(The author begins a long series on the epic Mahabharata from today, marking legends about the venue which exist to this day, timeless in glory and reverence).
Older than history, older than tradition, older than even legends, from the earliest times Kurukshetra has been the cradle of Indian civilization. It’s a theme & metaphor of Indian spirituality & mysticism. The Sutradhar or Protagonist is undoubtedly Lord Sri Krishna, having immortalised this sacred land by delivering the Bhagvad Gita. The Mahabharat mentions the land of Kuruskshetra as Samant – Panchaka & spread over an area of 48 kos (192 kms) comprising of the districts of Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Panipat and Jind.
According to Sir Alexander Cunningham surveyor general of British India, it comprises of 360 tirthas associated with The Epic that the Mahabharata is. And one such Teerth is the Bhadrakali Temple dedicated to the Supreme & Divine Mother.
Mata Bhadrakali Temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths found in India. The Divine Mother Sati’s right ankle was found in Kurukshetra. Presence of the Goddess’s body part makes this place very blessed & charged. (Interior and exterior image below)
It is believed that visiting the temple on Saturday and worshipping the Goddess fulfills the wishes of devotees. As described in the Bhisma Parva (Chapter) before the start of the Kurukshetra War Arjuna the master archer under the instruction of Sri Krishna meditated at this place to secure the divine mothers blessing & promised to give in Charity the best of his horses if the War was won by the Pandavas.
After the fulfilment of his wish, he did give the prized War Horses as a token to the Divine Mother & since then from those days the tradition is still alive to offer miniature horses to the temple made of terracotta/ metal to the deity upon fulfilment of one’s wishes.
Sri Krishna & Balaram’s father Vasudev also chose this place for the thread ceremony of his son’s which makes this Temple all the more special. Those who live, die or offer their prayers at the Mahatirtha attain an auspicious result, it’s believed. Located outside the main battlefield of Kurukshetra Bhadrakali Temple finds its mention in the Divine Chandi Stotram as “ Kurukshetra e Bhadrakali.”
The Temple exists to this day and is a tirtha of timeless sanctity.
Surya Sarathi Roy is an Operations specialist with a passion of Indian history and Great Epics Ramayana & Mahabharata. He pursues technology to touch lives around him. He runs a blog which showcases India we don’t read in history books.
