Kusum Sarovar
About Kusum Sarovar, Govardhan
Kusum Sarovar is a beautiful and sacred water reservoir located on the holy Govardhan Hill, in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Nestled between Manasi Ganga and Radha Kund, this serene pond holds great historical and religious importance for Hindus. The name “Kusum Sarovar” comes from two words: “Kusum,” which means flowers, and “Sarovar,” meaning pond. It is believed that Radha, the beloved of Lord Krishna, used to visit this place to gather flowers, and many of the stories associated with Radha and Krishna’s divine love unfold here.
The peaceful surroundings and the lush greenery around the pond make it an ideal spot for visitors and pilgrims who want to experience a sense of calm and spirituality. Kusum Sarovar is considered a sacred place in the Braj region, which is famous for its connections to Lord Krishna. Pilgrims come from all over India to visit this holy site, explore the ancient structures around the reservoir, and view the beautiful paintings that tell the stories of Krishna and Radha’s pastimes. The area around the pond is filled with the energy of these divine stories, and many believe that Krishna performed several of his playful acts here with his friends and Radha.
One of the key attractions at Kusum Sarovar is the night show, which brings the stories of Radha and Krishna to life. Visitors often describe it as a magical and beautiful experience.
History of Kusum Sarovar
The history of Kusum Sarovar is deeply rooted in the tales of Lord Krishna and Radha’s love and playfulness. According to legend, Radha would come to this serene spot to collect flowers for her friends, but she also had a secret purpose: to meet Krishna. One of the famous stories says that while Radha was gathering flowers, her dress got caught in some thorns. Krishna, disguised as a gardener, came to her rescue and helped free her dress from the thorns. This story is just one of many that show the playful and loving relationship between Krishna and Radha.
In another tale, Krishna and his friends often played games, like hide and seek, in the area, hiding behind the many Kadamb trees that still grow around the pond. These stories are cherished by pilgrims who come to Kusum Sarovar, as they believe they are walking on the very grounds where Krishna once roamed.
The actual pond was constructed in 1675 by Veer Singh, the ruler of Orchha, who turned the earthen pond into a more structured reservoir. Later, Raja Suraj Mal, the king of Bharatpur, developed the area into a garden for his queen, Kishori. In 1764, Suraj Mal’s son, Jawahar Singh, built the stunning cenotaphs (memorial structures) that still stand today. These buildings honor the royal family of Bharatpur, particularly Raja Suraj Mal, whose stories are celebrated in the region.
Architecture of Kusum Sarovar
The architecture of Kusum Sarovar is a striking blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The pond itself is about 450 feet long and 60 feet deep. The banks, or “ghats,” surrounding the pond are built in a Rajasthani style, with wide steps leading down to the emerald-green waters of the reservoir. The entire area is surrounded by forests filled with vibrant flowers, which add to the beauty and peacefulness of the site.
One of the most significant features of Kusum Sarovar is the historical building on the upper level. This structure was created by King Jawahar Singh in memory of his father, Raja Suraj Mal. The building has three tombs, each with its own fascinating artwork. The main tomb, which belongs to Raja Suraj Mal, has stunning paintings on its ceiling. These paintings depict the various playful pastimes of Krishna, and visitors can also see engravings of Krishna’s lotus feet on the floor.
In addition to the tomb of Raja Suraj Mal, there are two more tombs on this upper level. These belong to his queens, Kishori and Hansiya. The ceilings of these tombs are also decorated with beautiful paintings that tell the stories of their lives and their deep connection to Raja Suraj Mal.
Kusum Sarovar Timing
Timing – 6 AM to 8 PM
Kusum Sarovar Photos
Nearby Tourist Attraction
- Radha Kund Shyam Kund
- Mansi Ganga
- Daan Ghati
Poonchhari Ka Lautha
Kusum Sarovar Distance
| Place Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Mathura Railway Station | 26 km |
| Barsana | 23 Km |
| Mathura | 24 km |
| Vrindavan | 21 km |
How to Reach Kusum Sarovar
By Road: You can easily hire a cab from Agra, Mathura, or Delhi to travel to the Kusum Sarovar. It is approx. 140 km from Delhi, 81 kms from Agra, and 24 kms from Mathura.
By Train: The city is well-connected with almost all cities across the country. The nearest railway station is in Mathura, located 26 kms away.
By Air: The nearest fully functional commercial airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, 148 km away.