Ban Gangaa

Overview

Ban Gangaa is one of the prime attractions of Kurukshetra District. It lays 5 km away from Kurukshetra-Kirmich road. At this place, a tank, images of Mahabharata heroes, and a Hanuman temple can be seen.

About the Temple

According to legend, Arjun, the Pandava prince took an oath to kill Jaidrath who had murdered his son Abhimanyu by dusk, or kill himself if he could not succeed. The Kauravas hid Jaidrath so that Arjun would kill himself to carry out his oath. Arjun started his search for Jaidrath and waged a severe battle. His horses were wounded and tired. At the time, Arjun stuck an arrow in the earth and a spring broke out suddenly, which is worshipped as the Ban Gangaa. Lord Krishna bathed the horses, washed their wounds and helped them to quench their thirst. It is claimed that Bhishma, lying on the bed of arrows felt thirst and asked Arjun to quench his thirst. As he would not drink the water of the mortal world the great hero Arjun pierced the Earth with his powerful arrow, and water gushed out in the shape of a spring. Bhishma drank the holy water and thanked Arjun for his great deed. Pilgrims bathe in this holy tank and earn the combined merit of all the holy waters. It was here that Bhisma rested on his bed of arrows till the end of war and gave his last advice to Yudhistar, the eldest of the Pandavas.

Festivals

Baisakhi is the most celebrated day at Ban Gangaa. A fair is conducted on this day.

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest airport is Chandigarh Airport about 75 km.

Railways

Thanesar has its own railway station which connects all neighbouring cities and states.

Road

NH-1 connects Chandigarh and Delhi. Road network in Thanesar is very good by which all other major cities and states are connected.

Temple Address