Bindu Sarovar

Located to the North of the famous Lingaraj temple, Bindu Sarovar is regarded as a sacred lake and one of the popular places to see in Bhubaneshwar. Today, it has become a common spot for locals and tourists to come for sightseeing and relaxation. The server is wrapped around the architectural brilliance of several temples and shrines, marking this water body, which happens to be the largest in Bhubaneshwar.

Legend has it that the lake was created by the holy water that Lord Shiva brought for Goddess Parvati, to quench her thirst. It thus follows that taking a dip in the waters of this lake can rid a person of his sins and diseases. In modern terms, the lake is popular as the Ocean drop tank, 1300 feet long and 700 feet wide in area. During the annual car festival, the deity from Lingaraja temple is brought to this lake for a bath.

History of Bindu Sarovara

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is an epitome of historical depth and spiritual significance. Among its numerous sacred sites, Bindu Sarovara, also known as Bindu Sagar or Bindu Sarovar, holds a special place in the heart of the city's cultural and religious tourism. This large water tank is surrounded by many ancient temples, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere for visitors.

The history of Bindu Sarovara is intrinsically linked to the city's religious heritage. The tank is believed to contain sacred water from every holy river, spring, and tank in India. Historically, it has been a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus who come to perform rituals and pay homage to their ancestors, especially during the auspicious Odia month of Kartika.

Historical Significance of Bindu Sarovara

The origins of Bindu Sarovara are shrouded in mythology and it is considered a significant place of worship since the time of the ancient Kalinga kingdom. The Sarovara is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures and is part of the larger Lingaraj Temple complex, which dates back to the 11th century CE. It is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva and holds great religious importance even today.

The Sarovara's name, literally meaning 'Drop Lake', comes from the legendary drop (Bindu) of Lord Shiva, which is said to have fallen into the tank. Pilgrims consider the water in Bindu Sarovara to be extremely sacred, hence, taking a dip in this tank is believed to free one from all sins and cure physical ailments.

Architecture of Bindu Sarovara

Surrounded by numerous temples and shrines, Bindu Sagar Lake is considered the largest water body in Bhubaneswar. According to legends, Bindu Sagar Lake was created by Lord Shiva by bringing water from all the holy places to quench the thirst of Goddess Parvati. Hence it is believed that a dip in the Bindu Sagar Lake would wash away all the sins and get rid of all their diseases by drinking the holy water.

Also known as Ocean Drop Tank, the lake is 1,300 feet long and 700 feet wide. It consists of a tiny island with several shrines in its middle. The tank has embankments on all four sides. The temple of Ananta Vasudeva stands on the eastern embankment across the road, Mohini Temple on the southern embankment, Markandeswara Temple on the south-eastern embankment, and Uttaresvara Temple on the northern embankments.