November 25, 2004

Near Chakwal exists an ancient pond which is sacred to the Hindus and a source of drinking water for the local villagers. Tanveer-ul-Islam writes about the legend associated with this pond

Gods of mythology were above human feelings but even these supreme beings could not bear parting from their loved ones. As the Mahabharta legend has it, that when god Shiva mourned the death of his wife Satti, his tears formed two sacred pools of water. One exists in Pashkar in Ajmer (India) and the other in Kitakshael or Kitas, which in Sanskrit means ‘raining eyes’.

Kitas is located on a hill which is 18 kilometres south of Chakwal in the Salt Range. It is a huge archaeological complex that includes temples, forts, palaces and shrines all surrounding the sacred pool that is more than 2000 feet above sea level.

The Hindus believe that taking a bath in the pool purifies the soul. The pool is partially man-made and reducing the rock has enlarged the basin. It has springs in its substructure and is always brimming with clean water.

Fish gliding just under the surface water add to the beauty of the surroundings. The worshippers are joined on summer weekends by the nearby mineworkers and visiting youths for a dip in the pool.

It is the only source of drinking water for the population of Choa Saiden Shah and adjoining areas. Being a pilgrimage spot, an enticing pond and a water reservoir, there is nothing to stop it from human and animal trespassing.

The place has great historical significance because it was where 4,000 years ago, men like Kali Das and Sauras Das gave birth to legends like Mahabharta and Ramayan. Centuries ago Kitas had been a university of theology where students from Japan, Philippines, Korea and Assam came to learn different arts and sciences. The university also taught linguistics and was a seat of intellectual activities till the arrival of Mahmood of Ghazni.

Al Beruni is said to have called this area the ‘centre of the earth’ when he arrived here measuring the earth from the west to east. It was this place where he studied and learnt Sanskrit and wrote his renowned Kitab-ul-Hind.

Even, today, Hindu pilgrims come from India to visit it. The temple complex is built around this pond. There is a legend surrounding the pond which is mentioned in the Mahabharata epic. According to the story, the Pandav brothers were sent into exile after Yudhishtra lost in a gamble to Kaurav’s ring-leader Duryodhan.

Once during their exile, when the brothers were feeling very thirsty, Yudhishtra sent his youngest brother to find water.

When he did not return he sent the rest of his brothers to search for him. Worried that none had returned after some time he went looking for them and found them lying near the lake. The lord of the lake then tells him that they drank the water from the lake without answering his questions and were punished for it. If he answered the questions he would bring them back to life. Yudishthir answers correctly and his brothers are saved.

Though Kitas has a lot of cultural and historical significance, not many people in Pakistan know about this interesting place.

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)