Brahma Sarovar
A beautiful water tank in Kurukshetra, Brahma Sarovar, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the universe from this land. Just in the close vicinity of this sacred place are the Birla Gita Mandir and Baba Nath's 'haveli'. The Sarovar comes to life in winter when birds migrate from faraway places to take a dip in these waters. This beautiful tank bears a shining look during the 'Deep Daan' and 'Aarti' on the occasion of Gita Jayanti in late November and early December.
It is considered sacred by Hindus and is incredibly beautiful. It is said that the water inside the tank can help those taking a dip in it to attain salvation. It has been currently renovated and is equipped with modern state-of-the-art facilities. Brahma Sarovar is the most exquisite and breathtaking site in Kurukshetra.
Tourists can spend hours here watching the sunset with its reddish and golden reflection in the water. This place is colorful and remains lively throughout which attracts visitors and makes them visit multiple times. There are handicraft shops and a variety of cuisines from different states to feed on making it a must-visit place.
A beautiful temple is situated inside the water which can be reached via a concrete bridge. The religious aartis conducted here during sunrise and sunset offer an infinite sense of calm. The Bramha Sarovar also has a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in the middle which can be accessed via a small bridge. Pilgrims and tourists visit the Brahma Sarovar in huge numbers during the Solar Eclipse.
History of Brahma Sarovar
As per the stories of Hindu mythology, the Brahma Sarovar in which 'Brahma' stands for Lord Brahma who created the universe and 'Sarovar' means pond, is dedicated to Lord Brahma who created the universe after a huge yajna from the land of Kurukshetra.
In ancient times, the tank was known as Ramahard and Samanta Panchaka and was said to be associated with Parshurama who was an embodiment of Lord Vishnu. Due to its special association with the solar eclipse, the tank was also popularly known as the Kurukshetra tank.
Brahma Sarovar has been mentioned in the memoirs of Al Beruni of the eleventh century AD. It is also believed that Duryodhan used it as a place for hiding himself underwater on the final day of the Mahabharata. Yudhisthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, erected a tower in the middle of the Sarovar as a symbol of his victory in the battle of Mahabharatha.
On the northern bank of the Sarovar lies the shrine of Lord Shiva which is said to have been installed by Lord Brahma himself. All in all, it is believed that the Brahma Sarovar is the cradle of human civilization.
Gita Jayanti Celebrations at Brahma Sarovar
Gita Jayanti is the most famous occasion celebrated at the Brahma Sarovar held in November and December. Deep Daan in which lighted lamps are floated in water and Aarti takes place during the ceremony. It is believed by the devotees that one circumambulation of the sacred tank is equal to visiting the Teertha lying within the holy circuit of Kurukshetra once.
The festival goes on for about a week to celebrate the birth of Bhagavad Geeta. All through the week, dramas, dance performances, social campaigns, exhibitions, sacred ceremonies, and competitions are organized. Also, some talented artisans visit the Brahma Sarovar from all over the country and put their stalls around the pool.
