Govardhan 2018.03.14 (VT) Govardhan’s iconic Kusum Sarovar is about to get a makeover including a musical fountain that will aerate the water and amuse tourists. While the restoration and protection of this heritage site is welcomed, the Government is seeking to recover the costs of the work through charging entry fees.
SDM Govardhan DP Singh and EO Ajay Kumar Yadhav are involved in the preparation of the proposal for the fountain and restoration work. It is hoped that the facelift will increase the number of visitors.
History of Kusum Sarovar
Clik here to view.
William Henry Baker, Temple of Kishn Soraba, Gobardun [View across the Kusum Sarovar Tank towards Suraj Mal’s Cenotaph], 1860s, P.C. Wikipedia
The building, with cenotaphs of the Bharatpur royal family, was built by Jawahir Singh, the king of Bharatpur (1707–1763), in honor of his father Raja Suraj Mall in 1764. Members of his family died during the 18th century fighting the British.
It is named for the Kilakinchita Lila legend about female cow herders (gopis) who picked flowers for offerings to the Sun God, Surya Deva for the nearby Surya Deva Temple and met with Krishna and his friend Madhumangala, who vanish and disguise themselves as priests and accept the flowers and sweets at the temple. Sarovar means lake and kusum means flowers.[1]
It was described by Henry George Keene in 1878, “On every side of the reservoir that fronts it, handsome landing-places run out into the still water with deep and wide staircases between; a venerable banyan tree shades the south side, and sends it pendant shoots towards the water… The spot is singular in its repose, its silence, and its irregular charms.”
Those wanting to enjoy the repose, silence and irregular charms of this enchanting heritage site, and those who just want to sit for quiet meditation in the open air, or take rest during their wanderings in Braj, will now have to purchase a ticket to do so.
The post Now pilgrims will have to buy tickets to enter Kusum Sarovar appeared first on Vrindavan Today.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
