Sacred Waters: Bada Kua
My City Links presents a series on ‘City tales’ extracted from the book ‘Sacred Waters’ by Anisha Swain under the guidance of Anil Dhir, Convener, Bhubaneswar Chapter at Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). In this series, we will be featuring some of the Temple tanks of Ekamra Kshetra.
Temple tanks, revered as sacred water bodies, have played a crucial role in religious and cultural traditions across India. In Odisha, these tanks, known as Kundas or Pushkarinis, are deeply linked to Hindu rituals, mythology, and community life. Historically, they were commissioned by kings and nobles as acts of spiritual merit and served as essential water sources. Rooted in Vedic traditions, these tanks are associated with Varuna, the water god, and believed to possess purifying qualities.
Bhubaneswar, the "Temple City," is home to many such sacred tanks, including Marichi Kunda, Kotitirtha, and Swetaganga, each carrying unique mythological significance. Pilgrims still bathe in these waters before visiting temples, maintaining age-old traditions. Beyond their spiritual role, temple tanks contribute to the ecological balance of urban landscapes, acting as natural reservoirs that sustain groundwater levels.
However, rapid urbanization threatens their existence. Encroachments and neglect have left many tanks dependent solely on rainfall, making maintenance crucial. Preserving these water bodies is not just about cultural heritage but also about sustainable water management. In a time of global water crisis, revisiting these ancient traditions can inspire a more respectful and sustainable approach to water conservation.
This time let’s have an overview of the Bada Kua besides the Kapileswar temple complex.
Bada Kua, Kapileswar
Historic significance: Bada Kua, dating back to the 14th century A.D. was historically used by locals. In local legend, during Goddess Parvati’s battle with the demons Kirti and Vasa, she lost her gem-studded earrings (mani-kundala). After defeating the demons, Parvati informed Lord Shiva of her lost earrings. To retrieve them, Shiva struck the earth with his trident at a place known as Kapila Kunda, where the earrings were recovered.
Cultural significance: It is a living kund, the water used for ritual bath of the deities in the temple precinct.
Physical Description: The tank is surrounded by Kapileswar temple compound in West, Malla Niyoga in East, Dolamandap in North and Manikarnika Tank in South.
Architectural Features: The tank is rectangular in shape, measuring approximately 2.6 square meters with a compound wall that measures 7 m x 4.5 m.
Building Material: Constructed with sand stone and dressed laterite blocks, which provide durability and aesthetic appeal.
Construction Techniques: Built using dry masonry, a technique where stones are fitted without mortar, enhancing its structural resilience.
Special Features: The inner walls of the well are carved with small niches enshrining the deities.
Maintained By: Kapileswar Trust Board, A.S.I.
Ownership: Public
Current State: The well is in a dying state with reduced water level and thick vegetation cover.
