Govardhan, 2018.05.16 (VT): Several pastimes of Radha-Krishna and the Gopis of Braj are associated with Kusum Sarovar. Shri Krishna and the Gopas would wait here for the gopis to come and pick flowers in the early morning.
Kusum Sarovar is located two kilometres from Govardhan. The kund is 450 feet long and 60 feet deep and is a favourite with photographers as the shadow of the buildings on the kund creates a mesmerizing effect. The steps of the kund provide a resting place for weary travelers and the historical buildings with painted ceilings are of interest to artists and historians.
Kusum Sarovar has also been used as an event venue. A floating stage was installed on the kund for a program commemorating the 500th Anniversary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s arrival in Braj, on 17th November 2015.
Recently, plans were announced to promote the area as one of India’s top tourist destinations. Authorities are have announced plans to restore the kund and surrounding buildings and there is also talk of a fountain and boat rides in the kund.
Kusum Sarovar, P.C. Jagran.com
The kund was dug out in the 17th Century by the King Veer Singh Dev of Madhya Pradesh. After this, King Suraj Mal renovated it and gave it the shape of a grand lake. King Suraj Mal’s son, King Jawahar Singh, built the domes on the West side of the kund as a memorial for his father and three daughters.
While at Radha Kund, devotees meditate on this sweet pastime, described in Deena Bandhu’s Vraja Lila:
One day, Rādhārāṇī was picking flowers, and there was one flower that was just out of reach. She even jumped a couple of times, Her ankle bells and bracelets going ching, ching, ching. It was just out of reach. Krishna was watching from the forest nearby, so when Rādhārāṇī turned and began picking other flowers, He climbed up into that tree and put His foot on the branch so it would go down.
Rādhārāṇī turned again and saw that the flower had come low. She thought, “That’s very interesting. This is such a lovely flower.” So She tried to pluck it, and again it was just out of reach. She jumped and caught the end of the branch with Her left hand and pulled it down so She could reach to pick the flower. Then Krishna lifted His foot off of the branch. Rādhārāṇī screamed and went flying up into the air and was left hanging high in the tree. We can imagine who turned up to save Her in dire distress and pluck Her down from the branch! Kusum Sarovar is filled with so many wonderful pastimes.
This pastime helps us remember Shri Krishna’s mercy in appearing to those who truly desire to see Him and gives a glimpse of His playful nature.
Jai Shri Radhe Shyam! Kusum Sarovar ki jai!
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