I had one more day to spend in Varanasi before we moved further into UP. It was thus important for me to visit one of the most ancient sites of this city, called the Lolark Kund.
This Kund is a rectangular pond and water body that dates back to 1000 AD. “Lolark” means the trembling sun, and the ancient site traces its origins to the patronage of the Gahadwala Kings, who would bathe in the waters of this mighty pond and make charitable offerings to the Sun God.
Lolark Kund: Varanasi
The site is mentioned in the Scriptures and even the Mahabharata. It is one of the twelve solar deities. The Kund measures 23 meters from north to south and 15 meters from east to west.
Three long staircases descend into the Kund from the north, west, and south. One has to climb 35 steps down to reach the water. It is said that the water has mystical qualities: if a woman bathes in it, she will be able to bear a child. The water can also cure many skin ailments, so the water of the Kund is considered blessed. The water remains clear and pure throughout the year.
The eastern side of the wall is segmented by a deep cut, allowing the water to flow into the well and then into the Ganga.
The brownish-red stonework was created by Rani Ahilya Bai, the Queen of Malwa, who repaired and maintained the site throughout the 18th century.
In the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, many devotees come here to bathe in the water and ask for the blessings of the Sun God. After bathing, they perform a ritual in which they leave a fruit or vegetable and clothing in the pond. This is to signify that they will not eat that fruit or food until their wish is granted. Most mothers ask for a male child after the ritual.
There is also a workshop where artisans make the most colorful idols and statues of many Hindu deities from wood. I was really drawn to a very colorful wooden statue of the multi-headed Hanuman Ji. There was also one depicting the Virat Roopa of Krishna. These were made by locals, and the statues would be bought by wholesalers and large distributors. I wanted to buy one, but I was told that all the items were for wholesale only.
All in all, I enjoyed the experience and recommend it to all travelers who come to Varanasi.
