Brahma Sarovar, Kurukshetra, Haryana India

Brahma Sarovar, as the name suggests, is associated with Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe. In ancient time the tank was also called Ramahard and Samanta Panchaka, associated with Parshurama, one of the incarnations of Vishnu. This tank was also Known as Kurukshetra tank which has special association with Solar Eclipse.  Pilgrims in thousands visit this tank at the time of Solar Eclipse.  The bath in the waters of this tank on this ocassion is considered equal to the merits of performing thousands of Asvamedha Yajnas or horse sacrifice. According to Local Legends this tank was first excavated by King Kuru the ancestor of Kauravs & Pandavas. Scripture says that Prajapati (Brahma) had performed his first Yajna (sacrifice) at this place.  Kurukshetra in ancient  time was also known as Uttaravedi (northern alter of Brahma), Brahmavedi and Samnata Panchaka.  The tank has been frequently mentioned by t he travellers who have visited Kurukshetra from time immemorial. Having seen its huge water body Abul-Fazl the courtier of Mughal emperor Akbar who visited Kurukshetra on the ocassion of Solar Eclipse has described the vast water body of this sarovar as miniature Sea.  According to the local tradition a tower was eracted by Yudhistar in the island situated in the middle of sarovar as a token of his victory in the Mahabharta battle. In the same complex lies a ancient well called as Draupadi kupa.  The shrine of Lord Shiva located on the northern bank of the sarovar is called Sarveshwar Mahadev. According to the tradition, the Shiva Linga was installed here by Lord Brahma himself.  In the vicinity of the tank towards west adjoining to the Kurukshetra University. Budha Stupa complex has come to the light recently.  One of the most delightful occasions is the Annual Gita Jyanti celebrations held in November-December. The tank presents breath-taking spectacle of Deep daan (ceremony of floating lamps in water) and Aarti organized on this occasion. Many devouts consider one circumbulation of this tank equal to making one visit to all the tirtha lying within the holy circuit of Kurukshetra (48 Kos).