Sri Swamiji visits Kurukshetra
On 28th morning, Sri Swamiji traveled Delhi Ashrama to Kurukshetra town in Haryana state. Fortunately the road to Kurukshetra town is the main road in front of Ashrama (GT Karnal Road). Kurukshetra is a vast area where the Maha Bharata war took place some 5000-7000 years ago. For 18 Akshauni (ancient battle formation, each Akshauni consisting of 21870-Chariots, 21870-War Elephants, 65610-Horses with Soldiers 109350-Infantry Soldiers) battalions to converge and war indeed required a huge area.
The present day Kurukshetra town is its epic center which houses the Brahma Sarovara (lake), Katyayani temple and Sthaneshvar Mahadev Shiva temple. More importantly this area was chosen for the war because of a boon that whoever dies here would go to heaven. Hence the place was chosen so none of the dead soldier, animal would be troubled afterlife.
Sri Swamiji while traveling (3 hours from Delhi Ashrama to Kurukshetra) said that the wish to visit Kurukshetra was there for some time and during the Gita Conference, He felt He had come to the place where Lord Krishna gave Gita Upadesha to Arjuna.
Upon arrival, Sri Swamiji first visited the Brahma Sarovar and sprinkled the water of the holy lake on those who had followed him (about 120 persons). Sri Swamiji then went and saw the awe inspiring huge bronze sculpture of Gita Upadesha by Kirshna to Arjuna. Though huge, the proportions are well brought out.
Adjacent to this is the Katyayani temple. Sri Swamiji was received by the Veda students of Parashakti Veda Patha Shala (school). Sri Swamiji went inside the Katyayani shrine and offered prayers. Sri Swamiji said that Krishna urged Pandavas to worship in this temple. Sitting under a tree, Sri Swamiji listened to the Bhajan " Kanyakumari Katyayini " sung by devotees.
Sri Swamiji visited Sthaneshvar Mahadev Shiva temple and performed Abhisheka to the chants of the Veda Mantras by local Pundits. Devotees too had a chance to personally perform Abhisheka. This Shiva temple pre exists Maha Bharata war and was worshipped by many during that time. Later Sri Swamiji called on the presiding Swami of the temple and exchanged pleasantries.
On the Afternoon, Sri Swamiji visited "Jyotisar" the spot where Bhagavad Gita Updesha from Lord Krishna to Arjuna took place. Today there are some shrines around. A large Banyan tree stands on the spot. Sri Swamiji went around the tree and sat under it. Devotees chanted "Gita Saara" Shlokas. Sri Swamiji gave as Blessings "Bhagavad Gita" books to many. He even signed on the copies. It was a joyous moment. To be in the place where Bhagavad Gita Upadesha took place and to be there with Pujya Sri Swamiji. An epic of a luck indeed. The vibrations there and the feeling of dispassion was overpowering. This was also the place where Krishna showed the "VISHWA RUPA DARSHANA". Indeed a place of merit and energy. Pujya Bala Swamiji chanted some verses from Gita. Sri Swamiji walked around the area.
Later Sri Swamiji visited the Kurukshetra Museum which houses a Panorama of the epic 18 days war. Sri Swamiji said it was impressive. Sri Swamiji returned to Delhi Ashrama at 7 PM.
Sri Guru Datta
Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra
Sri Swamiji offers prayers standing in the Brahma Sarovar
The huge bronze sculpture of Gita Upadesha
Devotees with Pujya Sri Swamiji and Bala Swamiji
Katyayini temple
Sitting under a tree, Sri Swamiji listened to the Bhajan " Kanyakumari Katyayini " sung by devotees.
Sri Swamiji visited Sthaneshvar Mahadev Shiva temple and performed Abhisheka
Kurukshetra Museum which houses a Panorama of the epic 18 days Maha Bharata war
Ghatotkacha in Maha Bharata war
Visit to Jyotisar. Sri Swamiji walks around the place where Bhagavad Gita Updesha from Lord Krishna to Arjuna took place.
Pujya Sadgurudeva under the huge banyan Gitopadesha Tree
Sri Swamiji sat under the tree while devotees chanted "Gitaa Saara" Shlokas.
Sri Swamiji giving as Blessings, "Bhagavad Gita" book to Bala Swamiji
The beautiful Gitopadesha marble statue in Jyotisar
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