Madhya Pradesh
Sacred Tanks of Madhya Pradesh
Rewa Kund, Mandu, Dhar district
Rewa kund is a reservoir built by the ruler of Mandu, Baz Bahadur. It was designed with an aqueduct to supply Roopmati’s palace with water. Built in the early 16th century Baz Bahadur’s palace is notable for its spacious courtyard fringed with halls and high terraces which command a panoramic view of the lovely surroundings. A picturesque pavilion built on a hill top was Roopmati’s Pavilion. From here she could have a clear view of Baz Bahadur’s palace. A spectacular sunset spot overlooks the valley below. This site was the scene of the romantic legend of the ruler of Mandu Baz Bahadur and the beautiful singer Rupmati.
Rewa kund is a reservoir built by the ruler of Mandu, Baz Bahadur. It was designed with an aqueduct to supply Roopmati’s palace with water. Built in the early 16th century Baz Bahadur’s palace is notable for its spacious courtyard fringed with halls and high terraces which command a panoramic view of the lovely surroundings. A picturesque pavilion built on a hill top was Roopmati’s Pavilion. From here she could have a clear view of Baz Bahadur’s palace. A spectacular sunset spot overlooks the valley below. This site was the scene of the romantic legend of the ruler of Mandu Baz Bahadur and the beautiful singer Rupmati.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roopmati
Bhadaiya Kund,Shivpuri in Shivpuri district
Source: http://www.flickr.comphotos64192705@N035844008555)
This kund is a natural spring situated in an idyllic area not far from Shivpuri. The waters of the kund have a high mineral content and are believed to have therapeutic qualities. The area has been developed by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and is frequented by many tourists.
(Source: http://www.nativeplanet.com/shivpuri/
Bhim Kund, Bajna village, Chhatarpur district
(Picture source: http://madhyapradesh.blogspot.in/2010/09/bhimkund-chhattarpur-district.html)
It is a natural water tank and a sacred site for the Hindus. Legend has it that the depth of the tank cannot be measured. A story of the Mahabharata can be connected to this tank. Once, the Pandavas during their exile reached this spot. Tired and weary, Draupadi fainted. It is interesting to note that this sacred kund is situated in a cave and the roof of the cave has an opening where it is said that Bhima struck with his Gada (Mace) and from that spot water gushed out. Thus the tank came to be known as Bhim kund. There is also another story about this kund. It is stated that once Narada performed severe penance at this spot. Pleased with his devotion, Vishnu appeared before him. To this day the waters of the tank are a lovely indigo blue. Hence, the tank is also known as Neel kund (blue kund) and Narad kund (after the sage Narada).
(Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhimkund)
Champa Baoli, Mandu, Dhar district
Picture source: htt://pcommons.wikimedia.orgwikiFileChampa_Baoli)
Champa Baoli is a well situated near the huge 15th century Jami Masjid, the beautiful Jahaz Mahal (Ship palace), Hindola Mahal or Swing Palace, Baz Bahadur’s Palace, Roopmati’s Pavilion and Hoshang Shah’s Tomb. It is said that Shah Jahan was inspired to build the Taj Mahal after seeing Hoshang Shah’s Tomb. The area is the scene of breath taking natural beauty with a lush green landscape and provides the setting for a picture painted sunset. The area is surrounded by orchards of mango, tamarind and banyan trees.
(Source: http://orbat.com/site/cimh/forts/mandu.htm)
Janaki Kund, Chitrakoot
(PictureSource: http://www.ghumakkar.com/chitrakoot-dham-2/)
The Janaki kund consists of a beautiful stretch of the river Mandakini. It is said that Rama and Sita spent several years of their exile in Chitrakoot. Janaki kund was Sita’s favourite bathing place. It is said that the footprints of Sita are still visible at this spot. There is a ghat leading to the water’s edge. A large number of devotees come to bathe at this spot since the water is considered to be holy. The temple of Rama Janaki Raghuveer is located here as also the deity of Sankat Mochan Hanuman.
Source:http://www.indianholiday.com/tourist-attraction/chitra-koot/janaki-kund.html)
Jauhar Kund, Gwalior
(Picture source: http://www.mptourism.com/web/experience%5Cheritage%5Ckunds%5CJauhar.aspx)
One of the main attractions within the Gwalior fort is the Jauhar Kund. There are many palaces, tanks and temples within the precincts of the fort. All these have been built in the medieval style of architecture. Some of the prominent tanks are Mansarovar Tal, Gangola Tal, Katora Tal, Ekkahambha Tal, Rani Tal and Chedi Tal. These have been constructed to furnish and adequate supply of water in the fort. The Jauhar kund was the scene of the rite of Jauhar or mass suicide committed by the Rajput ladies when the fort was attacked by the Sultan of Delhi Iltitutmish in the year 1232 AD.
(Source: http://www.holidayiq.com/Jauhar-Kund-Gwalior-Sightseeing-369-12494.html)
Markandeya Kund, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
(Picture source: http://tourplaces.in/amarkantak)
There is a legend behind the Markandeya Kund. Once, sage Markandeya was blessed by Paramatma to achieve immortality for seven Kalpas. He had to swim through the rough waters till he reached the Purushottama Kshetra in which the divine tree `akshay vat’ was the lone survivor. Lord Vishnu in a miniature form was sitting on top of the tree. He urged Markandeya to somehow reach the tree in order to receive his blessings. Markandeya did so and Lord Vishnu blessed him and materialized a kund by the use of his Sudarshana Chakra which later came to be known as the `Markandeya Kund’.
(Source: http://www.kamakoti.org/kamakoti/details/skandapurana24.html
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Narmada kund, Amarkantak, Vindya Mountain
(Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Narmada_Kund,_Amarkantak.JPG)
The river Narmada is one of the five holy rivers of India, the others being the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari and Kaveri. Legends also claim that the Narmada River is older than the River Ganga. Its source is located in a small bowl known as the Narmada kund in Amarkantak. The legend says that Shiva’s sweat accumulated in a tank and started flowing in the form of a river. Another story says that two tear drops fell from the eyes of Lord Brahma and were transformed into two rivers – the Narmada and the Son. The Narmada is also worshipped as mother goddess and it is said that a bath in the river absolves one of all the sins. The pilgrims also perform a parikrama or circumambulation of the river.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narmada_River)
Suraj Kund, Gwalior
Constructed in the 15th century AD, this kund is situated within the walls of the Gwalior fort. The legend has it that Suraj Sen, the founder of Gwalior city was suffering from leprosy. He met a saint called Gwalipa near the fort who advised him to drink some water from the kund. The king did so and was cured of leprosy. In gratitude he named the city after the sage Gwalipa; this later came to be known as Gwalior. Suraj kund is named after the king and it commemorates the mythical story.
http://www.mustseeindia.com/Gwalior-Suraj-Kund/attraction/12204)
Gomti Kund, Ujjain
Picture source: http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/tours/2010/madhya-pradesh/ujjain/ujjain.html)
This sacred kund is the confluence of all the sacred rivers from all the pilgrim centers across India. The legend says that Lord Krishna himself arranged for the rivers to join at this place in order to facilitate his Guru Sandipani to carry out his rituals. It is said that ever since then this kund has been the source of perennial water for the Sandipani Ashram.
(Source: http://www.indiantravels.com/Madhya-Pradesh/Ujjain/Places/Gomti-Kund)