Bhima Kunda, Water tank near Bhimesvara Temple in Bhubaneswar, India
Bhima Kunda is a rectangular water tank adjacent to Bhimesvara Temple in Bhubaneswar, lined with carefully dressed laterite blocks along its edges. The basin was created by excavation through naturally occurring laterite bedrock, which provides sturdy walls and floor.
The tank was built by excavating laterite bedrock over many generations to secure a water supply for the temple and surrounding community. Its long existence demonstrates the importance of such structures for water management in this region.
The water body plays a central role in the daily rituals of the adjacent Bhimesvara Temple, where worshippers use it for purification before prayer. The special ceremonies held during Kartika Purnima highlight how deeply this tank is woven into local spiritual life.
Access to the tank is provided through steps on the southern side, making it easy for visitors to reach the water level. Since water levels vary seasonally, visiting during the monsoon or post-monsoon period offers the best view of the basin when it is full.
The basin dries up completely during hot summer months despite its considerable depth, a seasonal pattern that transforms its appearance throughout the year. This dramatic fluctuation in water levels reflects the region's rainfall patterns and requires the community to manage water carefully.
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