On the southeast of the Krishna Janmasthan temple in Mathura is a large and deep stepped water tank known as Potra Kunda or Pavitra Kunda. The word ‘Potra’ means clothes and the word ‘Pavitra’ means sacred. Sri Vasudeva and Devaki used to bathe here during their time in Kansa’s prison. It is said that mother Devaki’s clothes were cleaned in this Kunda after the birth of her children. This is also said to be the place where Krishna’s baby clothes were washed by mother Devaki.
This place is a few hundred meters walk from the Krishna Janmbhoomi (Krishna janmasthan) temple. Mahadji Scindia had later constructed the tank stairs and his descendants had repaired them. The tank is connected via underground pipelines to river Yamuna which flows about 3 Kms away. The water from Potra Kunda is believed to cleanse one of his/her sins. That is why it is particularly crowded during festivals and other holy occasions.
How to Reach :
Potra Kunda is situated near Deeg Marg, Near Deeg Gate Chauraha in Mathura. It is located 2 Kms from the Mathura railway station. It is a few hundred meters walk from the birthplace of Sri Krishna. The place is very well connected via road and railways.