As I embarked on a sudden yet serendipitous trip to Kurukshetra with ISKCON devotees, I was unaware of the spiritual odyssey that awaited me. This trip was one of those brief yet impactful experiences. My companion for spiritual adventures, Shveta Narula, and I, along with fellow Krishna devotees from the ISKCON temple in Badshahpur, Gurugram, engaged in this spiritual pursuit together.
Eighty of us packed into two buses, accompanied by the divine presence of the holy trinity: Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The divine trio, also revered as the Trimurti, was placed upon a beautifully adorned throne in the front seat alongside a veteran devotee of Krishna, Kadambapriya Devi Dasi, Mataji, which is her name after initiation. As a tradition among ISKCON followers, all female devotees are addressed as Mataji and male devotees as Prabhuji.
Surreal as she looked sitting next to Jaganath ji, I light-heartedly told her, “So Bhagwan is giving you company.” She calmly smiled and replied, “No, I am keeping him company.” A very profound way to describe the relationship between God and the devotee.
Mythology or history?
Kurukshetra holds immense significance in Indian mythology, primarily as the legendary battlefield where the epic war of the Mahabharata unfolded. It is a sacred site revered for its association with the battle, the philosophical discourse between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, and the broader concepts of Dharma and Karma.
The city of Kurukshetra, meaning “the land of the Kurus,” is thought to be the place where the Pandavas and Kauravas fought the great war of the Mahabharata. Legend has it that King Kuru, ancestor of the Kauravas and Pandavas, practised intense penance on this land, making it sacred. The battle, which lasted for 18 days, marked a turning point in human history, not just Indian history. A food for thought: in Hindu scriptures, the number 18 holds significant importance.
AROUND THE CITY
Brahma Sarovar
Located in Kurukshetra, the holy land where Lord Krishna imparted the timeless wisdom of the Gita to Arjuna, this pilgrimage site attracts millions of visitors. We visited Brahma Sarovar, believed to be the location where Lord Brahma is said to have commenced the creation of the universe, rendering it a deeply sacred pilgrimage destination. According to tradition, immersing oneself in its waters is thought to cleanse sins and bestow peace upon the soul. Many of the devotees, with utmost reverence, purified themselves in the holy waters of the Sarovar (large water body).
It is one of Asia’s largest man-made bathing tanks and has been praised by historical figures such as Abul-Fazl, who described it as a “miniature sea,” and Al Beruni, who wrote about it in his “Kitab-ul-Hind.” A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Sarveshwar Mahadev, is located on the northern bank of the Sarovar, and it’s said that Lord Brahma himself installed the Shiva Linga there.
Abhimanyupur
The place is supposedly the epicentre of Chkaravyuh, which possesses great historical and mythological significance. We then proceeded to Abhimanyupur, a site commemorating the valour of Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son. That is where young Abhimanyu was caught and killed in the famous Chakravyuh. Throughout the story of the Mahabharata and its allegories, a deeper symbolic meaning underlies all these narratives.
From a traveller’s point of view, these places are high in energy. Supposedly, the tree where the Bhagwad Gita was narrated to Arjun still stands, despite the toll and ravages of time. Not to be missed was the spectacular light and sound show, which brought the epic battle of Kurukshetra to life. The show’s powerful narrative and visual effects conveyed the essence of the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings, leaving a lasting impact on all who witnessed it.
Take back
This trip to Kurukshetra served as a poignant reminder that spirituality can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. As I returned, I felt enriched by the experience. The timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita continues to guide us across shores, offering solace, strength, and direction in a rapidly changing world.
For me, the Mahabharata’s story is a living, breathing part of our human journey. Kurukshetra represents the clash between opposing forces, both literally in the war and symbolically as a reflection of our internal moral struggles. The war and the choices we make are a constant inner battle, a fight between the lure of materialism and the pursuit of righteous living. In essence, this perspective underscores the importance of Dharma (righteousness) and Karma (action) in times of conflict.