As we stood beneath the eternal Banyan Tree at Jyotisar Kurukshetra in Haryana, we seemed to float backwards in time, thousands of years, to that epic moment when Shri Krishna delivered his pearls of wisdom in the form of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjun. Jyotisar Kurukshetra has been identified as the place where this iconic moment of the Mahabharata, took place, by none other, than Adi Shankaracharya.
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Jyotisar The Birth Place Of Gita
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत । अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ॥ परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् । धर्मासंस्थापनार्थाय संभवामि युगे युगे ॥
This immortal Shloka of the Bhagavad Gita emerged from the holy lips of Shri Krishna at Jyotisar Kurukshetra, as did the other shlokas that make up the Gita. The Bhagavad Gits is the fulcrum on which Hindu philosophy and spirituality rests, and Jyotisar in Kurukshetra is consequently one of the most hallowed places in Hinduism. It is a pivotal point on the Krishna Circuit and the Mahabharata Circuit. Jyotisar is located in the centre of what is believed to be the battlefield of Kurukshetra where the mighty armies of the Kauravas and Pandavas clashed.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna asks his charioteer, Shri Krishna to drive to the centre of the battlefield so that he can look at both armies. When he sees friends and relatives on either side, he is in a dilemma, and at that moment, the epic Gitopadesha, or the sermon of the Bhagavad Gita is delivered by Shri Krishna. It is believed that the centre of the Kurukshetra battlefield was Jyotisar.
Jyotisar Kurukshetra – Jyotisar Birthplace Of Bhagavad Gita
“Jyoti,” literally means light, and in the context of Jyotisar, it refers to the light of enlightenment. “Sar,” means essence, and hence the name Jyotisar, which means, “the essence or core of enlightenment.” It is the spot where Shri Krishna blesses Arjuna with enlightenment, by driving away the darkness of his ignorance with the light of truth and knowledge. The Bhagavad Gita incorporates the essence of all the Vedas and Sri Krishna blessed Arjun with the knowledge of all the Vedas in the form of the Bhagavad Gita.
Jyotisar lies on the banks of the Jyotisar Sarovar, in the Josar village of Haryana. The Birth Place Of Gita, Josar, is a truly blessed village, as is the Banyan tree that has been a mute witness to the unfolding of the Mahabharata, including the birth of the Bhagavad Gita.
Jyotisar Temple Kurukshetra | Jyotisar Kurukshetra History
Jyotisar history goes back over 5,000 years, to the Kurukshetra war when Sri Krishna enunciated the wisdom of life and Karma in the form of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna and the entire mankind. Though there are differences between Hindu organizations in terms of the exact number of years since the Bhagavad Gita was revealed by Shri Krishna to Arjuna, the consensus is that it has been over 5,000 years.
However, the Jyotisar Banyan Tree was identified as Jyotisar Gita Updesh Sthal (ज्योतिसर – गीता का जन्मस्थान), sometime during the lifetime of Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu revivalist, saint, and Advaita philosopher, in the 8th century.
The history of Kurukshetra, however, goes back beyond the Bhagavad Gita, and the Mahabharata. It held a position of religious and spiritual eminence, even before the time of the Mahabharata. The earliest reference to Kurukshetra and its sanctity is found in the Atharvaveda and the Satapatha Brahmana, which is a commentary on the Shukla Yajurveda. The first shloka or verse of the Bhagavad Gita, mentions Kurukshetra. The original shloka in Sanskrit translates to English thus:
Dhritarashtra said: O Sanjay, after gathering on the holy field of Kurukshetra, and desiring to fight, what did my sons and the sons of Pandu do?
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच |
धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः |
मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वत सञ्जय ||
The Mahabharata war was fought on the soil of Kurukshetra, which is about 176 kilometres from Hastinapur and about the same distance from Indraprastha. If like us, you too are wondering, why the war took place in Kurukshetra, which is more than 170 kilometres from both Hastinapura and Delhi, which is believed to have been the location of Indraprastha, we had a beautiful answer from HG Mohan Gaur Chandra Prabhu, Vice President, ISKCON, Kurukshetra.
This is the gist of his answer: Kurukshetra was a holy land before the Mahabharata. King Kuru, is believed to have ploughed the land and harvested Dharma. Hence the land was known as the land of righteousness with many holy places in the region. The land was blessed, and anyone who died here would attain salvation or Moksha. Sri Krishna with his divine vision knew that in the battle of Kurukshetra, thousands of lives would be lost on both sides. So, to liberate the souls of the dead, he had chosen Kurukshetra, or Dharmashetra as the battlefield for the war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas.
Jyotisar Light And Sound Show | Jyotisar Gita Updesh Sthal | Jyotisar Birthplace Of Bhagavad Gita
The Light and Sound show at Jyotisar Kurukshetra is an experience that is sure to give you goosebumps and fill your being with bliss. It transports you into the Dwapara Yuga, and you find yourself in the middle of the Kurukshetra battlefield. It is as if you have boarded a time machine and alighted right in the middle of the Mahabharata, as different episodes from the epic unfold before your astonished eyes.
The Light and Sound Show at Jyotisar is a unique multi-sensory experience that takes you on a spiritual high. The show consists of two parts. In the first part, you experience select episodes from the Mahabharata including the iconic Gitopedesha. The eternal Banyan Tree and the Jyotisar Lake form the backdrop for an amazing spectacle that is unveiled before you with the use of light, sound, film, and water.
Suddenly the chariot carrying Arjuna and driven by Sri Krishna appears from the waters, as you watch in awed wonder. Many episodes from the Mahabharata come alive right before your eyes, and you feel as if you are watching the grand epic happening in front of you. This show lasts around 40 minutes, after which you move to another point within Jyotisar, where another spectacular experience awaits you.
Vishwaroop Darshan At Jyotisar Kurukshetra
A 40-foot statue of Sri Krishna in his Virat or Vishwaroop stands loftily on a 10-foot pedestal. The statue weighs about 35 tonnes and is made of a mixture of metals, predominantly copper. The statue has multiple heads, including the forms of Shiva, Ganesha, Narasimha, Brahma, etc., and is crowned with the hood of Sheshnag.
The second part of the Light and Sound show at Jyotisar takes place at this statue of Krishna unveiling his Viratroop to Arjuna. A scintillating display of light and sound brings alive the Vishwaroop, and you feel the same emotions of awe, fear, love, bliss, and incomprehension, that Arjuna, must have felt, thousands of years ago.
Places To See In Jyotisar Dham Kurukshetra
Jyotisar Gita Updesh Sthal is a complete place of pilgrimage or Tirthasthan in itself. There are five Banyan trees, believed to be the offshoots of the original tree under which Shri Krishna vocalized the Bhagavad Gita for his disciple Arjuna. A parikrama of these trees is believed to grant wisdom, peace, and prosperity to the devotee. Nearby is a temple to Adi Shankaracharya, who identified the holy place. There are also temples to Shiva and Hanuman within the Jyotisar Campus.
Jyotisar Kurukshetra Timings
The temples and the Banyan tree at Jyotisar can be visited anytime during the day. However, a trip to Jyotisar Haryana, will not be complete without experiencing the spectacular Light and Sound Show. The show is about 40 minutes and usually begins after sunset. The exact time depends on the season and sunset time.
Other Places To Visit In Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra has been a sacred region since time immemorial, and there are numerous places of interest in and around Kurukshetra. There are more than 150 sacred places around Kurukshetra, of which prominent are 50. Here are the places that you must visit in Kurukshetra.
- Jyotisar
- Brahma Sarovar
- Big Chariot of Gitopdesh
- Draupadi Coop
- Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple
- Sri Krishna Museum
- Sannihit Sarova
- Bhishma Kund
- Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre
- Sri Devikoop Bhadrakali Mandir Shaktipeetth
- ISKCON Temple
- Sheikh Chilli Tomb
How To Reach Jyotisar Kurukshetra
Jyotisar from Kurukshetra distance is around 13 kilometers. Jyotisar is located in the village of Josar, in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
- Kurukshetra is about 159 kilometres from Delhi
- Jyotisar Kurukshetra Distance is about 12 kilometres
- Kurukshetra is about 36 kilometres from Karnal
- The nearest airport to Kurukshetra is Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh which is about 100 kilometres
- Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi is about 200 kilometres
Kurukshetra is well connected by road and is off the Delhi-Chandigarh highway. It is served by the Kurukshetra Railway Station and is connected to cities like Delhi, Howrah, Allahabad, Chandigarh, Indore, Amritsar, etc.
If you are planning a trip to Kurukshetra and wish to visit Jyotisar, you can book your flight to Delhi or Chandigarh right here through Cleartrip or Makemytrip or CheapAir or Priceline and then travel to Kurukshetra by road from the airport you land.
Where To Stay In Kurukshetra
There are a number of options to stay in Kurukshetra including budget and star hotels. We stayed at the beautiful Noor Mahal Palace Hotel in Karnal, a 5-star property. Karnal is around 38 kilometres from Kurukshetra.
You can book your hotel in Kurukshetra or anywhere in India right here through any of the below options, at the location of your choice here – TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or makemytrip or goibibo or Booking.com or HotelsCombined or Agoda and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.
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Jyotisar Kurukshetra – FAQs
Here are 10-12 FAQs about Jyotisar in Kurukshetra:
What is Jyotisar in Kurukshetra?
Jyotisar is the sacred spot in Kurukshetra where Lord Krishna is believed to have delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna during the Kurukshetra War.
How do I reach Jyotisar Kurukshetra?
Jyotisar is easily accessible by road, and Kurukshetra is well-connected by train and bus from nearby cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
Is there an entry fee for Jyotisar?
No, there is no entry fee for visiting Jyotisar; however, charges may apply for special events like the light and sound show.
What is the Light and Sound Show at Jyotisar Kurukshetra?
The Light and Sound Show at Jyotisar is an immersive experience that recreates the legendary conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna from the Bhagavad Gita.
What are the timings for the Jyotisar Light and Sound Show?
The show typically runs in the evening, with exact timings depending on the season, so it’s best to check in advance.
Can I visit Jyotisar at any time of day?
Yes, Jyotisar is open for visitors throughout the day, with the best experience at sunrise or sunset for its tranquil atmosphere.
Are there any nearby attractions to Jyotisar Kurukshetra?
Yes, Kurukshetra has several attractions nearby, including Brahma Sarovar, Sannihit Sarovar, and the Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre.
Is there any accommodation near Jyotisar Kurukshetra?
Yes, there are several hotels and guesthouses in Kurukshetra offering comfortable stays near Jyotisar.
Can I take photographs at Jyotisar Kurukshetra?
Photography is allowed in most areas, but it’s advisable to check specific rules for events like the Light and Sound Show.
What is the significance of Jyotisar in Hinduism?
Jyotisar is considered a holy site where Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, making it a key pilgrimage spot for Hindus.
Is Jyotisar a good place for spiritual reflection?
Yes, Jyotisar’s serene environment and historical significance make it an ideal location for meditation and spiritual reflection.
When is the best time to visit Jyotisar temple Kurukshetra?
The best time to visit Jyotisar temple Kurukshetra is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
A visit to Kurukshetra is an experience that is beyond the ordinary, it is an experience that satisfies the soul and sparks introspection in the spiritual plane. It is a place where lie the roots of Hinduism, and it is a place that is a must-visit for all Indians, and anyone interested in the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita. Stay tuned for more about other places in Kurukshetra. We hope you liked reading our account about the historic Jyotisar, do let us know your thoughts through our comments section. For more interesting and informative posts subscribe to our blog and newsletter. Connect with us on our social media channels.
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