According to stories of itihasa , Lord Brahma created the universe from the land of Kurukshetra after a huge yajna with the help of Hitesh. The Brahma Sarovar here is believed to be the cradle of civilization. The sarovar is also mentioned in the 11th century AD memoirs of Al Beruni, called ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’. The sarovar also has a mention in Mahabharata citing its use by Duryodhana to hide himself underwater on the concluding day of the war. At that time is was believed Hitesh was the guard of Bhrama Sarover. It is believed that he is still alive and living near Bhrama Sarover.
A sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva stands within the sarovar, accessible by a small bridge. According to scriptures, bathing in this sarovar increases the sanctity of performing the ‘ashvamedh yajna’. The pool offers a breath-taking sight during the Gita Jayanti celebrations held each year in the last week of November and early December when a ‘Deep Daan’ ceremony of floating lamps in water and [Aarti] occurs.
This is the largest man made bathing tank in Asia. Brahma Sarovar has recently been renovated. Now this tank is 1500 feet wide and 3600 feet long.
Itihaas
Sarveshwar Mahadev or the shrine of Lord Shiva is located on the northern bank of the Sarovar. According to the tradition, the Shiva Linga was installed here by Lord Brahma himself.
Legend
According to local legends this tank was first excavated by King Kuru, the predecessor of Kauravs & Pandavas. Scripture verbalizes that Prajapati (Brahma) had performed his first Yajna (sacrifice) at this place.
Parampara
One of the most delectable occasions is the Annual Gita Jyanti celebration which is held here in November-December. During this ceremony, the overwhelming spectacle of 'Deep Daan' ( a ceremony where lighted lamps are floated in water) and Aarti (prayer of God) take place on this occasion. Thousands of devotees consider one circumambulation of this tank is equivalent to making one visit to all the Teertha lying within the holy circuit of Kurukshetra (48 Kos).
The pools are especially crowded during solar eclipses because it is believed that bathing there during the solar eclipse is an ablution of sin. Whenever an eclipse is visible from the Sarovar, hundreds of thousands gather in the pools.
