A rendezvous amongst flowers
Kusum Sarovar occupies a hallowed place in Hindu mythology, its waters imbued with the essence of divine love and eternal romance. According to ancient texts and scriptures, it is believed to be the very site where Lord Krishna and Radha would often rendezvous amidst the lush foliage and fragrant blooms that adorn its banks. Legend has it that the name “Kusum Sarovar” is derived from the Sanskrit word “kusum,” which means “flowers.” The reservoir is said to have been adorned with an array of blossoms that would float gently upon its shimmering waters, lending an ethereal charm to its serene surroundings.
The transformer, the restorer and the devoted son
In the prelude to the year 1675, Kusum Sarovar existed as a natural pond. It was King Veer Singh Deo Bundela Rajput, hailing from the princely state of Bundelkhand, who envisioned a transformation – constructing the reservoir, turning it into a serene oasis.
It was King Suraj Mal, a Jat ruler whose reign echoed with valour and vision, who recognised the sanctity of Kusum Sarovar and undertook its restoration. The garden surrounding the site bloomed anew under his patronage, its pathways adorned with fragrant blossoms. But Suraj Mal’s contribution extended beyond mere aesthetics. He infused the reservoir with spiritual significance, honouring the divine love that had graced its shores.
In the heart of the 18th century, King Jawahar Singh of Bharatpur etched his father’s, Suraj Mal’s, legacy into the very landscape. The sandstone monument, rising against the backdrop of Kusum Sarovar, is a cenotaph of Suraj Mal and his two wives – Kishori and Hansiya.
