Sirsa

Sirsa is a city and municipal council in the Sirsa district of the Indian state of Haryana. It is a town in the westernmost region of the state, bordering Punjab and Rajasthan. Its history dates back to the time of the writing of the Mahabharata. At one time, the Sarasvati River flowed in this area. It is home of Sirsa Air Force Station of Indian Air Force. There are a number of legends about the origin of the name of the town. Sirsa is said to be one of the oldest places of North India and its ancient name was Sairishaka, which finds mention in the Mahabharata, Panini's Ashatadhayayi and Divyavadan. In the Mahabharata, Sairishaka is described as being taken by Nakula in his conquest of the western quarter. It must have been a flourishing city in the 5th century BC, as it has been mentioned by Panini.

Heavy stone slabs and a sculpture of Indra, specimens of a temple of early medieval times were found from the site. A sculpture of an "Ekmukha Linga" of Shiva belonging to early medieval times has also been discovered. The specimen represents Shiva both in his human as well as phallic form. A sculpture of Indra recovered from the site is fine specimen representing two armed Indra as Dikpala. Another sculpture of Indra with his consort belonging to the early medieval times has also b