The holy spring 'Life-Giving' is located near the Zhadovskaya desert, on the outskirts of the village of Samorodki, in a ravine. The spring stream flows into the Samorodka River 150 meters away. This spring is one of the significant sites in the Simbirsk diocese, as over 300 years ago, the Miraculous Icon of the Mother of God of Kazan was revealed here.

The history of the Zhadov spring dates back to the 17th century. According to legend, Elder Tikhon, who suffered from an incurable ailment for over 20 years, was completely healed after washing in the water from the local spring. A beautiful maiden appeared to him in a dream, pointing out the place where he should receive healing and find the Miraculous icon. Upon waking, Tikhon did not take the vision seriously and did not go anywhere. The next night, the maiden appeared to him again in a dream and reproached him for his disbelief. Then the elder, forgetting about his painful legs, set out in search of the spring and the icon. Although he did not find the Miraculous image, he returned home completely healthy.

After this, the maiden appeared to Tikhon again: 'You have worked all day and have not found the holy icon. It is located by the river near the glade. Go there in the morning, and you will find it in the spring, floating on the surface of the water.' Upon waking, Tikhon felt joy and, taking his granddaughter with him, hurried to the indicated place. After visiting several springs, he noticed a small spring flowing from the bushes in a marshy area. Clearing a path with poles and branches, he reached the spring and saw the icon shining brightly on the surface of the water.

For over 300 years, the Zhadov Icon of the Kazan Mother of God has been a symbol of the region, and the spring where it was revealed has become a site of all-Russian pilgrimage. Although during the years of persecution against the Orthodox faith, the spring was repeatedly filled in, it remained the main holy site of the Zhadovskaya desert and the Simbirsk diocese.

Today, a small chapel with a bathing area is located next to the spring. The spring itself is in excellent condition, and pilgrims continue to flock here. After praying at the spring, washing, and drinking the holy water, no one leaves without consolation. Thanks to the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Zhadov Monastery has been restored and continues to develop. There are so many cases of healings and miraculous help that it makes no sense to list them.

The spring is located behind the wall of the Holy Mother of God Kazan Zhadov Male Monastery. Access to the spring for collecting water is free at any time. The bathing area may be closed by the monks, but most often the entrance is open. The bathing areas for men and women are separate. On major holidays, hundreds and even thousands of pilgrims come here.