History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Social & Religious Activities, Interesting Facts, Best time to Visit and Travel Guide of Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Thanesar, Old Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
The ancient city of Kurukshetra is filled with hundreds of historically important structures and temples that depict the richness Indian culture harboured during a time known for its distinctiveness. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Shri Sthaneshwar Mahadev Mandir, is known for its miraculous prowess that claims to bless the devout with victory in all aspects of life. Situated in Thanesar, the temple is an important pilgrim site of the city, and attracts hundreds of devotees daily. Kurukshetra pilgrimage without visiting this tirtha place, remains incomplete. The fact that the, the founder of the city, Pushpabhuti, named the capital of his kingdom after Sthaneshwar Shiva –Thanesar, further justifies the important value the temple holds in the city’s history and culture.
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. Popular legends place its establishment to the Mahabharata period. It is said that Lord Krishna along with the Pandavas, worshiped Lord Shiva at the site, and did Abhishekam (bathed the divine figure while worshipping) here. The Pandavas henceforth got the blessing for victory in the upcoming battle of Mahabharata. Thus it is believed to be more than 5000 years old.
The present built temple around the holy site is said to be constructed by the powerful Sadashivrao Bhau, the chief of the Maratha forces, to memorialize his victory over Ahmed Shah Abdali at Kunjpura before the final third Battle of Panipat.
The main temple with a dome-shaped roof follows a regional type of architecture, popular during the Marathas’ restoration of ancient sites in North India. The facade of the roof resembles like an 'amla' along with a tall peak. It is built around a banyan tree, which belongs to pre-Mahabharata period. A big opening in the ceiling allows the branches of the trees to pass through while a round concrete wall around the bottom prevents roots from expanding that is must to keep the temple structure intact. The established Lingam is ancient and still respected by the local people. The temple is built near a large pond that houses an idol of Lord Shiva in the centre.
The temple is built near a large pond that houses an idol of Lord Shiva in the centre.
The temple holds great mythological as well as historical significance. Legend has it that Lord Brahma laid the first Shiva Linga her, and was the very first place where Lord Shiva was started worshipped on earth. The water of the pond adjoining the temple is also considered holy, which can cure diseases. People who suffer from various diseases, visit this temple to take a bath in the water, and hope to get their cure soon.
Maha shivratri, the Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated in this temple with huge grandeur. The temple is decked up with lavish decorations. People who keep fast on this auspicious day come here to receive blessings from Lord Shiva, revere Him and pay their homage.
Other Hindu Festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra and Hariyali Teej also see a similar trend of youthful celebrations in the complex. Beautiful decorations mesmerises the serene place with an ambience cherished to be
Goddess Bhadrakali is also worshipped here, and a revered idol of the goddess symbolises the feminine personification of the divine being, counterpart to Lord Shiva. She is adorned with equal respect in the complex. The idols of Navgraha are also placed in the temple premises for worship. It is located just beside Gurudwara Nada Sahib, built in the memory of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
How to Reach Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Old Kurukhetra, Haryana, India
Kurukshetra being one of the major city and district of Haryana, India, thus it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Kurukshetra has major railway junction which connects all major cities of India via rail network. Nearest major airports from Kurukshetra are in Chandigarh and in Delhi at just 100 and 150 km respectively from where you can get flights to various cities like Delhi, Bengalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune etc. Kurukshetra is very well connected with all other cities of the country by roads through national highway or the state highway. Kurukshetra is located at 95 km from Chandigarh, 150 km from Delhi, 201 km from Shimla, 50 km from Ambala, 100 km from Panchkula.
