KURU-KSHETRA, KURU-CHHETRA (KULKHET, KULCHHET) If he goes to Kulkhet (Kurukshetra) at the time of the eclipse, and offers his bedecked wife, if he listens to all the Smritis with his ears, all these are of no avail if he indulges in calumny. (Gond Ravidas, p. 875) At first he (Guru Amar Das) came to Kulkhet (Kurukshetra) in order to celebrate the sacred day—festival of the True Guru. (Tukhari M. 4, p. 1116) Kurukshetra literally means \’the field of the Kurus\’. It is situated near Delhi, in the state of Haryana. The great war between Kauravas and Pandavas was fought here.
At this place, the celestial song of Bhagavada Gita was addressed to Arjuna by Lord Kristina. It is thus an important pilgrim-station of the Hindus. It is said that a great merit accrues if some rituals are performed here. A great fair of solar eclipse is held here. Guru Nanak Dev in his journeys visited this place on the occasion of the eclipse. Guru Amar Das also visited this place. The object of the visit of the Sikh Gurus was the spiritual amelioration of the masses.
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
Kurukshetra holds immense significance in Hindu mythology as the setting of the epic battle described in the Mahabharata, one of the two great Hindu epics. It is not just a geographical location but also a spiritual and moral symbol, where the eternal conflict between dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness) unfolded.
Key Aspects of Kurukshetra:
- The Battlefield: Kurukshetra is the site of the Kurukshetra War, fought between the Pandavas and Kauravas. It represents the struggle for justice, truth, and dharma.
- Bhagavad Gita: During the battle, Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on this battlefield, teaching profound truths about life, duty, and devotion. The Gita is a timeless philosophical text, emphasizing the importance of selfless action and spiritual wisdom.
- Sacred Site: Kurukshetra is regarded as a holy land in Hinduism, visited by pilgrims seeking spiritual merit. It is believed that performing rituals and prayers here can purify the soul.
- Symbolism: Beyond its physical existence, Kurukshetra symbolizes the inner battlefield within each individual—the conflict between virtues and vices, and the path to self-realization.
