The state of Haryana is composed of 21 districts, out of which the Kurukshetra District is one such. The administrative headquarters of the district is located in the town of Ambala. It is considered to be a holy place for Hindus. A component in the Ambala Division, the region of Kurukshetra is believed to be significant from historical and religious point of view. It was a part of Punjab previously, but now in the state of Haryana, it is a district. Dharmakshetra is the name given to this place, as it is considered a holy place. From the name of King Kuru, the name of Kurukshetra is derived, as stated in the Puranas. As portrayed in Mahabharata, King Kuru is believed to be the ancestor of Kauravas and Pandavas. The fact that this place was a battle ground for Mahabharatas Kurukshetra War and during the war preaching of the Bhagavad Gita took place on this land, when Lord Krisha came to know that Arjuna was in severe quandary, aaded to the significance of Kurukshetra.

A classic poem named Kurukshetra has been composed by Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar'. An account of the Santi Parva of Mahabharata has been given in this poem. With collection of thoughts about the Second World War in the poets mind, the poem of Kurukshetra has been composed. Neighboring the present day city of Kurukshetra, the ancient town of Thaneswar, also known as Sthaneswar is situated. From the word "Sthaneshwar", the term Thaneswar has been taken. The meaning of the word Sthaneshwar is Place of God. It is considered that the most ancient temple in the entire neighborhood is the Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped. A close by place called Thaneswar is identified as the famous mythical Kurukshetra, according to the local gossip. Relics and remains of a fort are situated in Amin village, located at a distance of just a few kilometers from Kurukshetra. The fort is considered to be the fort constructed by Abhimanyu. It is believed from the archaic Hindu manuscripts that the precincts of Kurukshetra match almost to Haryana state. To Turghnas south, to Khandava Delhis and Mewat regions north, to Marus east and to Parins west lies the Kurukshetra territory, from what is written in Taittiriya Aranyaka 5.1.1.

History of Kurukshetra

From the name of King Kuru, the name of Kurukshetra is derived, as stated in the Puranas. Belonging to the Bharata Dynasty, King Kuru is believed to be the ancestor of Kauravas and Pandavas. The story of how King Kuru established himself on this region is told in the Vamana Purana. Austerity, truth, forgiveness, kindness, purity, charity, yagya and brahmacharya are the eight qualities which he implanted in spirituality. For this action, he selected this land located on the banks of the river Saraswati. Upon getting overwhelmed by the action of King Kuru, Lord Vishnu exalted him with two benefits. The first benefit was that, this land would be considered a sacred land for eternally and would be name Kurukshetra after his name of King Kuru. The second benefit was that, any person whose death will occur on this land would be sent to heaven. In between the Sarasvati River and the Drishadvati River, Kurukshetra was located.

Uttravedi, Brahmavedi, Dharamkshetra and Kurukshetra are the names by which this place has been called at different points of time. Uttarvedi was its name when King Kuru arrived at this place. Numerous kings belonging to many empires had ruled over this place over various time phases. Settlement of Bharata Dynasty was also there on this territory. It was also the battle ground for the Battle of Mahabharata. During this battle, Arjuna was given preaching of Bhagavad Gita by Lord Krishna. During the rule of King Harsha, the development of this place was at its peak. During this time, Thanesar was visited by Hieun Tsang, a Chinese Scholar. This place of Kurukshetra was made a focal point for studies and education, for which people throughout the world came. This fact is backed by the archaeological facts.

Kurukshetra Climate
 
Extreme is the climatic conditions of the district. The summer months experience severe heat and the winters gets very cold. In summer, the temperature rises up to 45 degree Celsius. In the winter the temperature drops to almost 3 degree Celsius.

Kurukshetra Tourism

Many places of tourist attractions are there in the district. Approximately 360 Tirthas of religious and historic significance is located here. Hon'ble Former Prime Minister of India Sh. Gulzari Lal Nanda founder Chairman of the Board founded the Kurukshetra Development Borard. This board looks after the maintenance of the 134 tirthas out the total 360. The website of Kurukshetra Develpoment Board on the internet gives access to the Tirthas.

Tourist places in Kurukshetra
Brahmasarovar or Kurukshetra Tank,
Sannihit Tank, 
Sthanesvra Mahadev Mandir,
Jyotisar,
Baan-ganga,
Bhisam Kund Chandrakupa,
Nabhi Kamal,
Bhadarkali Mandir,
Arnai Temple,
Prachi Tirath Pehowa,
Saraswati Tirath Pehowa,
Prithduk Tirath Pehowa,
Rantuk Yaksh Bir pipli,
Karan Ka Tila.
Kurukshetra - A Cradle of Secularism
Raja Karan Ka Tila,
Asthipura,
Bhor Saidan,
Bhagpura
Daulatpur.
Raja Karana Ka Tila
Asthipura
Bhor Saidan
Bhagwanpura
Daulatpur