Bindu Sarovar: A Sacred and Historic Destination in India

India is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance, with countless sacred sites that have drawn devotees and travellers for centuries. One such remarkable place is Bindu Sarovar, a site that holds immense religious importance and historical significance. Located in Sidhpur, Gujarat, and also referred to in various other regions like Bhubaneswar, this serene water body is considered sacred and is surrounded by mythological tales and legends. In this article, we explore the significance, history, and mystical aura of Bindu Sarovar.

What is Bindu Sarovar?

At its core, Bindu Sarovar is a water body, a pond or lake, known for its spiritual importance. The word “Bindu” is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning a “drop” or a “point,” signifying its purity, sanctity, and divine nature. It is believed to be the site where the ultimate essence or “Bindu” (the point of creation) resides, making it a powerful spiritual centre.

Bindu Sarovar in Sidhpur, Gujarat

Located in Sidhpur, a small town in Gujarat, Bindu Sarovar is known as a sacred water reservoir that is connected with the Puranas and many religious texts. It is considered one of the holiest places in the region, drawing numerous pilgrims and tourists every year.

Sidhpur is home to various temples dedicated to different deities, and Bindu Sarovar plays a crucial role in the religious practices of the region. Pilgrims who visit Sidhpur often make it a point to take a holy dip in the waters of Bindu Sarovar, believing that it cleanses them of all sins and brings them closer to divinity. The lake’s waters are often considered to be very pure, and the temple complex around the lake further adds to its sanctity.

Bindu Sarovar History and Mythological Significance

The history of Bindu Sarovar is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to legends, this lake was created by Lord Shiva. It is said that the holy Ganges River was diverted into this lake by the gods, where it gathered all the drops of water that fell from the heavens. The water in Bindu Sarovar is considered to possess purifying qualities and is believed to wash away all sins, making it a centre for religious rituals, especially during important festivals like Mahashivaratri and Kartika Purnima.

There are various tales associated with this sacred water body, and one of the most famous stories tells how Lord Vishnu visited this site to take a dip in its purifying waters to cleanse himself of all impurities. It is also believed that Rishi Bhrigu, one of the seven great sages in Hinduism, meditated here, making it a place of profound spiritual energy.

As a place of pilgrimage, Bindu Sarovar attracts both spiritual seekers and those interested in learning about India’s rich cultural history. The temple that is situated on the banks of the lake further enhances its appeal, as it is home to many ancient idols, scriptures, and inscriptions that recount the history and evolution of this sacred site.

Bindu Sarovar in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

While Bindu Sarovar is best known in Sidhpur, there is another sacred Bindu Sarovar located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha. This lesser-known water body also holds significant religious importance in the region and is associated with the Hindu temple traditions of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

The Bindu Sarovar in Bhubaneswar is an integral part of the Bhubaneswar Temple Circuit, which includes several famous temples such as Lingaraj Temple and Mukteshwar Temple. The Bindu Sarovar in Bhubaneswar is believed to be an important site for performing purification rituals and is believed to be sacred due to its association with the Puranic texts.

Although it is not as famous as the Bindu Sarovar in Sidhpur, the Bindu Sarovar in Bhubaneswar is often frequented by devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, who come to pay their respects, take holy dips, and perform rituals such as pinda daan (offerings to ancestors) and shraddha (rituals for the deceased).

Bindu Sarovar’s Spiritual Significance

The primary spiritual significance of Bindu Sarovar lies in its association with the purifying power of water, considered one of the five essential elements in Hinduism. In the Vedas and Upanishads, water is considered a symbol of purification, and the Bindu Sarovar is believed to embody this purification. Pilgrims believe that by visiting Bindu Sarovar, taking a dip in its waters, and offering prayers, they can achieve moksha (liberation) and rid themselves of negative karmas.

The sacredness of Bindu Sarovar is also linked to the belief in the divine. Hindus believe that water bodies like Bindu Sarovar serve as an abode for various gods and goddesses. It is seen as a site where one can connect with the divine presence of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma, and attain spiritual progress.

Bindu Sarovar and Its Role in Pilgrimages

Bindu Sarovar plays a key role in Hindu pilgrimages. Pilgrims who visit Sidhpur often come from far-flung places to bathe in its holy waters. It is particularly significant for those following the Shakta and Shaiva traditions. Temples surrounding Bindu Sarovar, including the famous Brahma Kund Temple, are places where rituals of offering, worship, and prayer are held regularly.

The Bindu Sarovar also has a role in the worship of ancestors. Many families visit the lake to perform pinda daan for the peace of their departed souls, a custom believed to have originated in the Vedic age. The serene atmosphere surrounding the lake adds to its spiritual ambience, making it a place for contemplation and prayer.

How to Reach Bindu Sarovar

Bindu Sarovar Sidhpur is located in the town of Sidhpur in Gujarat, which is easily accessible by road, train, and air. The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, approximately 120 km away. The town is well-connected to major cities in Gujarat by road and rail, and local transport options are available to reach Bindu Sarovar.

For those visiting Bindu Sarovar in Bhubaneswar, the closest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, which is approximately 10 km away from the city centre. Bhubaneswar is well-connected by road and rail to other parts of Odisha and India, making it convenient for travellers to visit the Bindu Sarovar.

Conclusion

Bindu Sarovar is not just a water body; it is a spiritual destination where myth, history, and devotion come together to create a profound religious experience. Whether you visit the Bindu Sarovar in Sidhpur or the Bindu Sarovar in Bhubaneswar, you will find a place where the soul can find peace, purification, and connection with the divine. Its rich history, association with Hindu mythology, and its role in spiritual practices make it an important site for pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers alike. The tranquil environment surrounding the lake only adds to its divine aura, offering a perfect space for meditation and reflection on life’s higher purpose.