Brahma Sarovar
BY: SUN STAFF
Brahma Sarovar Temple
Dec 10, CANADA (SUN) — Brahma Sarovar is one of the holiest water tanks in all of Kurukshetra. Located in the in Thanesar area, this is the place where Lord Brahma conceived the earth planet. It is also said that Lord Brahma created the entire universe from the land of Kurukshetra, after performing a large yajna. Thus, Brahma Sarovar is considered to be the cradle of civilisation. The Sarovar itself is understood to represent the naval of Lord Brahma.
The Sarovar itself is 3,600 x 1,500 feet in size. Taking bath here in the sacred waters will result in the same pious credits as performing 'Ashvamedha Yajna'. Pilgrims flock here in especially large numbers to bathe on days of solar eclipse. Krsna, Balarama, and Subhadra came here to bathe during a solar eclipse, and the Kauravas and Pandavas also came here to take holy bath.
Brahma Sarovar
Brahma Sarovar is also the dhama of Lord Mahadev. There is a small lotus-shaped temple built within the lake, which is linked to outer sides by a small bridge. Sarveshwar Mahadev temple faces the entrance to the Sarovar. In the middle of the tank are various islands housing other temples and important shrines. Arched enclosures along the way provide shade and protection for pilgrims, and for the sadhus who congregate here to perform austerities and meditate.
During several weeks in the summer, some 500,000 people per day come to Brahma Sarovar. During winter, migratory birds from far off places also visit this holy tank. In late November, early December, deepa daan (floating lamps on the water) and aarti ceremonies are conducted here on Gita Jayanti, with great devotional fervor.
Entrance to Brahma Sarovar Lake
During the Kurukshetra Festival, for an entire week saintly persons come here to engage in Bhagwat Katha. The devotees come to Kurukshetra (Dharmakshetra) and recite Bhagavad-gita from early morning until the next morning, perform arati to Bhagavad-gita and to Krishna and Arjuna upon the chariot, offer lamps 'deep daan' at Brahma Sarovar, offer sloka recitals, shobha yatras and seminars on the significance of Bhagavad-gita today.
In the 11th century memoirs of Al Beruni, called Kitab-ul-Hind, the author mentioned the Brahma Sarovar tank. Having fallen into disrepair over the years, the tank is said to have been excavated by King Kuru, sometime before the battle of Kurukshetra. In more recent years, the Brahma Sarovar has been renovated, and now offers modern facilities to pilgrims.
Panorama view of Brahma Sarovar
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