Manikarnika Kund

Manikarnika Kund is a sacred pond situated within the precincts of the Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi, Uttarakhand. According to legend, it represents the confluence of two holy streams symbolizing the rivers Ganga and Yamuna. The kund features a Shiva-linga continuously bathed by water flowing from an elephant trunk (representing Bhagirathi) and a cow's mouth spout (representing Yamuna). It holds significant religious importance for pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath.

Visitors can expect to see a small sacred pond located directly in front of the Vishwanath Temple gate. The kund contains a Shiva-linga that is continuously bathed by two natural springs emerging through sculpted structures - an elephant trunk and a cow's mouth. Pilgrims often take a dip in the holy waters or perform rituals here. The setting is peaceful and spiritual, surrounded by the temple complex stone architecture.

According to Hindu mythology, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva's forgiveness. Shiva hid in Guptkashi (meaning 'Hidden Kashi') to avoid them. The current Vishwanath Temple structure was rebuilt in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.

Manikarnika Kund holds immense religious significance as it symbolizes the meeting point of the holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna. It is an important pilgrimage site for devotees traveling to Kedarnath and is considered spiritually equivalent to Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat. The kund is integral to the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.