Bhishma Kund is a stepwell named after Bhishma Pitamaha, a revered figure in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. It is believed that Bhishma, who had a boon to choose the time of his death, lay on a bed of arrows created for him by his grandnephew Arjuna, after being wounded in the Kurukshetra war. He waited for the sun to enter Uttarayana (northward movement of the sun) before leaving his mortal coil.
The Bhishma Kund is a sacred place for Hindus, and many believe that the small tank or kund within the complex was created by Arjuna who shot an arrow into the ground to quench Bhishma's thirst as he lay on his arrow bed. There is also a temple near the kund dedicated to Bhishma.
The Bhishma Kund is located in Kurukshetra, Haryana, India, which is famous for being the battlefield where the Kurukshetra war was fought. Kurukshetra is a pilgrimage destination for Hindus, and the Bhishma Kund is one of the many important religious sites in the area.
If you are planning to visit Bhishma Kund, here are some things to keep in mind:
- The best time to visit Bhishma Kund is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant.
- The kund is open all year round, but the timings may vary depending on the season. It is generally open from sunrise to sunset.
- There is no entry fee to visit Bhishma Kund.
- Photography is allowed within the complex.
Here are some other places you can visit near Bhishma Kund:
- Brahma Sarovar: A sacred pond that is believed to be the creation of Lord Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism.
- Shri Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple: An ancient Shiva temple that is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Kurukshetra.
- Sannihit Sarovar: Another sacred pond that is believed to be where the Pandavas and the Kauravas cremated their dead after the Kurukshetra war.
- Kurukshetra Panorama & Science Centre: A museum that exhibits the history and culture of Kurukshetra.