NEWS – Centre Explores New Tourism Opportunity with Mahabharata Circuit

HIGHLIGHTS

• After the success of the Ramayana and Krishna circuits, the Government of India is focusing on developing a new religious tourism initiative, the Mahabharata Circuit.
• The Mahabharata Circuit aims to attract visitors to sites related to the ancient epic, specifically in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Key Objectives and Investment

• Objective: To boost tourism by linking sites associated with the Mahabharata and promote religious and cultural tourism.
• Investment: Over ₹200 crore has been allocated by the Ministry of Tourism to develop this circuit in Haryana.

Mahabharata Circuit Conference and Familiarisation Tour

• Event Details: A three-day event titled the Mahabharata Circuit Conference and Familiarisation Tour is being held in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
• Participants: Over 130 key stakeholders, including tourist operator associations, bloggers, and tourism experts, are invited to strategize and promote the circuit.
• Purpose: To showcase tourist spots and devise strategies to increase tourist footfall.

Significant Sites in the Mahabharata Circuit

1. Kurukshetra, Haryana
   • Brahma Sarovar: A revered water body believed to be created by Lord Brahma.
   • Sri Krishna Museum: Displays artefacts related to Lord Krishna’s life and the Mahabharata.
   • Bhishma Kund: Considered the site where Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows.
   • Jyotisar: Traditionally believed to be the spot where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita.
2. Other Key Attractions in Haryana
   • Bhadrakali Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Durga.
   • Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
   • Sheikh Chihli’s Tomb: Mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint.
   • Gurudwara Navi Patshahi Sahib: Commemorates the visit of the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur.
3. Sites in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
   • Uttar Pradesh: Hastinapur, Kampilya, Echhatra, Barnawa, Mathura, Kaushambhi, Gonda, and Lakshagriha.
   • Uttarakhand: Badrinath, Mana, Pandukeshwar Temple, Lakhamahal, Hanol-Thadiyar, Netwar, Deora, and Dodital.

Historical Significance of Kurukshetra

• Known as the site of the epic battle in the Mahabharata, Kurukshetra spans a 147 sq km area rich with temples, holy places, and sacred tanks linked to the religious events of the epic.
• The region is deeply connected with the ancestors of the Kauravas and Pandavas, adding historical and cultural depth to the circuit.