Pehowa Tirtha
Pehowa Tirtha, historically known as Prithudak, is one of the most ancient and spiritually significant pilgrimage sites within the 48 Kos Parikrama of Kurukshetra. Located on the banks of the sacred, though now largely seasonal, Saraswati River, it is primarily renowned for the ritual of Pinda Prad han (ancestral offerings). Legend states that King Prithu performed the last rites of his father here, giving the place its name. It is considered so holy that scriptures claim a dip here is more merit-yielding than at Gaya or Prayag. The atmosphere is thick with the scent of incense and the rhythmic chanting of Vedic mantras by local priests. Devotees flock here throughout the year to seek salvation for their departed ancestors and to cleanse themselves in the holy Saraswati Sarovar. The town itself predates the Mahabharata war and has been a witness to centuries of spiritual evolution. Today, it stands as a bustling hub of faith where history and mythology merge seamlessly. Visitors can feel a profound sense of peace while sitting by the ghats during sunset. The site is not just a religious destination but a window into India's deep-rooted Vedic traditions. It remains a vital stop for anyone exploring the spiritual landscape of Haryana.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
3 to 4 HoursPlace Type:
Religious / PilgrimageEntry Fees:
Free Access: There is no entry fee to visit the Pehowa Tirtha or the main temples.
Ritual Costs: While entry is free, priests may charge between 500 INR to 2100 INR for performing specific rituals like Pinda Daan.
Read MoreFree Access: There is no entry fee to visit the Pehowa Tirtha or the main temples.
Ritual Costs: While entry is free, priests may charge between 500 INR to 2100 INR for performing specific rituals like Pinda Daan.
Parking: Nominal parking fees of 20 INR to 50 INR may apply for private vehicles in the nearby designated lots.Timing:
Regular Timings: The site is generally open 24 Hours, but temple sanctums usually open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to experience the spiritual vibrations is during the morning Aarti at 6:00 AM or the evening pra...Regular Timings: The site is generally open 24 Hours, but temple sanctums usually open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to experience the spiritual vibrations is during the morning Aarti at 6:00 AM or the evening prayers at 7:00 PM.Special Events:
International Saraswati Mahotsav: Held annually in January, this massive festival celebrates the rejuvenation of the Saraswati River. It features grand Aarti ceremonies, cultural folk dances, and Vedic seminars.
Solar Eclipse Mela: During ...International Saraswati Mahotsav: Held annually in January, this massive festival celebrates the rejuvenation of the Saraswati River. It features grand Aarti ceremonies, cultural folk dances, and Vedic seminars.
Solar Eclipse Mela: During a solar eclipse, lakhs of devotees gather for a special holy dip, believing the water's sanctity multiplies manifold during this celestial event.Best Photo Spots:
The Sarovar Reflections: The best shots are taken at dawn when the morning sun reflects off the still water of the Saraswati Sarovar.
Temple Archways: The weathered sandstone arches of the Kartikeya Temple provide a perfect frame for portra...The Sarovar Reflections: The best shots are taken at dawn when the morning sun reflects off the still water of the Saraswati Sarovar.
Temple Archways: The weathered sandstone arches of the Kartikeya Temple provide a perfect frame for portraits.
Evening Aarti: Capture the long-exposure shots of moving oil lamps against the dark backdrop of the river at night.
Ancient Inscriptions: Macro photography of the 9th-century stone scripts provides a historical touch to your travel album.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Ritualistic Bathing: Start your visit with a holy dip in the Saraswati Sarovar to purify the soul.
Ancestral Rites: Engage a local priest to perform the Pinda Daan ceremony for family peace.
Explore the Kartikeya Temple: Admire the ancient carvings and unique traditions of this warrior god's shrine.
Sunset at the Ghats: Spend a quiet evening watching the Aarti as lamps flicker on the water's surface.
Visit Arunai Temple: A short distance away, this temple features an excavated ancient bathing ghat with 12 stairs.
Vedic Chanting: Listen to the rhythmic recitations of the Vedas performed by scholars in the temple courtyards.
Photography: Capture the vibrant life o...
Information
-
Why Famous:
The Land of Ancestral Salvation: Pehowa is globally famous as the premier site for performing Shradh and Pinda Daan. It is believed that performing these rituals here ensures that the souls of ancestors achieve Moksha (liberation).
Association...The Land of Ancestral Salvation: Pehowa is globally famous as the premier site for performing Shradh and Pinda Daan. It is believed that performing these rituals here ensures that the souls of ancestors achieve Moksha (liberation).
Association with Lord Krishna: It is said that before the Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna brought the Pandavas here to seek the blessings of the Saraswati River and their ancestors. This divine association makes it a mandatory stop for pilgrims on the Kurukshetra circuit. -
Architecture:
The Nagara Style influence: The temples at Pehowa, particularly the Kartikeya Temple, showcase the classic Nagara architectural style of North India. The structures feature a prominent Shikhara (spire) that tapers upwards, symbolizing the mountain peaks of the gods.The Nagara Style influence: The temples at Pehowa, particularly the Kartikeya Temple, showcase the classic Nagara architectural style of North India. The structures feature a prominent Shikhara (spire) that tapers upwards, symbolizing the mountain peaks of the gods.
Dimensions and Layout: The main Saraswati Sarovar is approximately 470 meters long and 135 meters wide, providing ample space for thousands of pilgrims. The temple complexes are built using durable sandstone and bricks, with many dating back to the Gupta and Gurjara-Pratihara periods. Intricate carvings of deities and floral motifs adorn the pillars and entrance arches. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh (IXC), located about 110 Kms away. From there, you can hire a private taxi for a 2. 5-hour drive to Pehowa.
By Train: Kurukshetra Junction (KKDE) is the closest major railhead, approximately 27 Kms... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Jyotisar (21 Km), 2. Brahma Sarovar (27 Km), 3. Sannihit Sarovar (26 Km), 4. Srikrishna Museum (28 Km), 5. Bhadrakali Temple (26 Km), 6. Sheikh Chilli's Tomb (28 Km), 7. Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary (10 Km), 8. Arunai Temple (5 Km), 9. Kalpana Chawla Planetarium (29 Km), 10. Ban Ganga (23 Km).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: Be cautious around the steps of the sarovar as they can be slippery; always keep an eye on children near the water.
Packing: Carry a set of traditional clothes (Dhoti/Saree) if you plan to perform rituals, and always keep ...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(453+) of Haryana Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Damdama LakeGhasera FortSunrise PointCamp Dhauj LakeEuropean CemeteryGurudwara Ichha Poorak DhamGurudwara Lakhnaur SahibGurudwara Manji SahibGurudwara Panjokhra SahibGurudwara Sis Ganj SahibHanuman Mandir Haryana Swarn DwaarHerbal ParkHoly Redeemer ChurchIndira ParkJain MandirKali Mata TempleKos MinarMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Pehowa Tirtha
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities