Marichi Kunda is a sacred pond at
Bhubaneswar in
Khordha District of
Orissa. People from far and near gather here on the day of Ashokashtami every year, believing that the holy water enhances fertility in women. Tradition recounts that
Lord Shiva killed a demon who had misbehaved with
Parvati, Shiva’s consort.
Marichi, the wife of the demon, cried before Lord Shiva saying that she had no child. Filled with compassion, Lord Shiva blessed Marichi and told her that she would conceive if she took a dip in the holy pond and drank its water on Ashokashtami day. Since then the practice is followed by the locals.
This holy tank lies on the eastern side of the 11th century old Lingaraj Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Biju Patnaik Airport is the nearby access. Bhubaneswar Railway Station serves this area.
