Many 'tirthas' from list of 30 yet to be identified in Haryana

Kurukshetra, December 3

Though 30 new pilgrimages falling under 48-kos land, spread over five districts of Haryana, have been included in the list of "tirthas", taking the tally to 164, experts believe that a large number of "tirthas" are yet to be identified, documented and included in the list.

There are said to be 360 pilgrimages under the 48-kos land spread over Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Jind and Panipat, but only 164 have been identified so far. Of the 30 "tirthas", 13 have been identified in Kurukshetra, 10 in Kaithal, six in Karnal, and one in Jind district.

The survey was conducted by the Kurukshetra Development Board for the identification of the new "tirthas". Shri Krishna Museum supervisor Rajendra Rana who has played a crucial role in the survey, said, "As per the scriptures, there are around 360 pilgrimages under the 48-kos land. A large number of pilgrimages have become extinct over a period of time. A survey was conducted and 30 pilgrimages have been included in the list. More "tirthas" are likely to make it into the list in the coming years. Proposals are being received from various panchayats and committees for the inclusion of their pilgrimages in the list but there is a set criterion for the selection. Every tirtha has its archaeological value." Madan Mohan Chhabra, Kurukshetra Development Board honorary secretary, said, "The survey for the identification and documentation of the "tirthas" is still on, and we are hopeful that some new pilgrimage sites will be included in the list of tirthas in the coming years.."— TNS

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