The well of hell

Deep within the historic grounds of Patna, an ancient well stands vigil over ages long lost to the sands of time. Known as the Agam Kuan, this ancient reservoir carries echoes of a dark and tumultuous past etched into its very stones.

Dating back an astonishing 2200 years, the well's forbidding presence looms near the historic Kumhrar archaeological site, transporting you to the time of Emperor Ashoka's brutal reign before he embraced Buddhism. As sunlight filters through the gnarled trees surrounding the well, you can almost envision the grisly scenes that once unfolded in its shadowed depths.

The name Agam Kuan translates to "unfathomable well," which comes from a legend that Ashoka had tried emptying the well, but even after repeated attempts, the well couldn't be emptied, hinting at its fathomless depths, hence the name.

But this is just one of the many legends the storied well is mired in.

According to a myth, the well has a subterranean link with the Patala (netherworld) or hell; this was inferred on the basis that a saint found a heavy log in the well which was supposed to have been lost in the sea. This belief was further reinforced by the fact that fire used to emanate from the well, which was also called the ‘fiery well’ or ‘hell on earth’. Emperor Ashoka knew about it and turned this into his chambers of torture, where offenders were thrown into a fiery abyss. It is even said that Ashoka used the well to dispose of his 99 brothers to secure his claim to the Mauryan empire's throne.

Another legend tells of the Jain monk Sudarshana, who was thrown into the well by King Chand but reportedly floated to the surface seated on a lotus.

Perhaps it has something to do with its nature, but since ancient times, people have thrown offerings into the well. This practice is rooted in the belief that the well holds spiritual power and can influence one's destiny. Mughal officials were said to have thrown gold and silver coins into the well as offerings, a testament to the well's perceived importance. Devotees consider Agam Kuan auspicious and toss flowers and coins into it.

Despite the passage of time, Agam Kuan continues to be a place of reverence and wonder, drawing visitors and devotees alike to its enigmatic waters.

Mystical wonders of the well

To gaze into the shadowed depths of Agam Kuan is to unlock a gateway into the realm of mysteries.

Eight arched windows provide glimpses of its deep waters, which run 65 feet deep into the earth's embrace.

During Emperor Akbar's reign, a roofed structure was constructed over the well. The upper half's sturdy brick craftsmanship gives way to an ingenious system of wooden rings lining the bottommost 19 metres - a masterwork of ancient engineering. Yet the well's eerie secrets, cloaked in centuries of myth and lore, truly captivate the imagination.

Beliefs abound that these waters hold an arcane connection to the holy Ganga, almost 1800 kilometres amid the Bay of Bengal's restless tides. Whispered tales speak of hidden subterranean passageways lurking beneath the well's floor, leading to an underworld riddled with labyrinthine tunnels.

It is also said that the water of Agam Kuan never dries up, and its level remains the same at any time of the year. Locals around the place also suggest that the water inside the well keeps changing, and there are nine wells within the well where Emperor Ashoka used to keep his treasure.

The spiritual connection

Despite its dark past, Agam Kuan holds profound spiritual significance for the locals. As part of an ancient temple complex dedicated to the revered Goddess Sitaladevi, the well is regarded as a sacred site, a conduit of divine energies. Devotees flock here with unwavering faith in the goddess's powers, seeking deliverance from afflictions and solace in her divine grace.

The rituals surrounding Sitaladevi's worship are intertwined with Agam Kuan's mystical waters. The well serves as a hearth around which major life events like marriages are celebrated, with families seeking Sitaladevi's divine grace before embarking on new journeys. While the rational mind may question such beliefs, Agam Kuan transcends its historical legacy for the local faithful.

Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

Treasures beyond the well

For those who've unlocked the mysteries of Agam Kuan, the surrounding area offers a wealth of other wonders to explore. Just a short distance away lies the Kumhrar archaeological site, a time capsule into Patna's ancient past. History buffs will also delight in the grandiose halls of Patna Museum which house exquisite treasures spanning civilisations - from intricate Mauryan terracotta artefacts to stunning Buddhist bronzes. Nearby, the serene Buddha Smriti Park pays homage to the enlightened one through its tranquil gardens adorned with intricate Buddhist motifs and the iconic Vaishali Stupa. And those seeking an escape into nature's embrace can take in serenity along the shores of river Ganga. With such diverse experiences within its vicinity, Agam Kuan emerges as the centrepiece, offering a glimpse of Patna's storied past.

Through the ages, the Agam Kuan has stood as a testament to Patna's pivotal role in history, inviting you on an intriguing journey to witness the legacy of a brutal monarch who later found solace in the teachings of Buddhism.