Last update:
The Kund, which has been providing hot water for centuries, is a vital part of local life. (Representative image)
Despite its popularity and numerous claims about its healing powers, the exact reason behind the water's consistently high temperature remains a mystery.
In the quest to understand the mystical and the miraculous, the hot water Kund in Khurd village in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, stands out as a compelling case. This Kund is famous for its continuous flow of hot water throughout the year, attracting visitors from far and wide who believe in its therapeutic properties. Despite its popularity and numerous claims about its healing powers, the exact reason behind the consistently high temperature of the water remains a mystery.
A historical and local treasure
The Kund, which has been providing hot water for centuries, is a vital part of local life. Residents use it not only for bathing, but also for washing clothes and even for drinking. In 1995, former MP Saba Ahmed took steps to protect this natural resource by building a perimeter wall around the Kund.
Healing claims and scientific knowledge
The Kund's hot water is said to have medicinal properties. Many locals and visitors attribute its benefits to its supposed magical qualities and mention improvements in skin conditions and general health after using the water.
However, Dr Santosh Kumar Singh, a senior scientist at the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), offered a scientific explanation. According to Dr Singh, the presence of abundant sulphur in the groundwater, combined with the geothermal gradient, results in the consistently high temperature of the water.
Similar phenomena throughout the country
The Kund of Dhanbad is not the only place in the country with such intriguing features. Other regions also boast miraculous water sources. For example, in Madhya Pradesh, a Kund in Mandla district is known for its therapeutic properties. In Chhindwara, there is the Anhoni Kund. Near Kullu-Manali in Himachal Pradesh, another Kund offers similar benefits.
Jharkhand also has another hot water Kund, Tatloi. In Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district, the well at the Shitla Mata temple is famous for its skin-cleansing effects. Also, in Jharkhand’s Jaridih block of Bokaro, there is a pond that exhibits a curious phenomenon – bubbles appear in response to clapping, adding to the list of natural wonders of the region.
Each of these places highlights the country's rich tapestry of natural wonders, combining local beliefs with scientific research.
