Balladighi (Prthu Kunda)
Rainy Season (September)
O learned one, now hear the glories of this beautiful pond to the east. Although it is now known as Ballal‑dighi, it was variously described in Satya‑yuga. At that time, Prthu Maharaja was leveling the rough places of the earth by cutting down the hills. As he began leveling this area, a great effulgence came forth. When the workers told this to Prthu Maharaja, he came to see the phenomenon. As he was a saktyavesa-avatara, an empowered incarnation, by meditation he understood that this place was Navadvipa. He kept the glories of this place secret at that time and ordered that a kund be established there. This kund thus became celebrated as Prthu Kunda throughout Navadvipa‑dhama. The villagers felt indescribable bliss on drinking the pure water of this kund. “Later, King Laksmana Sena dug out the kund and made it bigger and deeper. Desiring to deliver his forefathers, he named it Ballal‑dighi [after his father, Ballal Sena]. See that beautiful hill. Laksmana Sena’s house, now broken with the passing of time, once stood there.
(Sri Navadvipa-Dhama-Mahatmya, Chapter 6)
In the Garga-saṁhitā Arjuna inquires about Pṛthu-kunda: “Please tell me, O son of Devaki, who owns this wonderful kunda, which is surrounded by golden creepers and filled with golden lotuses?”
The Lord said, “It belongs to the great King Pṛthu of the Surya dynasty, who in ancient times performed extreme austerities here. O Arjuna, if one drinks the water from this pond he is released of all sins, and if one bathes in its waters he goes to the supreme abode.“
(Sri Navadvipa-Dhama-Mahatmya, Pramana-Khanda, Chapter 3)
North of Prthu-kunda is Mathura, the Chand Kazi’s village, as well as Şaşthi-tirtha, and the exquisite Madhuvana, an extensive area scattered with many residences. O eyes, please become purified by seeing this scene.
(Sri Navadvipa Bhava-taranga)