Kusum Sarovar

Kusum Sarovar, also known as Kusuma Sarovara, is an ancient water tank with a rich historical and spiritual significance. While the main structures visible today date to the 18th century under Jat rulers, the site itself has been mentioned in ancient Puranic texts associated with Lord Krishna's pastimes. According to Hindu tradition, this is where Krishna's beloved Radha used to gather flowers (kusum) for worship, giving the place its name. The most impressive architectural features are the royal cenotaphs (chhatris) built by the Bharatpur royal family, particularly by Maharaja Suraj Mal and later by his son Maharaja Jawahir Singh in memory of his father. These cenotaphs showcase exquisite sandstone carvings depicting scenes from Krishna-lila (Krishna's divine play), royal court life, and hunting scenes. The complex also features beautiful gardens and stepped ghats leading down to the water. The site serves as an important stop in the Govardhan Parikrama (circumambulation) path followed by devotees.