brahma Sarovar is related to Lord Brahma, the maker of the Universe. A holy dip in the sacred Sarovar during Solar Eclipse is viewed as equivalent to the benefits of performing a large number of Asvamedha Yajnas. As per Local Legends, this tank was first exhumed by King Kuru, the progenitor of Kauravs and Pandavas. Having seen its immense water body Abul-Fazl the retainer of Mughal sovereign Akbar during sun based overshadowing has portrayed the tremendous water body of this Sarovar as smaller than the usual Sea. As per the neighbourhood custom, a pinnacle was raised by Yudhistar in the island located in Sarovar as a badge of his triumph in the Mahabharata war. In a similar island complex lies an antiquated Draupadi kupa. The holy place of Lord Shiva, situated on the northern bank of the Sarovar, is called Sarveshwar Mahadev. As per the custom, the Shiva Linga was introduced here by Lord Brahma himself. Yearly Gita Jayanti festivities is hung on banks of bramsarover in November-December. Numerous specialists consider one parikrama of this tank equivalent to making one visit to all the tirth existing in the blessed circuit of Kurukshetra 48 Kos.
Gita Jayanti Celebrations- Gita Jayanti is the most well-known event celebrated at the Brahma Sarovar held in November and December. Deep Daan, in which lit lights are drifted in water and Aarti happen during the service. The devotees accept that one circumambulation of the holy tank is equivalent to visiting the Teertha existing in the blessed circuit of Kurukshetra once. The celebration continues for seven days to commend the introduction of Bhagavad Geeta. As the week progressed, dramatizations, dance exhibitions, social missions, shows, religious services and rivalries were coordinated. Additionally, some skilled craftsmen visit the Brahma Sarovar from everywhere in the nation and put their kiosks around the pool.
Jyotisar – The Birthplace of Gita
Jyotisar is where the consecrated Jyotisar, the origin of Gita, is the most worshipped tirtha of Kurukshetra. It is accepted that Mahabharat began from Jyotisar. Jyotisar signifies “the Core significance of light”, which is an ’emblematic reference to god’ or ‘heavenly insight’ and it is additionally accepted, the Great Sage Manu composed Manusmriti here. The Rig Veda and Sama Veda were consisting further here. This is where Lord Shri Krishna used his ruinous powers and started the elimination of the dwapar yuga. It is accepted that the Mahabharata war began from Jyotisar, where before the war, Arjuna received a special message of Gita from its propounder Lord Krishna. It is said that Adi Sankaracharya has recognized the spot during his visit to the Himalayas in the ninth centennial of the Christian period.
In 1850 A.D., the Ruler of Kashmir built one Shiva sanctuary at the tirtha. Again in 1924, King of Darbhanga raised a stone stage around the blessed banyan tree, which as per devouts, is the proof of the tune divine, i.e., Gita. The Banyan tree under which the everlasting message of blessed Geeta was followed through on the Chariot of Arjuna is accepted as 5,000-year-ancient and perhaps the most established tree (undying) of India. In 1967 Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kama Koti Peetha. Introduced the Chariot showing Gita Updesha on the stage, pointing toward the east. The tirtha in the past may be including the antiquated sanctuary, yet they couldn’t support given the wrath of the intruders in bygone eras. Engineering individuals from one such haven of the ninth, tenth century is put on the primary foundation of the sanctuary. The Haryana, Tourism is running a light and sound show day by day in Hindi and English in the evening.
Sannihit Sarovar
Accepted to be the long-lasting dwelling place of Lord Vishnu, Sannihit Sarovar is located a good ways off of 3 km. from Kurukshetra on Pehowa Road. It is assumed that upon the arrival of Amavasya, the whole fruit of Tirthas gets accumulated here, and according to the legends, if a man performs Shradhs at the hour of sunlight based overshadowing and washes up in this tank, he obtains the product of 1000 Ashwamedh penances. On Solar Eclipse, travellers accumulate at this sacred spot. People to this spot can know about their predecessors from the Purohits, or Pandas, who have been the record attendants of the travellers coming from different country pieces for a long time. Sikh Gurus also have visited this sacred spot now and then.
Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre
Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Center (KPSC) in Kurukshetra, working under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, is occupied with advocating and advancing science, particularly among the young through different intelligent models, presentations, instructive projects and exercises overtime after the initiation on sixth March 2001 by the then Hon’ble previous Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Display On Mahabharata: Battle of Kurukshetra- The fundamental attraction of the Center is a day-to-day existence like Panorama of the epic battle of Mahabharata fought at Kurukshetra. Remaining at the focal point of the barrel-shaped lobby, Visitors can observe the transcending 34 feet high compositions of the scenes from the 18-day conflict between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, waking up before their eyes. The arrangement of Mahabharata is accepted to have been done between c.400 BC to AD 400. The epic involves lots of logical significance. They are identified with different parts of science like cosmology, medication, science, organic science, zoology, waring, topographical information and so on Topographical advancement of our property, the topography of ancient India and the primary characters of the epic and so on help and supplement a portion of these references. Show through slides portrays how and when the seven-mainland hypothesis arose whose most punctual connections happen in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Patanjali.
Indian Scientific Heritage Gallery- This presentation archives the time travel through the 4500 years of brilliant practice and culture of Indian science. Visitors can understand the reason why and how science was significant to ancient Indians. We can find the shades of 20th century thinking in the ancient Sanskrit texts in which ideas of issue, atomism and grandiose advancement were recorded for any family down the line. Essentials of math, space science, calculation, variable based math, and numbers (extremely huge and tiny that were important for Indian social life for millennia) are portrayed utilizing intelligent introductions and pictorial boards. The absolute most essential revelations around there, like arithmetic, medication, cosmology, natural sciences, artistry and art and so forth, made in India, were contemporary to the best on the planet.
Kalpana Chawla Planetarium
Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium located at Kurukshetra-Pehowa street (close to Jyotisar Tirth) established by Haryana State Council for Science and Technology (HSCT), Govt. of Haryana in cooperation with the National Council for Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India in memory of India’s first lady Astronaut Dr Kalpana Chawla. The planetarium worked at the expense of 6.50 crores covers a space of 5 sections of land. Encircled by rambling green fields and rich Astro-park, the planetarium is excellent for the individuals who try to escape from the commotion and residue rushing about of substantial urban areas. The planetarium offers a mix of serene environmental factors and space science shows utilizing the most recent innovation supplies. In a minimal ability to focus time, the planetarium has arisen as one of the city’s extraordinary and most loved places of interest.
The phenomenal projects and supporting shows put inside and in the Astro-park help the understudies specifically and individuals everywhere in learning this boondocks space of science and fulfil their interests with an entire scope of data about the Space. The cosmology shows are usually run in the Hindi language, and exceptional presentations in Hindi and English dialects are also led by the interest for gatherings. The planetarium was dedicated to the country by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana on 24.07.2007.
Planetarium Shows- The Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium is outfitted with the most recent Opto-mechanical and computerized Projectors; 5.1 encompasses sound for full arch planetarium programs projection. The planetarium framework is housed in a 12-meter arch having a unidirectional guest plan of 120 people. Planetarium shows named “ Astronaut “ and “ Oasis in Space “ run for general Visitors.
Display Gallery-The display of the planetarium has intelligent shows on cosmology. The long-lasting display shows A stroll through Time, Day and Night, Your weight on various planets, Seasons on Earth, World Time, Our Address in Universe, Our Solar System, Beyond Solar System, Astro Quiz, Zodiac Quiz and so forth to the Visitors. An exceptional piece of display illuminates the existence of Dr Kalpana Chawla.
Astro Park-An outside work involving Samrat Yantra, Sundial, World Time, Turn Faster, Celestial Umbrella, Why do we see one face of Moon? Optical tree, Eclipses, Totems Of Time, Gravity well, Planetrack and a few different shows are shown amid a rich green atmosphere.
Shri Krishna Museum
The exhibition hall unwinds the guise of Lord Krishna. It tries to introduce the diverse character of Krishna as described in the scenes of Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana. The exhibition hall has six displays, three each in two squares. In plain view are stone models, bronze castings, leaf etchings, scaled-down artistic creations, mud stoneware and earthenware relics. This historical CenterCenter is the Multimedia Mahabharata, and Gita Gallery set up by Haryana Tourism in a joint effort with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Sheikh Chaheli’s Tomb
The wonderful burial place and the madrasa (school) are related with the Sufi holy person Abdur-Rahim nom de plume Abd-ul-Razak, prevalently known as Shaikh Chehli (likewise articulated Chili) accepted to be the otherworldly educator of the Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh, the child of Emperor Shahjahan. The burial place, neglecting the madrasa and remaining on a counterfeit porch, is octagonal fit with the passage in the south. It is worked of buff sandstone and is delegated with a pear-formed arch of white marble remaining on a high roundabout drum.
The holy person’s cenotaph possesses the chamber’s focal point, while his grave is situated in the lower section, which conjoins the madrasa through a limited display. The madrassa has nine-angled openings on each side of a focal patio with a stone masonry tank in the middle. John Dawkins, the then collector of Thaneshar, was instrumental in getting the burial place fixed in 1854 AD. The artefacts recuperated from the unearthings at Harsh ka Tilla and Bhagwanpura (both fizzling in the locale of Kurukshetra) are shown in two small historical centres of the madrasa building.
Raja Harsha Ka Tila
The archaeological unearthings of this site have illuminated the remaining progressive parts of an ancient city settlement. The area is spread over a space of 1kmx750 m. Shri B.M Pandey from Archeological Survey of India uncovered this site. Many potsherds of Painted Gray Ware were found from the most minimal level of the area, showing a settlement before beginning a persistent home at the site since Christian time. The exhumed material going from Circa first century A.D. to nineteenth-century was isolated in six social periods.
Vishvamitra Ka Tila
Pehowa, the name of this town, originated from its Pauranic name, Prithudaka, and the legend goes that lord Prithu was the originator of this town. Two engravings of the Gurjar-Pratihara period have been found at Pehowa. One engraving from this spot records the formation of three Vishnu sanctuaries around here. Another engraving, still in the Garibnath Mutth at Pehowa, of Raja Bhojdeva of 882 AD, records an assortment of deliberate expense from every broker with the end goal of upkeep of these Vishnu sanctuaries existing there and somewhere else. This site of Vishvamitra ka Tila, too, contained the remaining parts of one of the Vishnu sanctuaries at this spot.
Raja Karna Ka Qila
First reviewed by Alexander Cunningham, the hill was uncovered by D.B. Spooner of Archeological Survey of India in 1921-23. Afterwards, the archaeological unearthings by Prof U.V.Singh of Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archeology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, have discovered the remaining parts of three colonial periods going from Circa fourth century B.C. to third century A.D.
- Period-I (Circa fourth century B.C. to first century B.C.)- Addressed by the Painted Gray product of coarse texture with dabs of earthenware and semi-valuable stones and other little ancient pieces of pottery, bone, etc. forth. The two earthenware seals containing propitious images (logo, snake, nandipad and bow) are the significant relics of this period.
- Period-II (Circa first century B.C. to third century A.D.)- This colonial period is addressed by mud and prepared blocks, red cleaned products, stepped stoneware, earthenware objects and a couple of mud sealings with Brahmi legends.
- Period-III- After a long hole, the site was rehabilitated during the late bygone eras around the fifteenth century A.D. The remaining parts were distinguished on the northern edge of the hill. It included forts and houses made of Lakhauri blocks with lime mortar.
Sthaneshwara Mahadev Temple
Sthaneshwara Mahadev Temple is located at Thanesar. A story lies behind this sanctuary, stating that Pandavas prayed to Lord Shiva to accept his endowments for triumph. The water of the tank in the harbour is assumed to be heavenly. It is accepted that the Kurukshetra journey visit is inadequate without visiting this sanctuary. The refuge of Sthaneshwara was a significant piece of the realm of King Harsh Vardhana of the Pushyabhuti line.
Bhadrakali Temple
Shaktipeeth Shri Devikoop Bhadrakali Mandir is otherwise called “Savitri Peeth”, “Devi Peeth”, “Kalika Peeth”, or “Aadi Peeth”. Legend says that incapable of standing criticism and backbiting against her husband, Lord Shiva, Devi Bhagwati set out her life and turned into a ‘Sati’. Catching her sacred dead body to his heart, the troubled Shiva began pacing all once again the Universe. Observing this, Lord Vishnu cut her lifeless body with his ‘Sudarshan chakra’ into 52 sections. Like this, where these parts fell, arose as sacrosanct “Shaktipeeth”. This was generally finished acceptable to everyone. Naina Devi, Jwala Ji, Kamkhya Ji and so forth are among the 52 sacred Shaktipeethas. It is accepted that the right lower leg of Maa Sati tumbled down at Shaktipeeth Shri Devikoop Bhadrakali Mandir in Kurukshetra.
The rumours from far and wide suggest that before walking out for the skirmish of Mahabharta, the Pandavas alongside Lord Krishna offered love here appealing to God for their triumph and gave the horses of their Chariots, which made it a deep-rooted custom of offering horses made of silver, mud and so on, contingent on one’s method when the wishes have been met.
Ancient Mound Amin
The name of the town, Amin, is taken from Abhimanyu, the child of Arjun, the legend of Mahabharata. The ancient site at this town is prevalently known as ‘Abhimanyukhera’. According to belief, this is the site of renowned Chakravyuha, masterminded by the Kauravas to battle with Pandavas. Abhimanyu, son of Arjun, had been caught in this Chakravyuha and killed during the Mahabharata war. The ancient site looks like a hill, involves a space of 650×250 m. with the greatest tallness of 10 m. Two recorded red sandstone columns embellished with reliefs of Yaksha and other enlivening themes of Circa second century B.C. are present here and at present in the Sculpture Gallery at National Museum, New Delhi.
Bhishma Kund
This is somewhere else that has an association with the incredible epic Mahabharata. It is accepted that Pitamaha Bhishma (mentor worshipped by both Kauravas and Pandavas) lay on the arrowed bed here, made by Arjuna; from here, he saw the epic Battle of Mahabharata. The spot currently has a sanctuary close to a water tank called the Banganga or the Bhishma Kund. A legend joined to this water tank, which says when Bhishma sat down on his bed of arrows, he felt parched and requested water. Arjuna promptly shot a bolt into the ground and let loose a surge of spouting water to satisfy his thirst. This is how the Bhishma Kund is accepted to have appeared.
Gurudawara Mastgarh
It is situated in Shahabad Markanda, 20 kilometres south of Ambala Cantonment along the Sher Shah Suri Marg. In 1630, the mosque was said to have been constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It was changed into a Gurudwara by raising the Nishan Sahib (Sikh banner) over it, obliterating its minarets, and introducing Guru Granth Sahib inside it. The vaults and mehrab stayed flawless. It was given the name Gurdwara Mastgarh.