kurukshetra

Kurukshetra is a city in the north Indian state of Haryana. It's known as the setting of the Hindu epic poem the "Mahabharata", where the famous Kurukshetra war took place (between Pandavas and Kauravas) and according to which the place near which the sacred "Bhagavad Gita" scripture was first delivered.

Kurukshetra has many historical and religious attractions, given its background and heritage. Here are some of the popular spots to see in the city:

• Brahma Sarovar – A sacred water tank, dedicated (and named after) Lord Brahma.
• Jyotisar – Believed to be the place where Lord Krishna narrated the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, according to the Mahabharata epic.
• Bheeshma Kund – This is a water tank that is believed to have been created when Arjuna shot an arrow into the ground to get water to quench the thirst of Bheeshma Pitamah, who was lying on a bed of arrows.
• Sannihit Sarovar – A sacred tank that is believed to be the home of Lord Vishnu and the meeting point of the 7 tributaries of the Sarasvati River.
• Sthaneshvar Mahadev Temple – A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Bhadrakaali temple – Dedicated to goddess Bhadrakaali; also believed to be the temple where the Pandavas used to perform prayers before their battles.

The prominent fairs and festivals celebrated in Kurukshetra are:

• Gita Jayanthi – This day, is observed as the day when the sacred Bhagavad Gita scripture was created, around over 5000 years ago.
• Chaitra Chaudaas Mela – A famous fair that happens every year in the city between march and April, and lots of people from Haryana participate in, perform the last rites of any recently deceased kith or kin, and also donate food to poor (called “Pind daan”).
• Solar eclipse – Solar eclipse in Kurukshetra is observed uniquely, and on this day, people take a dip in the tank called “Sannihit Sarovar” which is believed to wash away their sins, given its pious nature and significance.
• Somvati Amavasya – A special new moon day (according to Hindu calendar), on which people of this city perform prayers and rites for prosperity and health.

Kurukshetra has some good museums too, which can be checked out such as:

• Sri Krishan Museum – Has a display of beautiful artefacts, terracotta art, paintings, etc. done by local artists through the years.
• Dharohar Museum – A museum that showcases the unique archaeological, cultural and architectural heritage of Haryana. It also has an open-air theatre.
• Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium – A space observatory named after Indian American astronaut Kalpana Chawla.
• Kurukshetra Panorama & Science Centre – Has panoramic models of the Kurukshetra war, historic events and science developments in the city.
• Krishna Museum – A museum that houses the artefacts related to Lord Krishna and his incarnations – things worn, owned and loved by Him.

Kurukshetra also has some good shopping spots where farm fresh produce and agro-industrial goods (food items), and some local handicrafts (handlooms, pottery) are sold. These are some good shopping spots in the city:

• Shri Krishna Market
• Shastri Market
• Tula Ram Market
• NIT Market
• Virk Market
• Dhillon White House Market
• Ansal Plaza
• Palika Shopping Complex
• HUDA Shopping complex
• Old city Market

• Divine City Square Mall
• Aadhar Shopping Mall

Some of the good restaurants in Kurukshetra city include the following:

• Saffron
• Golden Saras
• The Harsh Family Dhaba
• Yuvraj’s Citadel
• Krishna Cafe
• Mirchi Restaurant
• Veggi Green
• Mezbaan restaurant

Following are some good hotels to stay at in Kurukshetra:

• Ambros Hotel
• The Meridien (a budget hotel)
• C Seven Hotel
• Divine Clarks Inn Suites
• Hotel Laksh
• Hotel 9th Planet
• Hotel Pearl Marc
• Hotel Kimaya
• Hotel MG Grand

Kurukshetra STD Code – 01744 (to be used before dialling numbers from a number that is not locally registered).

Common emergency numbers:

• Police - 100
• Fire - 101
• Ambulance - 102
• Disaster Management Services – 108
• Railways Enquiry - 139
• Road Accident emergency - 1033

Languages like Telugu, Malayalam,Tamil,Hindi and Kannada are spoken in Kurukshetra .

Tamil:

• What's your name? - Unga péranna?
• My name is - En péru
• Where are you from? - Nienga engirundhu varrienga?
• Congratulations! - Paaraattukkal
• Good night and sweet dreams! - Nalla thoungunga!
• What Is This? - Idhu enna?

Malayalam:

• Welcome - Swagatam
• Hello - Namaskaram
• How are you? - Engnganuntu karyangngal?
• What's your name? - Ninte perentha?
• My name is - Ente per ... n
• Where are you from? - Angu evidennanu?

Telugu:

• Welcome - Susvaagatam
• How are you? - Meeru aelaa unnaaru?
• What's your name? - Mee paeraemandi?
• Where are you from? - Meeday vooru?
• Good morning - Shubhodayam
• Good afternoon - Shubha dhinan

Kannada:

• Hello - Namaskara
• How are you? - Athava kshemana?
• Welcome - Susvagata
• What's your name? - Nimma hesarenu?
• My name is - Nanna hesaru
• Good morning - Shubhodaya

Hindi:

• Welcome - Svagat
• How are you? - Aap kaise hai?
• What's your name? - Aapka naam kya hai?
• I don't know - Mujhe nahi pata
• I don't understand - Mein samjha nahi
• Thank you - Dhanyavad