Tourist Places in Sirsa Haryana: The district was named after the town of Sirsa, which has a rich history dating back to ancient times. In fact, it was originally called Sairishaka and was mentioned in Mahabharata, Panini’s ‘Ashtadhyayi’, and Buddhist text ‘Divyavadan’. Scholars believe that the city was thriving as early as the 5th century B.C. and was mentioned by Panini.
There are several legends surrounding the origin of the town’s name. One theory suggests that it was derived from the sacred river Sarasvati that flowed nearby. During the medieval period, it was referred to as Sarsuti. Another theory contends that it came from the abundance of ‘siris’ trees (Albizia lebbock (Benth)) in the surrounding area.
According to local tradition, a king named Saras founded the town in the 7th century A.D. and built a fort. The remains of this ancient fort can still be seen in the south-east of the present town. The fort’s walls span approximately 5 kilometers, making it an impressive and formidable structure even to this day. Another theory posits that the town’s name evolved from its original name Sairishaka, changing over time to Sirsapattan before becoming Sirsa.
Sirsa is a city that offers an irresistible mix of historical allure, religious significance, and cultural richness. With its rich history and lesser-known gems, Sirsa has a lot to offer to travelers seeking to delve deeper into its hidden treasures. Join us on a virtual journey as we take you through some of the most diverse and captivating tourist places in Sirsa that make it a destination worth exploring.
Sirsa At A Glance
Location : Sirsa is located 259 kms. from Delhi on the Delhi–Sirsa National Highway No. 10.
Linking Roads: Connected to National Highway No. 64 through Dabwali and Punjab.
How To Reach Sirsa Haryana
Whether you’re traveling by air, rail, or bus, getting to Sirsa is easy and convenient.
By Air: The nearest airport to Sirsa is Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), located approximately 258 km away from the town. Contact your airline for more information about flights.
By Rail: Sirsa is located in the northern western railway zone and is serviced by a number of important trains, including the Haryana Express, Jaipur-Amritsar Express, Kisan Express, Rewari-Fazilka passenger, and Bathinda Rewari passenger trains.
For any railway inquiries, dial 139.
By Bus: The bus stand is located along National Highway No. 10, with Haryana Roadways buses connecting all major neighboring towns and cities.
For Haryana bus inquiries, dial 01666-220866.
Must-visit Tourist Places in Sirsa Haryana
Hanuman Temple (Ram Nagria)
This temple, located 2km west of the city, is a well-visited destination by people from all walks of life. Visitors flock to the temple every Tuesday, driven by their great faith.
Gurudwara Guru Gobind Singh
The Gurudwara is renowned for its connection to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth guru, who reportedly spent a night here. The site spans over eight acres and includes a tank with a separate enclosure for women. Additionally, there is a small museum and a library on the premises.
Dera Baba Sarsai Nath
Located just outside Hisar Gate, this temple’s construction dates back to the 13th century. It was built by Sarsai Nath, a revered Saint of the Nath sect – followers of Shiva – who used this site for meditation. The temple holds a special place in the hearts of locals. An inscription from Bhoja, the Pratihara ruler, was found in Sirsa. It records that Nilkantha, a saint of Pashupati sect, built the temple of Yogisvara (Shiva) using burnt bricks, thick stone slabs, and a golden Shikara. Although no remains of this temple have been found, it shows that Saivism and Pashupati sects thrived in Sirsa during the 8th and 9th centuries.
The Dera Baba Sarsai Nath was visited by Mughal Emperor ShahJahan, who sought blessings for his ailing son. He built a dome and donated land to the temple. A document in Arabic, held by the Dera authorities, testifies to Emperor ShahJahan’s visit to the temple. The Dera houses temples of Shiva and Durga.
Tomb of Khawaja Pir
According to legend, the tomb was erected in the 13th century as a tribute to Khawaja Abdul Shankar, who was among the group that accompanied Muhammad Ghori on his journey to India and settled there. The mosque adjoining the tomb was added during the 16th century. Sadly, there are no remaining structures of the tomb or mosque. Interestingly, Guru Nanak Dev is believed to have stayed at the tomb with his followers, Bala and Mardana, for a period of forty days.
Jama Masjid
The Masjid is an exquisite example of architecture, featuring tall, stunning minarets that offer a breathtaking view of the town. It was constructed in the 19th century.
Ancient site of Ther Mound
Sirsa is believed to be one of the oldest towns in Haryana, located on the ancient route leading to Taxila. The present name of the town is derived from its ancient name, Sarishika, which is mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Mahabharta, Panini’s Ashtadhyayi, and the Buddhist text Divyavadana. The ruins of the ancient Sarishika are believed to be buried in the mound at Sirsa. This vast site covers an area of approximately five kilometers in circumference, with a maximum height of around fifteen meters. Although no archaeological excavations have been conducted at this site, surface exploration has yielded stone sculptures, coins, an inscription, pottery pieces, and other antiquities that attest to its archaeological significance.
Final Words
Are you seeking a travel destination that offers a diverse range of experiences? Look no further than Sirsa! This enchanting city boasts a rich cultural heritage, spiritual retreats, historical sites, and local traditions. Join us on a journey to explore the hidden tourist places in Sirsa and discover all that this vibrant city has to offer.
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