The Shelter of Caves, Part 16

BY: SUN STAFF - 7.2 2023

A study of famous caves in ancient Bharat.

Bhimkund

In the village of Bajna, in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, is another famous ancient cave associated with the Pandavas. Known as Bhimkund, this natural tank is a holy site and destination for pilgrims dedicated to glorifying the pastimes of the Pandavas. While the tank is considered a natural waterwork rather than a dug tank, it was still created by the hand of man, in the form of Bhima Pandava.

While traveling in exile, the party crossed through this region of Madhya Pradesh. Tired and weary from the scorching hot sun, Draupadi devi eventually fainted from thirst. Bhima, the strongest of the five brothers, hit the ground with his gada, causing the water to surged out of the ground, pooling up to offer respite to the exhausted Draupadi and all the parched Pandava brothers.

The water of Bhimkund is transparently clear. The kund itself is believed to have measureless depth. Although Bajna village is centrally positioned in the landlocked state of Madhya Pradesh, local villagers reported that the water level of Bhimkund rose by nearly 30 meters when the 2004 Tsunami hit. That fact was so extraordinary that journalists from Discovery Channel came to investigate.

Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh

The kund itself lies in an underground cave that is situated about 30 meters from the mouth. of the tank. In the roof of the cave, one can see the small opening just above the kund, said to be the spot Bhima hit with his gada.

The hole in Bhimakund cave roof from Bhima's mace
(the white walls are built down in the cave)

It is also said that Narada Muni performed the Gandharva Gayan (celestial song) at this kund, in praise of Lord Vishnu. Pleased with the great Rishi's devotion, Vishnu emerged from the kund, and the water turned blue. For that reason, the pool is also known as Neel Kund (Blue pool), and also as Narad Kund, after the Muni. Even today, the waters of Bhimkunda are a magnificent indigo blue.

Framed by red stone walls, there is now a Shivalinga installed to the left of the kund entrance. There are other caves close by, but little is known about where they lead.