Vrajmandal Parikrama : Sankarshana-kunda and Mana-sarovara

Sankarshana-kunda and Mana-sarovara

Although Sankarshana-kunda and Mana-sarovara were at one time separate kundas, they have now been amalgamated into one kunda by those who excavated and cleaned the kundas about fifty years ago and also constructed a ghatas around the perimeter. Formerly Sankarshana-kunda was situated next to the Bahula Devi Mandir and Mana-sarovara lay a little further away. Sankarshana-kunda is also known as Bahula-kunda, and Mana-sarovara is also known as Krishna-kunda, as well as Mana-sarasi. It is mentioned in the Puranas that one who takes bath here during the month of Chaitra (March-April) will achieve the darshana of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayana.

The Story of Mana-sarovara

One day, when Radha and Krishna were enjoying Their transcendental pastimes near here, some incedent caused Radharani to suddenly experience a fit of jealous anger known as mana (pronounced maan), apparently due to some lover’s misunderstanding. In an angry mood, Radharani came alone to Bahulavana and hid Herself in a bower next to this kunda. Feeling the intolerable pain of being separated from Radharani, Krishna began searching for Her everywhere and with the help of the sakhis, finally found Radharani sulking beneath a bower on the bank of this kunda. Krishna entered the bower and surrendered Himself at the lotus feet of Radha and after seeking forgiveness, was able to eventually pacify Radha’s mood of jealous anger. The kunda where Radharani sat in an angry mood became celebrated as Mana-sarovara, the lake of jealous anger.