Haryana
Sacred Tanks in Haryana
Brahma Sarovar
The Brahma Sarovar at Kurukshetra is one of the holiest tanks in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the large island in the middle of the tank stands the Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple, which is linked to the shore by a small bridge. There is also a well on this island called Chandra Kupa. The water is clean, and there are ghats for bathing. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the universe from this place. Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra came here to bathe during a solar eclipse. As per the Hindu scriptures, a dip in the tank bears the sanctity of performing Ashwamedha Yagna.
Kapal Mochan Sarovar
Kapal Mochan, also known as Gopal Mochan is an ancient place of pilgrimage in the state of Haryana. Lakhs of devotees get rid of sins by taking a dip in the sacred tank, especially during the Kapal Mochan Mela, held very year on the eve of Kartik Purnima.
The Sarovar is a natural hollow near the banks of the River Saraswati. The tank is sacred to both the Hindus and the Sikhs. Its importance is evident from the fact that its name appears at numerous places in Mahabharata and Puranas.
The Pandavas are said to have a dip in the Sarovar, in order to get rid of the sins of the death of their relatives and Guru Dronacharya. This tank was also visited by Guru Gobind Singh after the battle of Bhangani in 1679 AD on his way to Paonta Sahib.
Nabhi Kamal
The Nabhi Kamal tank at Kurukshetra is believed to house a sacred lotus, which happens to be the abode of Lord Brahma. It is said that Brahma was born from the lotus growing from Lord Vishnu’s navel here. There is a Vishnu and Brahma temple here.
Sannihit Sarovar
Sarovar is yet another sacred water tank at Kurukshetra. It is believed to be the meeting point of seven sacred Saraswati rivers. The Sarovar spreads 1500 ft in length and 550 ft in breadth. Bathing ghats and steps have been set up here for pilgrims. Temples dedicated to Dhruva Narayan, Goddess Durga and Lord Hanuman can be seen here.
Anjani Kund
Chameli Van in the Hodal sub Division of the Palwal district
The Anjani kund is situated in the midst of Chameli Van in the Hodal sub Division of the Palwal district of Haryana. According to a local tradition, the mother of Lord Krishna, Yashoda once came to this forest in search of her son. Lord Krishna was performing raas with the gopis. Fearing his mother’s wrath, Krishna jumped into the lake and transformed himself into Hanuman. Yashoda was pleased to have the darshan of Hanuman and performed puja to him. Since then the kund is known as Anjani kund, which is another name for Hanuman.
(Source: http://www.brajfoundation.org/anjani_kund.html)
Suraj kund
Sunam, Faridabad district
Source: http://www.indianholiday.com/india-photo-gallery/delhi/tour-to-surajkund-from-gurgaon.html)
Suraj kund is an ancient reserviour which can be dated back to the 10th century AD. It literally means `Lake of the Sun’. It was built by the king Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty. It is situated in the backdrops of the Aravalli hills. It said to have been restored during the reign of Feroz Shah Tughlaq (1351-88). The reservoir has been built in the shape of the rising sun with an eastward arc. It was designed to meet the water requirements of the city of Delhi. Recent mining activities in the vicinity have led to the depletion of the ground water level.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surajkund
Bhishma Kund
Naraktari village, Kurukshetra district
(Picture Source- http://kurukshetrathelandofdharma.blogspot.in/2011_12_01_archive.html)
This kund is located at the place believed to be the site where Arjuna quenched the thirst of his grandsire during the battle of Kurukshtra. Arjuna pierced the ground by shooting an arrow called the Parjanyastra and cool water gushed out of the ground. Hence, this site is known as Bhisma Kund. Recently, the ancient stepwell has been renovated.
(Source:http://www.kurukshetra.nic.in/tour/Religious/tirath/Kurukshetra/007-bhishamkund/index.htm)
Draupadi Kund
National Highway in Haryana
This kund is associated with the Mahabharata. It is believed that a bath in this tank washes off one’s sins. It is said that the Pandavas along with Draupadi stayed at this place incognito during the 13th year of their exile. For the past few centuries, a fair is being organized to celebrate the festival of Baisakhi.
Source: http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/HAR-the-story-behind-draupadi-kund-4349118-PHO.html)
Baoli Ghaus Ali Shah
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stepwell
It is a bawdi or tank constructed to collect the rainwater and it is located at Farrukhnagar in Haryana. It was built by Ghaus Ali Shah during the reign of the Mughal emperor Farrukh Siyar. It is constructed out of stone, lime plaster and bricks. It is said to resemble the Turkish hammam. It is surrounded by a verandah with well-framed arches on all sides. There are also chambers for relaxation and recreation on the upper storeys.