Gita Jayanti

Gita Jayanti is celebrated to mark the anniversary of Bhagavad Gita. It falls on Moksha Ekadashi of Hindu calendar.

What is Bhagavad Gita?

  • It is a book. During the Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna introduced his teachings of life to Arjun. The teachings are compiled in the book. Lord Krishna is the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, Hindus take the blessings of Lord Vishnu on this day. They believe that by doing so they get moksha.
  • The books consists of 700 verses. Arjuna fails to gain courage to fight against his own cousins in war. However, Lord Krishna taught him the right path, which is to ensure dharma and end the wrong happenings.

Key Facts

  • It is celebrated on Shukla Ekadashi (11th day of the wading moon phase).
  • Bhagavad Gita was taught in the battle field of Kurukshetra.

Where is the festival celebrated in India?

It is mainly celebrated in Kurukshetra, Haryana. During Gita Jayanti, the devotees take bath in sacred tanks – Brahma Sarovar and Sannihit Sarovar. Brahma sarovar has a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. During celebrations, people light floating lamps in the tanks. It is believed that bathing in Brahmasarovar during solar eclipse removes sin. Thus, the tank is crowded during solar eclipses.

Kurukshetra

  • Jyotisar is the place in Kurukshetra where Lord Krishna delivered Gita to Arjuna.
  • It is believed that the land was located between Saravasti and Drishadvati rivers.
  • Today, River Yamuna flows through Kurukshetra

Archaeological survey in Kuruskshetra

The Centre of Excellence for Research on Saraswati River excavated an ancient Saraswati River ghat in Pehowa of Kurukshetra. The site was excavated in June 2021. 12 stairs of the ghats were excavated. The Saraswati river is mentioned in Rig Veda of Hindus. The Rig Veda says that the river extended between Yamuna in the east and Sutlej in the west. The major Indus Valley Civilization urban sites such as Kalibangan, Dholavira, Lothal, Banawali and Rakhigarhi are located along the bank of this river.


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