Sarovar

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Karseva at Harimander Sahib

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Sarovar is a Punjabi terms used for a pool. Many historic Gurdwaras in India and Pakistan have a Sarovar incorporated in the Gurdwara building complex. The most prominent Sikh Temple is the Harimander Sahib in Amritsar. A very large pool or Sarovar surrounds the central temple building. The devotees who visit these shrines will bathe in these pools as the Sikhs believe that spiritual and worldly benefits are gained by immersing in the holy waters of these Sarovars.

It has been a common practise to drain and cleanse these Sarovars on a regular basis. The Punjabi term used for this function of cleaning these pools is Kar Seva. The Harimander Sahib complex last undertook Kar Seva in 2004. In addition to the Seva, a new system of filtration was also installed following the removal of the silt from the drained pool. Fish are also present in these Sarovars to keep the water clean and pure.

However

At Gurdwara Puddha Sahib, a famous Sikh Gurdwara located in Gobindgarh Sahib, the Sarovar Sahib

Sarovar Sahib

- the sacred pool is called "Amrit sarovar" and no one is allowed to enter or bathe in the sarovar. Here anyone wishing to cleanse him/herself must use buckets to remove the water to have a shower.

Considered sacred, the water is only used for drinking. The water comes from the well where amrit is prepared and poured into the well. This pure water (Amrit Jaal) is used for drinking and also is taken take away by the gallons for use in the devotees' homes due to its sacred properties.

It is said that by taking "Amrit" Gurdwara Puddha Sahib, many members of the sangat (congregation) have derived many benefits and recovery from many illness. So this water is considered to have special properties and is considered a cure for many ailments.