Agam Kuan

About this place

Agam Kuan is known to be the oldest and the most important archaeological sites in Patna. It is located in the south-west direction of the Gulzarbagh Railway Station in Patna. Agam Kuan also known as the “unfathomable well” dates back to the time of a famous Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka. It is built close to one the famous and ancient temple of Patna, the Shitala Devi Temple. Agam Kuan is approximately 105 ft deep and with a perimeter extending over 20 ft. It's upper half is encased with a 44 ft brick layer and secures it with wooden rings. The structure of the surface is constructed with eight arched windows. According to legends, Emperor Ashoka had this well built for the purpose of torturing people. Popular folklore also states that this was the well, where King Ashoka drowned his 99 brothers in order to get the throne of the Mauryan Empire. The well is also famous for other legends concerning a king named Chand, who threw Sudarshana, a Jain monk, into the well, who was later found floating on the surface, seated on a lotus. At present the well is considered as auspicious for many religious ceremonies like weddings. It is believed to have been bestowed with infinite powers especially among Hindus.