Kurukshetra is a district in Haryana state of India. It is a holy place and is also known as Dharmakshetra ("Holy City"). According to the Puranas, Kurukshetra is named after King Kuru, the ancestor of Kauravas and Pandavas, as depicted in epic Mahabharata. The importance of the place is attributed to the fact that the Kurukshetra War of the Mahabharata was fought on this land and the Bhagavad Gita was preached on this land during the war when Lord Krishna found Arjuna in a terrible dilemma.

Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar' has written an epic poem by the title of Kurukshetra. It is a narrative poem based on the Santi Parva of the Mahabharata. It was written at a time when the memories of the Second World War were fresh on the mind of the poet.

Thanesar or Sthaneswar is a historical town located adjacent to what is now the newly created Kurukshetra city. Thanesar derives its name from the word "Sthaneshwar", which means "Place of God". The Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva, is believed to be the oldest temple in the vicinity. Local hearsay identifies the legendary "Kurukshetra" with a nearby place known as Thanesar. A few kilometeres from Kurukshetra is the village known as Amin, where there are remnants of a fort which is believed to be Abhimanyu's fort.

In some ancient Hindu texts, the boundaries of Kurukshetra correspond roughly to the state of Haryana.

Places of interest

Brahma Sarovar: Every year lakhs of people come to take a holy bath at Brahma Sarovar on the occasion of "Somavati Amavasya" (Sacred No-Moon Day that happens on a Monday).

Sannihit Sarovar: This Sarovar is believed to be the meeting point of seven sacred Saraswatis. The sarovar, according to popular belief, contains sacred water. Bathing in the waters of the tank on the day of Amavasya (night of complete darkness) or on the day of an eclipse bestows blessings equivalent to performing the ashvamedh yajna.

Jyotisar: The famous site where Bhagavad Gita was delivered to Arjuna

Krishna Museum: Has some historical artifacts and paintings depicting the Mahabharata war.

Kurukshetra Panorama and Science centre: A world-class panorama depicting the Mahabharata war with scientific explanations justifying every episode in the war. There are also several scientific exhibits designed to kindle a curiosity for science.

Kalpana Chawla Planetarium

Light and Sound Show : A newly built tourist attraction which highlights some aspects of Geeta Saar through lights and sound.

Dharohar: A must visit to know the tradition and culture of Haryana; located in Kurukshetra University.

Bhishma Kund at Naraktari: The place where Arjuna shot an arrow towards the earth to quench Bhisma Pitamah's thirst.

Saraswati Forest Reserve: It is a large reserved forest area with rich flora and fauna in Kurukshetra district.

Sheikh Chehli ka makbara (tomb): This monument is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. It was built during the Mughal era in remembrance of Sufi Saint Sheikh Chehli, believed to be the spiritual teacher of Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh.

Sthaneshwar Mahadev

Kamal Nabhi

Valmiki Ashram

Birla Mandir

Gurdwara Raj Ghat Patshahi Dasvin

Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi

Gurdwara Siddh Bati Patshahi Pahili

Pehowa

Ban Ganga in village Dayalpur

Bhadrakali Mandir - a temple that is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas. As per the story in Hindu mythology, the goddess Sati killed herself by entering the Yagna of Raja Daksha as a protest against the insult of Lord Shiva. Remorseful Lord Shiva wandered across the whole universe with the corpse of his beloved Sati on his shoulder. To bring him back to the original mood, it was necessary to destroy the corpse of Sati. Lord Vishnu hence cut the corpse in 52 pieces with his Sudarshana Chakra. The different parts fell at different places where the temples of the goddess were later built by the devotees. Collectively, these are known as the 52 Shakti Peethas. One of them is in Kurukhsetra, where the leg of the goddess fell.

Jhansa: Jhansa is a village in the Kurukshetra district. It is known for its river and canals, and the Markanda temple, built on the banks of the Markanda River.

There is a beautiful scenic view in the village where SYL Bhakhra Canal and Markanda River intersects. In the summer you can have a chilling bath in Gulla Canal and Bhakhra Canal.