Tucked away in Rajgir, in Bihar's Nalanda district, Brahmakund is one of the country's most talked about hot water springs, its water staying at around 45 degrees Celsius all year round. Legend holds that Lord Brahma himself built this kund so that gods and goddesses would have a place to bathe. Even today, the spot remains a major draw for both religious pilgrims and tourists.
The story of King Basu's yajna
According to legend, King Basu, said to be a mind-born son of Lord Brahma, once organised a massive yajna in Rajgir. So many deities gathered for the ceremony that there wasn't enough arrangement for all of them to bathe. To solve that problem, Lord Brahma is believed to have built 22 separate kunds across Rajgir. Of those 22, Brahmakund is regarded as the most important and sacred, and it remains the one that draws the largest crowds even now.
Why the water stays naturally hot
What sets Brahmakund apart is that its water heats up entirely on its own, with no external source involved. Popular belief traces the water's path through the Saptaparni caves on Vaibhargiri mountain and the Bhelwadob pond before it reaches the kund. Along the way, the water passes through sulphur, gandhak and other mineral deposits inside the mountain, which naturally raise its temperature, and that is why the kund stays hot through every season of the year.
Crowds swell during the Malmas fair
Rajgir's Malmas fair is well known across the country. In Sanatan tradition, Malmas is usually seen as a period unsuitable for auspicious activities, but the belief around Rajgir runs the opposite way. It is said that this very period is when Rajgir becomes most sacred. The Agni Purana and other old texts mention that during Malmas, deities themselves come to reside in Rajgir and bathe in Brahmakund. That belief is why bathing in Brahmakund during this period is considered especially meritorious. Through the fair, thousands of devotees line up for the holy bath from as early as four in the morning, and religious events continue here through the entire month.
Faith that draws lakhs of devotees
Those who follow the mythological tradition say that during Malmas, every deity comes and settles in Rajgir, bathing in Brahmakund. That belief is exactly what pulls lakhs of devotees to Rajgir during this window. Visitors bathe, offer prayers and give alms and charity here, hoping for happiness and prosperity in their lives.
How to reach Rajgir
Getting to Rajgir isn't difficult. The nearest airport is in Patna, about 107 kilometres away. By rail, Rajgir has direct connectivity with Patna and several other major cities. By road too, regular bus and taxi services run from Patna, Gaya, Nawada and nearby towns, making it easy for devotees and tourists alike to reach the site.
