The importance of Ayodhya lies in the fact that whenever the pilgrimage sites of ancient India are mentioned, the name of Ayodhya comes first. Ayodhya Mathura Maya Kashi Kanchi Avantika Puri Dwarakavati caiva saptaide moksha dayika. The mythological ponds here also prove this antiquity. There is also a gold mine pond in this series of ponds, which has been corrupted to become Sonkhar Kund. People use this name colloquially. It is said that due to fear of King Raghu, Kuber had showered gold here.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department had first proposed the renovation of three ponds; Sonkar Kund was also included in them. The Tourism Department, through Uttar Pradesh Project Corporation Limited (UPPCL), rejuvenated all three ponds. In this, about Rs 106 lakh was spent on the beautification of Sonkar Kund.
To rejuvenate this pond, tireless efforts were made to open the way to the natural water source. After removing the garbage, the mud in the pond was first cleaned. Then, a motor pump was installed to fill and drain the water, and a fountain was installed.
Along with this, the stairs of the ghat around the pond were also renovated and pink sandstones were installed on them. Railings were also installed around it, a mural wall was constructed, and a brief history of this pond was also engraved. A restroom has also been built outside the pond.
Due To Fear Of Maharaj Raghu, Kuber Had Showered Gold
Pawan Kumar Das Shastri, General Secretary of Sant Samiti and Mahant of Shatrughan Niwas, says that according to mythology, King Raghu, the Chakravarti king of Ayodhya, had taken a pledge of nine thousand gold coins to donate to the celibate sage Kautsa. Sage Kautsa had to give these coins to his Guru, Guru Dakshina. Maharaja Raghu did not have any money. Seeing the condition of Maharaja Raghu, Kautsa did not ask for anything out of hesitation, but Maharaja Raghu said, this is the court of Raghuvanshis.
No person who came here with any wish has gone empty-handed. Then Kautsa told Maharaj that he had come with a request to give nine thousand gold rupees as Guru Dakshina. Then Maharaj Raghu decided to attack Kuber, the god of wealth and prepared the chariot at night. When Kubera learned about this, he showered gold, which King Raghu dedicated to Kautsa, but Kautsa took only nine thousand gold coins from it and left the rest there. Since then, this pond has been known as Swarn Khani Kund.
The Religious Importance Of Bathing In A Pond
There is a belief about Sonkar Kund that bathing here on the Dwadashi of Vaisakha month increases a person’s fame. A fair is organized here on the occasion of Sawan Shukla Panchami, i.e. Nag Panchami. On this occasion, an annual festival is organized in the Sona Devi temple located in the northeast in front of the pond, and the tableau of Goddess Maa is decorated.
Maha Aarti is organized. During this period, there has been a tradition of collecting wrestling dance here. In this, nearby wrestlers used to showcase their skills and power. After the construction of the restroom, there is no place left for the dance. As a result, Dangal could not be organized this year.
