Yupa Sarovara

About

The Kashi Rahasya (10.56) refers this water pool as ‘Suyupa Sarovara’, and prescribes a bath here. Here exists a sacrificial post in the form of a stone pillar (yupa, or stambha), about 16m in height and about 2m is diameter. Yupa symbolises the central post of the universe, axis mundi. it also represents the full Man (Puru), divided into fourteen parts: 7 parts above the navel, and the same number below. This way this pillar integrates the 7 sheaths of Cosmic Man and the earthly man; in fact, representing the mesocosm. According to folk legends this site is related to the mythic story of Karna, the son of Surya (sun god), born from virgin mother of Pandavas, Kunti, who performed austerities at this site and finally donated his golden teeth as ritualistic gift to Brahmins. This pillar also represents archetypal separation of heaven and earth, and probably as the gnomon it was erected and used to cast measured shadows. Now this pillar like other shrines and sacred spots is quietly standing at the corner of the pond and neglected by the pilgrims. it is quite possible that this historical cultural symbol may fall down and disappeared from the scene! Following a road about 11km from Shivpur that also passes through the city, pilgrims reach the village of Kapiladhara.