An alleged 8th-century structure Chand Baori and Harshat Mata Temple have no clue of its construction. Named after the local ruler Chand, this Baori has a massive 35000 steps. This engineering marvel is one of the oldest step-wells of India. Here in this article, I am going to tell you why you should visit this place at least once.
Lets dig into the details
Also Read: Baoli Abandoned In Fatehpur Shekhawati & current state.
History
The Chand Baori was built by the King of the time “Chand” in the 8th or 9th century. But How’s this date came to know? Well, matching the design and carvings of this baoli with other monuments gives a guess. But some of its parts are also new. The upper building is constructed in the reign of the Mughals.
The cusped arches on the outer portion of the baori are the clear depiction of the Mughal alterations here. The neighboring Harshat Mata temple was constructed in the same century by the same king.
Chand Baori
With 35000 steps and 13 floors of stairs, this stepwell hails the title of one of India’s ancient complex water-conserving structures.
The two flights of stairs land into the water from three different sides, narrowing down as you keep going down. But do not try to get in there It’s not permitted and you could also be fined for this.
The baori also has been a popular destination for homegrown and International films. Movies like Bhoomi, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Paheli, and in 2012 The Dark Knight Rises of Batman Series.
There are a lot of other speculations and myths about this Chand baori but they do not have any base, so I a not getting in those.
Harshat Mata Temple
Adjacent to this magnificent water reserving system is a temple as it used to be in ancient times. All the baori’s were made near to a prominent temple in those times.
Harshat Mata is considered the Goddess of Joy and happiness in the city of Abha Nagari as it was known in ancient time.
While the Temple is an amazing piece of art, It was partially destroyed by Mehmood Ghaznavi. The temple stones are lying on the sides of the temple. The Intricate carvings on the temple show Hindu Deities.
How to Reach-The Most Important Thing to Know
Wait, I told you everything, but if I do not tell you how to reach here then everything else is just a waste. Because reaching here is the most laborious thing to do.
Believe me, reaching here is not a piece of cake. All the Blogs will give you nothing in this section but here I am going to tell you the cheapest possible way to get here.
You can search online, You will see “Get a Cab to the Abhaneri village” but that’s not always the case. Not all of the readers have enough budget, and a cab to Abhaneri is definitely going to cost you a lot. But here the way you can try to save money. Let me tell you my story.
I first arrived in the Mehandipur Balaji and stayed for the night. You can easily find cheap accommodation here starting even from 100/- rs onwards. After then, got a taxi to Sikandara in only 30 rupees and 20 rupees till the AbhaNeri bypass. From this point, you can get a CNG auto-rickshaw, which will take you to the baori and Harshat Mata Temple in just 20/- rs.
Suggestions
- Start your journey in day time only, as early as possible. There is no place to stay nearby.
- Bring a water bottle and food with you.
- Try to arrange personal transportation for you, to make your journey smooth.
Conclusion
Chand Baori reminds and Harshat Mata temple reminds us of our capabilities in engineering. This Mathematical marvel has been a great picturesque spot. Usually, you can see a lot of photographers taking shots here. Come and witness the ancient wonder by yourself.
