Inheritage Foundation
Preserving Our Past, Enriching Our Future
Documenting and digitizing India's architectural heritage, one site at a time
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Kusum Sarovar
Govardhan, Mathura District, Uttar Pradesh
Monument
Rajasthani with Mughal influences
18th century CE
Protected Monument under Archaeological Survey of India
Year Built
1764 CE
Built By
Maharaja Suraj Mal and Maharaja Jawahir Singh
Patronage
Kingdom of Bharatpur (Jat Dynasty)
Area
34155 m²
Kusum Sarovar
overview
Overview data: 0% complete
Heritage Overview
Monument
Kusum Sarovar
Kusum Sarovar is a historic sandstone monument with a large water tank situated at the sacred Govardhan Hill. Built during the 18th century, this magnificent structure features elaborate cenotaphs (chhatris) of the royal family of Bharatpur and showcases exceptional Rajasthani architecture. The site is surrounded by lush gardens and offers a serene atmosphere for visitors and pilgrims, making it a significant landmark in the Krishna pilgrimage circuit.
Location
Govardhan, Mathura District(Uttar Pradesh)
Year Built
1764 CE
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Sunrise to Sunset (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM), Open all days
Entry Fee
Free
Heritage Status
Protected Monument under Archaeological Survey of India
Preservation Status
Good, maintained by Archaeological Survey of India
Historical Context
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.
Archaeological Survey
Archaeological Survey of India, Mathura Circle
Location Map
Architectural Details
Rajasthani with Mughal influences
18th century CE
Built by
Maharaja Suraj Mal and Maharaja Jawahir Singh
Materials
Red sandstone, marble accents
Dimensions
Height23m
Width207m
Length165m
Area34155m²
Featured Image
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Excavation Details
Limited excavations in the surrounding area revealed pottery fragments dating back to the Kushan period (1st-3rd century CE), suggesting the site's ancient origins
Restoration Work
Major restoration work carried out in 2002-2004 focused on structural stabilization and de-silting of the tank; additional restoration of carvings done in 2012-2013
Patronage
Kingdom of Bharatpur (Jat Dynasty)
Construction Technique
Post and beam with carved decorative elements, stone masonry
Architectural Influences
4 items
Building Techniques
Traditional stone masonry with fine carving techniques, Rajasthani style jharokhas and chhatris
Coordinates
27.512183, 77.477669
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Upper viewing platforms are accessible, but steps to the water require assistance","restrooms":"Available","wheelchair_accessible":"Partial"}
Visitor Facilities
6 items
Best Visit Times
October to March when the weather is pleasant; Early mornings and evenings for photography and spiritual ambiance
Seasonal Events
4 items
Visitor Restrictions
Footwear not allowed on inner sanctum platforms; Swimming prohibited; Respectful attire recommended; No commercial photography without permission
View Count
97
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
92
Completion Status
complete
Created By
68408625-44a5-46e3-b746-71290aac1079
Created At
2025-04-11T09:16:51.127484+00:00
Updated At
2025-04-11T09:16:51.127484+00:00