Tank of the Sun - Ajayapura | Bakraur

Описание: Bakraur, on the Phálgú, opposite Bodh Gayá, was visited by the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsiang, who relates a story regarding the capture by a certain king of a " scented elephant” (gandha-hasti). In a former existence, Buddha was said to have been a son of this elephant,
and a stupa and pillar had accordingly been erected in commemoration of this tradition . There was also a sacred tank. The ruins of the stupa still exist in the shape of a large mound called Kataní, which has been several times dug into for treasure. About the year 1790 numerous lac seals were found in it. The stump of the pillar, which is still in situ, is about three feet in diameter. According to General Cunningham, the shaft of the pillar is said to have been taken to Gaya by a former Magistrate, and to be a column now existing at the centre of Sáhibganj or the new town of Gaya, bearing a Persian inscription attributing its setting up to Mr. Charles Boddam, in A.D. 1789. The sacred tank is probably represented by a small walled tank now called Mártand Pokhar, or Suraj Kund, i.e., “ Tank of the Sun." An annual fair is held by it, which thousands of pilgrims attend, to bathe in its sacred waters. The ancient name of Bakraur is said to have been Ajayapura.