Sacred Waters: Kotitirtheswar Tank
My City Links presents a new 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 Kotitirtheswar Tank in detail.
Kotitirtheswar Tank
Historic significance: Kotitirtheswar Tank, dating back to the 11th century A.D., isregarded as a sacred site for ritual bathing, believed to cleanse individuals of their sins. Locals regularly use the tank for various rituals and offerings, including Pinda—a ritual for honoring deceased ancestors. The lake is one of the revered Panchatirthas (five holy sites) of Bhubaneswar, with the others being Ganga-Yamuna Kunda, Devi Padahara, Papanasini, and Bindusagar itself. A notable feature is the temple on the western embankment, where the deity Kotitirthesvara resides, named in honor of the sacred Kotitirtha. This interconnected network of sites emphasizes the lake’s importance in the region’s spiritual landscape.
Cultural significance: Festivals like Sivaratri, Jalasayii, Kartika Purnima, and Sankranti are observed. During these festivals, devotees gather at the lake for ritual bathing, offerings, and prayers. The offering of Pinda for honoring ancestors is also regular practice at the tank.
Physical Description: Kotitirtheswar Lake is bordered by embankments on all four sides, with significant landmarks along each. The western embankment is home to the Kotitirthesvara and Visvanatha temples, reinforcing the lake’s sacred presence. On the southern side, a channel in the southern wall directs excess spring water and wastewater into the Lingaraja Temple West Canal, a feature that helps maintain a constant water level year round. In the northeastern corner, there is a clubhouse, while the northwestern corner hosts a recently built Shiva temple that partially encroaches on the lake’s original structure, reflecting modern developments around the ancient site. This mix of traditional and newer structures highlights the evolving nature of Bindusagar’s surroundings.
Architectural features:
● Orientation: Bathing ghats with steps are located on the western embankment, allowing easy access to the water for ritual and community use.
● Architectural Features: The tank is rectangular in shape, measuring approximately 19.75 meters in length, 9.75 meters in breadth, and 1.56 meters in depth.
● Building Material: Constructed with 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 tank is naturally fed by an underground spring, ensuring a supply of fresh and clean water. This water is not only used for ritual bathing but also serves as a community bathing spot, maintaining its role as a vital cultural and social hub in the locality. This accumulation over time has affected the lake’s cleanliness and water quality, highlighting the need for a thorough renovation. Restorative efforts to clear the sludge and remove excess vegetation are essential to preserve the lake’s ecological balance and maintain its cultural significance.
Maintained By: Kotitrithesvara Thakura Development Committee
Ownership: Public
Current State: Perennial; Needs Intervention; The tank faces challenges due to the growth of vegetation along its embankments and the buildup of sludge, silt, and clay at its bottom.
