Once again, it was a travel day, a relaxing one indeed as the one-and-a-half-hour train ride to Kurukshetra would only depart Patiala shortly after eleven. A nice and easy start of the day.
I had a seat in the executive class at the Vande Bharat Express, a modern semi-high-speed train service in India, introduced to provide faster, more comfortable travel between major cities. And comfortable it was indeed, I was even offered a bottle of water and a light lunch.
During the ride I also crossed the border to a new state, Haryana.
In Kurukshetra I took a “slightly less” comfortable tuk tuk to my hotel where I was surprised, they had no reservation for me. I remained friendly but insistent and after three further managers showed up my stay for two days was confirmed. Problem solved.
I was getting a bit hungry by now so made a stroll in the neighborhood to find a bite to eat. That walk shocked me as I could only see fast food restaurants next to fast food restaurants. There was even an Italian with oven baked pizza’s, not really the thing I was after when in India.
I found a decent rooftop restaurant at a fancy hotel but that only opened at 19:00, time to bend with the wind once again, return to the hotel and go for an afternoon nap!
Later in the evening I went to the rooftop restaurant again for a drink and a bite to eat. Soup and main course were served at the same time and I couldn’t be bothered. It’s India after all and things are different here. Now looking forward to another day of explorations before I continue the journey to Delhi where I’ll meet my friends Neha and Anmol, can’t wait.
I slept well and was ready for another day of soaking up the atmosphere at Kurukshetra.
As the place I wanted to know was world famous in Kurukshetra I had no issues communicating with the tuk tuk driver I approached at the main street.
Getting in was a different issue as only online booking was allowed and I was facing some internet issues. But one asks…. I requested a local to offer me a hotspot connection with his phone and when that did not work, he booked and paid the ticket for me on his phone after which I paid him cash.
The Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb is a historic Mughal-era monument located in Kurukshetra. It is believed to be the tomb of the Sufi saint Sheikh Chilli, also known as Abd-Ur-Rahim, who was a spiritual teacher of the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh. The complex, built during the Mughal Period, features beautiful Persian-style architecture with a white marble dome, red sandstone structures, gardens, and a madrasa (Islamic school). It is known for its elegant design and peaceful surroundings.
It was a nice place to visit and included a small museum but with all descriptions in Hindi I did not know what I was looking at.
Next to the tomb was Harsh Ka Tila, an ancient excavation site that showed layers from Kushan to Mughal periods, it was located in a pleasant garden with enough shade so I could relax at times.
After my visit I went for a walk and saw a lot of activity going on at the Shri Devikoop Bhadrakali Temple, a good excuse to see what was going on. The temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Kurukshetra. It is dedicated to Bhadrakali, a powerful form of Durga. The temple is also associated with the legend that the right ankle of Sati fell at this place, making it one of the sacred Shakti Peeth. Because of this belief, the temple attracts many devotees seeking blessings from the goddess.
And although it was a normal day the place was packed with devotees praying and presenting their offerings. Another wonderful place where I stayed a while to enjoy the atmosphere.
My nest stop was the Sri Krishna museum, a cultural museum dedicated to the life and teachings of Krishna. Established in 1987, the museum displayed paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and artifacts that depict stories from the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, two important holy books.
The museum was interesting and constantly I was asked by locals what my good name was, where I came from and the inevitable request for a selfie with me. Who was I to resist as I shoot so many pictures of local people myself.
My last destination of the day was the Brahma Sarovar, a large sacred water tank. According to Hindu belief, Brahma performed the act of creation at this place, which is why it is considered highly holy.
The sarovar is closely associated with the Mahabharata and the teachings of Krishan. Devotees believe that taking a holy dip in Brahma Sarovar brings spiritual merit and purification.
The water tank was without doubt the largest one I have ever seen in India and slowly I walk past it toward a temple on an island to observe the rituals going on. The central island was much larger and contained another temple, a lovely garden and an immense statue that represents the famous chariot scene of Lord Krishna and Arjuna from the Bhagavad Gita.
By now (in spite of drinking enough water) I was getting dizzy again so I took a tuk tuk back to the hotel for a well deserved afternoon nap. In the evening Ireturned to the rooftop restaurant of yesterday for a bite to eat and to read a bit.
My stay in the state Haryana might have been just a short stop over on my journey from Punjab to Delhi but I have thoroughle enjoyed it.