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Makhdum Kund

Rajgir, Bihar, India
Makhdum Kund is a famous sacred hot spring and shrine in Rajgir, renowned for its perpetually hot, therapeutic water and its unique significance as a place of harmony between different faiths. The kund (water tank) is named after the Sufi saint Hazrat Makhdum Shah, who is believed to have lived and meditated here in the 13th century. The shrine and the hot spring are revered by both Muslims and Hindus, who visit to pay their respects and, more importantly, to bathe in the water. The water of the kund, which is naturally warm year-round, is believed to possess medicinal and curative properties, attracting devotees seeking relief from various ailments. The source of the hot water is a natural underground fissure, a phenomenon common in the Rajgir hills. The site is a complex featuring a mosque, a dharamsala (rest house), and the main hot water reservoir, showcasing a beautiful blend of spiritual devotion, thermal geology, and historical Sufi influence in the region. The peaceful coexistence of faith and the curative nature of the water make it a special, frequently visited spot, offering both spiritual solace and physical therapy. It is a vital stop for pilgrims and a popular place for locals to take a ritual bath.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    1 to 2 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Spiritual, Religious, Healing
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    Entry Fees:
    Minimal/No Entry Fee: Access to the kund and the shrine area is generally free of charge, as it is a site of public worship and pilgrimage. Donations for the maintenance of the religious complex are voluntary and encouraged.

    Bathing Costs: ...
    Minimal/No Entry Fee: Access to the kund and the shrine area is generally free of charge, as it is a site of public worship and pilgrimage. Donations for the maintenance of the religious complex are voluntary and encouraged.

    Bathing Costs: Separate, enclosed bathing areas or private lockers may charge a small fee for use. Budget for a small voluntary contribution (donation) to the shrine's maintenance fund.

    Guide Cost: A guide is not strictly necessary for the physical visit but can be helpful for explaining the religious rituals, the specific history of Hazrat Makhdum Shah, and the geological science behind the hot springs.

    Towel/Soap Purchase: Budget for small expenses like purchasing fresh towels, soap, or small floral offerings from the local vendors outside the complex.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: Open 24 hours as a place of worship and public bathing, but the most active time for bathing is generally from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning is the best time for bathing, as the air is cool, and the dif...
    Regular Timings: Open 24 hours as a place of worship and public bathing, but the most active time for bathing is generally from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning is the best time for bathing, as the air is cool, and the difference between the ambient temperature and the hot water is most noticeable, enhancing the experience. It is also less crowded than midday.

    Best for Atmosphere: Visit around sunset to see the shrine lit up and experience the blend of spiritual activity and the warm water as the evening cools down.
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    Special Events:
    Urs of Hazrat Makhdum Shah: The most significant special event is the annual Urs (commemoration of the saint's death anniversary), which is a major event for the local Muslim community and Sufi followers, drawing large crowds for prayer, cultural events, and spiritual gather...
    Urs of Hazrat Makhdum Shah: The most significant special event is the annual Urs (commemoration of the saint's death anniversary), which is a major event for the local Muslim community and Sufi followers, drawing large crowds for prayer, cultural events, and spiritual gatherings.

    Makar Sankranti: As a hot spring, it sees a massive influx of Hindu devotees, particularly around the festival of Makar Sankranti (January), for a purifying and auspicious bath in the warm water, transforming the site into a vibrant, crowded pilgrimage spot.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Steam and Light: The most evocative photo is the rising steam from the hot water against the backdrop of the shrine or the morning light. This is best captured on a cool winter morning to emphasize the thermal nature of the spring.

    Cultural Har...
    Steam and Light: The most evocative photo is the rising steam from the hot water against the backdrop of the shrine or the morning light. This is best captured on a cool winter morning to emphasize the thermal nature of the spring.

    Cultural Harmony: A subtle photograph capturing the peaceful coexistence of people from different faiths engaging in rituals around the same holy water source, symbolizing the unique interfaith blend of the site.

    Architectural Details: Close-up shots of the stone steps and the constructed reservoir, focusing on the functional architecture designed to contain and manage the flow of the natural thermal water.

    Bathing Rituals: Respectful photos capturing the atmosphere of the ritual bathing (from an appropriate distance), focusing on the expressions of devotion and the cultural aspect of the visit. Late afternoon can offer nice light.

Photo Gallery

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Things To Do

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    Take a Therapeutic Bath: The primary activity is ritual bathing in the hot spring water, believing in its medicinal and spiritual cleansing properties. Separate facilities are provided for men and women. Allow ample time for a proper, relaxed bath.

    Visit the Shrine: Pay respects and offer prayers at the adjacent shrine and mosque dedicated to Hazrat Makhdum Shah, reflecting on the site's interfaith harmony and the Sufi saint's legacy.

    Water Observation: Observe the natural phenomenon of the perpetually hot water and its gentle steam, especially in the cool morning air. This is an interesting experience for geologically curious visitors.

    People Watching and Cultural Immersion: Spend time watching the local rituals and the unique blend of Hindu and Muslim devoti...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Syncretic Faith Center: It is highly famous for its beautiful spiritual synthesis, being a place of reverence for both Hindus and Muslims due to its association with a Hindu-revered hot spring and a respected Sufi saint. This interfaith harmony is a major draw.

    Syncretic Faith Center: It is highly famous for its beautiful spiritual synthesis, being a place of reverence for both Hindus and Muslims due to its association with a Hindu-revered hot spring and a respected Sufi saint. This interfaith harmony is a major draw.

    Healing Thermal Water: The natural, perennial hot water, rich in sulfur and other minerals, is believed to have significant curative properties, drawing people for therapeutic bathing, making it a natural health and wellness destination. The water is sourced from the earth's natural heat and is part of the larger network of hot springs in Rajgir (including Saptadhara or Brahma Kund). The legend of the Sufi saint is a powerful narrative that drives spiritual tourism.
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    Architecture:
    The Hot Water Reservoir: The central architectural feature is the large, constructed water tank (kund) that captures the hot spring water. The reservoir is surrounded by stone steps and a paved area for safe access to the bathing area.

    The Shri...
    The Hot Water Reservoir: The central architectural feature is the large, constructed water tank (kund) that captures the hot spring water. The reservoir is surrounded by stone steps and a paved area for safe access to the bathing area.

    The Shrine and Mosque: Adjacent to the kund are a simple shrine and a mosque dedicated to Hazrat Makhdum Shah, reflecting the Islamic and Sufi influence and its dual religious significance. The complex includes practical structures like separate bathing enclosures for men and women and a resting house (Dharamsala). The constant temperature of the natural spring water is a key geological feature that has been harnessed architecturally. The construction is functional, focusing on access and utility for ritual bathing rather than elaborate decoration, though the adjacent religious structures add to the aesthetic.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Fly to Patna (PAT - 110 KMs) or Gaya (GAY - 78 KMs). Take a taxi to Rajgir town. The kund is centrally located near the main bus stand and is easily reachable.

    By Train: The nearest railhead is Rajgir Railway Station (RGD), only ab...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Maniyar Matth (0. 2 KM), Swarn Bhandar (0. 5 KM), Rajgir Hot Springs (Saptadhara - 0. 2 KM), Venu Vana (1. 5 KM), Ajatshatru Fort (1. 5 KM), Bimbisara's Jail (1. 6 KM), Pandu Pokhar (2 KM), Jivaka's Mango Garden (2. 5 KM), Jarasandha's Akhara (3. 5 KM), Nalanda University Ruins (12 KM)

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: The floors and steps around the kund can be wet and slippery; walk slowly and carefully. The water is naturally hot; test the temperature before immersing yourself completely to avoid scalding. Bring a change of clothes and a towel.

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Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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