Kaithal: Temple Traditions, Tirthas and Fairs

Kaithal brings together temple traditions, Tirthas mentioned in several religious texts, and fairs in Chausala. These places have different points of focus: sometimes the emphasis is on connections to the time of the Mahabharata, sometimes on a deity, a sacred pond or religious practice. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can plan your stay around the themes that interest you most and how you would like to travel.

Temples with Different Historical Associations

According to tradition, the Gyarah Rudri Shiv Temple was founded in Kaithal during the time of the Mahabharata. The Ambkeswar Mahadev Mandir existed even before the time of the Mahabharata. The two temples therefore differ in their historical associations: one is linked to the era of the epic, while the other is said to have existed earlier. Those interested in the region’s religious stories will find two different traditions here rather than a shared origin story.

Another ancient temple is dedicated to Chaywan Rishi and is located in the village of Chausala. The temple is also associated with an annual event: fairs are held on two Sundays of FALGUN Sudi and also on two Sundays of Sawan Sudi. These specified dates make Chausala especially interesting for travellers who would like to plan their trip around a festival date.

Tirthas, Texts and Religious Practice

The Pawan Hrad Tirtha is associated with the deity of the wind. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata as well as in the Padma Purana and the Vamana Purana. This pilgrimage site therefore brings together an association with a specific deity and references to three religious texts.

Several traditions are also associated with the Rinamochana Tirtha in Rasina: the Puranas Vamana, Brahma and Matsya describe its holiness and significance. Religious practices are also part of the site: devotees bathe there and make offerings. The complex includes a pond with two ghats, one for men and one for women. Textual references, religious practice and the division of the ghats are different aspects to consider when planning your visit around a particular theme.

The Kotikuta Tirtha also has its own connection to tradition. It is mentioned in Chapter 25, Verse 41, of the Brahma Purana. The Tirtha is also said to purify a person of sins through bathing there. By contrast, the location beside the water is the main feature of the Shitla Mata Mandir: the temple stands on the bank of a pond belonging to the group of Navagarh Kunds.

Fairs and Travel Planning

The fairs at the Chaywan Rishi Temple in Chausala are held on two different Sudi dates, on two Sundays each. If a fair date is important for your trip, check the relevant event dates before planning. This lets you include the recurring event in your plans deliberately, rather than mixing it up with the temples and Tirthas, which have different historical associations.

Getting to Kaithal and Finding a Holiday Apartment

Kaithal can be reached by bus via the Chandigarh–Hisar State Highway (NH-65). Kaithal railway station is on the branch railway line between Kurukshetra and Narwana. Check the timetables for your travel date if you are planning to arrive by bus or train.

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: temple traditions, the stories and practices associated with the Tirthas, or the fairs in Chausala. These themes provide different starting points for planning. If you are travelling with children, you can discuss together which stories or religious traditions you would like to learn more about and whether a fair fits your travel plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Dhand, Gurgaon, Jind, Kurukshetra, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Faridabad, Panchkula.

For the main travel overview: Haryana.