Parashuram Kund - An Ultimate Abode Of Resurrection
There are a number of pilgrimage and holy places in India which are known for their uniqueness of washing off the sins, once visited or taken a dip into the holy rivers or ponds nearby. Parashuram Kund located in the foothills of the Great Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh, is considered the most powerful amongst all. People flock in thousands during the month of January to take a dip at the holy Kund with the belief of washing off their sins and take a darshan of the Shrine.
The Legend: The legend dates back to Pauranic times. It is said that a son was born to Lord Brahma, with his illicit relationship with wife of a Brahmin. The Brahmin on learning the truth of the relationship, had cursed that the son who would be born will take the form of a pond, bounded by thick and unbreakable banks around. On birth, the son of the Brahma, called as Brahma Putra, found himself bounded by the thick and unbreakable banks all around. He performed a great penance and prayed Lord Brahma. When Brahma appeared, and asked for a boon, Brahmaputra asked for liberation from the unbreakable banks all around. Lord Brahma promised for the same, but told him to wait for some more time, till the arrival of great sage.
Lord Parashuram, after he carried out the execution of his mother Goddess Renuka, on the orders of his father, great sage Jamadagni was roaming around frantically seeking a place for washing off his sins due to "matruhatya". His parashu (axe) was stuck to his hands with blood everywhere. Lord Brahma, then advised Lord Parashurama, to go to Brahmaputra pond for washing off the sins. Lord Parashuram went to Brahmaputra and hit the unbreakable banks of the pond with his axe. As a result of this "Parashu" was released from his hands, and the unbreakable bank of Brahmaputra was also breached. Water from the pond now started flowing-thus was the Brahmaputra born. Meanwhile, Lord Parashuram had a bath in the pond and washed off the blood from his hands thus washing off his sin. However, due to the blood, the Brahmaputra River became red in colour and hence was called Lohit River, the (river of blood in Sanskrit). The river is called as Lohit in Arunachal Pradesh. The pond where he took the dip is called as the Brahma Kund or Parashuram Kund. The local elders say there was a huge rock in the shape of an axe cutting the banks of Brahma Kund. However due to a massive earthquake in 1954, it got distorted. However on can still see a portion of the rock which resembles as part of axe.
The place is located in Lohitpur district of Arunachal Pradesh, and is well connected. Infact it is the place where the river Brahmaputra, enters the plains form the great Himalayas, spreading across.
Uniqueness: The place is very unique, nestled in immense natural beauty with thick vegetation. Due to its geographical location, there is always strong winds blowing. However on reaching this location on can feel serene and peaceful experience dawning upon. One has to walk down around 500 mtrs to the Kund. The water of the Kund, which originated from the ground is extremely pure, pious and cold. It is refreshing both physically and also spiritually to take a dip.
There are temple shrines of Lord Parashuram, Radha Krishna and Lord Hanuman near the Kund. There is also an Ashram of Parashuram Baba, who is looking after the Shrine and the Kund. The Baba, a spiritual seeker came to this location in 1962, and stayed here since then. He stayed alone in the wilderness for 25 years after which some disciples joined him. He also maintains a Goshala which has over 1000 cows. His spiritual sadhana still continues in the Ashram.
How to Reach : There is good connectivity to the Parashuram Kund. It is around 180 km from the Upper Assam town of Tinsukia, and has boards all over the road from Tinsukia indicating the distance. One can reach Tinsukia either by train or by air to Dibrugarh Airport. From there one has to hire taxi which generally cost around Rs 2500/- to Rs 3000/-
Staying Facililties: There are no hotels or restaurants in Parashuram Kund. There are small tea shops nearby. However it is better if one gets packed food. For staying it is better that the tourist should plan at Tinsukia or Dibrugarh.
Nearby Places of Interest: 50 kms from Parashuram Kund is the town of Tezu, the Distt of HQ of Lohitpur District of Arunachal Pradesh. The place is known for its beautiful and friendly people. Tezu is a predominantly Hindu town, with majority of Mishmi people. It is believed that Rani Rukmini, belongs to this palace, who went to Dwaraka, after her marriage to Lord Krishna. There are still remnants of the palace which belonged to Rani Rukmini, in Tezu. The Shivling which she worshipped is re-established at new Shiv mandir in Tezu. The Shivling is believed to be over 10,000 years old.
Tezu is also known for its ethnic silver and gold jewelry, wooden handicrafts and mekhla, which are unique to this place.
For Details - Mr Parashuram Naik
Email - naikparashuram5@gmail.com
