Imagine standing in the heart of Guwahati, surrounded by the rippling waters of two serene ponds. These are no ordinary water bodies—this is Jor-Pukhuri, the "Twin Ponds" of Uzanbazar. A historic landmark, Jor-Pukhuri has been a significant part of Guwahati's cultural and spiritual landscape for centuries.
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The story of Jor-Pukhuri dates back to 1720 AD, during the reign of Swargadeo Siva Singha, a visionary king from the Ahom dynasty. The ponds were excavated to serve the spiritual needs of devotees visiting the Ugratara Temple. However, these ponds were much more than ritual sites—they became lifelines for the community. The waters of Jor-Pukhuri quenched the thirst of devotees, provided bathing spaces for priests, and acted as a sanctuary for birds and animals alike.
In an effort to enhance the significance of the ponds, Swargadeo Siva Singha ordered the construction of a canal known as “Naojan”. This canal connected Jor-Pukhuri to the mighty Brahmaputra River, allowing royal boats to access the temple. However, with the arrival of the British, the landscape of the ponds changed. A road was constructed through the ponds, effectively splitting them into the twin bodies of water we see today.
Despite these changes, Jor-Pukhuri remains a significant part of Guwahati's heritage.
One of the first things that catches the eye at Jor-Pukhuri is the floating fountain in the middle of the pond. The water teems with life, home to a variety of fish—many of them Japanese breeds. Visitors are often seen feeding these fish, some of which grow as large as 5 kilograms, according to the park’s supervisor.
On the western side of Jor-Pukhuri stands the Ugratara Temple, the very reason for the ponds’ excavation centuries ago. While the Kamakhya Temple may be more famous, Ugratara is also a revered “Shakti Peeth”, a place where it is believed the navel of Sati Mata fell. The temple, constructed by Swargadeo Siva Singha in 1725 AD, is home to over 150 swans, who are said to have been present since the temple's creation.
However, Jor-Pukhuri wasn't always as pristine as it is today. Over the years, the eastern pond had fallen into disrepair—shallow, choked with weeds, and plagued by leakage from nearby houses. In 2021, the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) took charge of the situation, allocating a budget of Rs 3.23 crore to restore the ponds. The project involved cleaning the water, building pathways, constructing houses for the swans, and caring for the turtles that live in the area.
Today, Jor-Pukhuri is more than just a historic site; it's an experience. Whether you're there to admire its beauty, feed the fish, or simply sit by the water and enjoy a moment of peace, the twin ponds of Guwahati offer a serene retreat from the busy city life.
