India GOPotara Kund, Mathura: the stepped tank beside Krishna Janmasthan
Potara Kund (also Potra Kund or Pavitra Kund) is a large, deep stepped tank of red sandstone a couple of minutes' walk from the Krishna Janmasthan temple in Mathura. Tradition holds that the newborn Krishna was first bathed here and his clothes washed in its water. Entry is free and it is open through the day; the steps you see were built by Mahadji Scindia in 1782.
Two minutes from Krishna Janmasthan, a wide red sandstone tank drops away in flights of steps, and almost everyone walks straight past it. 'Potra' means clothes: tradition holds that the infant Krishna was first bathed here and his baby clothes washed in the water. The steps as they stand were built by Mahadji Scindia in 1782 and restored by his descendants around 1850; digging around the tank has turned up old utensils and broken sculpture. Free and open through the day. Come early, when the sandstone holds its warm colour and the water is empty even if the temple next door is packed.
Eighteenth-century Scindia stonework standing near-empty at the busiest address in Mathura
History of Potara Kund
“Potra” means clothes. According to tradition, the newborn Krishna was given his first bath here and his clothes were washed in the tank. It is also known as Pavitra Kund, the pure or sacred tank. It lies south-east of the Janmasthan temple, the site revered as Krishna's birthplace.
The tank in its present form is Maratha work. Mahadji Scindia built the flights of steps in 1782, and his descendants restored them in 1850. Digging around the tank has turned up old utensils and fragments of sculpture.
Timings and entry fee
Potara Kund has no ticket and no gate hours: entry is free and the tank is open through the day. The card above shows no timetable because none is published.
The best time is early morning. The sandstone holds its warm colour in the low light, and the tank stays quiet even when the Janmasthan temple next door is packed. Almost everyone heading to the temple walks straight past it.
How to reach Potara Kund
Head for Shri Krishna Janmasthan, the busiest address in Mathura; the tank is about two minutes' walk away, south-east of the temple. Combine the two: see the temple, then walk over to the kund. Check the exact position on the map above.
Etiquette
For pilgrims this is a sacred tank tied to Krishna's birth, not just a piece of architecture. Keep your voice down, do not litter on the steps, and take photographs without getting in the way of anyone praying.
❓ FAQ
What is the history of Potra Kund?
Tradition says the newborn Krishna was first bathed here and his clothes washed in the tank. The present steps were built by Mahadji Scindia in 1782 and restored around 1850.
What are Potara Kund timings?
There are no fixed hours: it is open through the day. Early morning is the quietest time.
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry is free.
Where is Potara Kund in Mathura?
About two minutes' walk south-east of the Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple.
Why is it called Potara Kund?
“Potra” means clothes: it is where, by tradition, the infant Krishna's clothes were washed. It is also called Pavitra Kund, the sacred tank.