Gaumukh Kund

Gaumukh Kund is a sacred water reservoir located within the western part of Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan. Fed by a natural spring flowing from a carved cow-shaped stone spout, it served as the primary water source for the fort during historical sieges. The site holds deep religious significance and features a Shivling and Goddess Lakshmi icon at its base.

Visitors can observe a large ancient reservoir continuously fed by water flowing from a stone-carved cow's mouth. At the base where the water falls, there are religious icons including a Shivling and an image of Goddess Lakshmi. The reservoir contains numerous fish that visitors often feed. Steep staircases lead down to the water level, allowing visitors to touch and drink the holy water.

Gaumukh Kund was one of 84 water bodies built within Chittorgarh Fort and served as the main water source during numerous sieges, including those by Alauddin Khilji (1303 AD), Bahadur Shah (1535 AD), and Akbar (1567 AD). The fort's advanced water management system could store up to four billion liters of water.

Considered a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site, Gaumukh Kund is believed to be essential for completing a holy journey after visiting other religious sites in India. It is revered as the 'Tirth Raj' (King of Pilgrimage) of Chittorgarh, where devotees perform ritual purification.