Chand Baori, Abhaneri (Const 8th-9th Cent CE) - Picture of the Week #135

The Chand Baori is one of the oldest and deepest step wells in Rajasthan and India, in particular. It is also known as 'Abhaneri Chand Bawdi'. This magnificent stepwell was constructed by King Chandra of Nikumbha dynasty around 8th-9th Cent. C.E.

This stepwell is 19.5 mts deep and has around 3500 steps ! This ancient step well was religiously and spiritually related to the nearby Harshat Mata Temple. A devotee visiting Harshat Mata Temple was first supposed to perform ablutions here and then go to the temple.

The sight and pattern of Chand Baori's 1200 years old steps leave a powerful impression on the mind and heart of a visitor !

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Sources -
1. ASI Info Board on site at Chand Baori in Abhaneri
2. Wikipedia

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Harshat Mata Temple Abhaneri (Const 8th-9th Cent CE) - Picture of the Week #134

Harshat Mata Temple Abhaneri was constructed in 8th-9th century C.E. It is dedicated to Harshat Mata (Goddess of Joy and Happiness). It is located in Abhaneri village in Rajasthan.

The Harshat Mata temple was constructed by King Chandra of Nikumbha Dynasty. It was constructed in Mahameru style of architecture. This temple was demolished in the 10th century CE. As per the temple keeper the King of Jaipur got the temple reconstructed in the 18th Cent CE.

The iconic Chand Baori step well is closely related to the temple. A devotee was supposed to perform ablutions at the Chand Baori before going to this temple.

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Information Sources -

1. Information Board on site.

2. Wikipedia

3. The Temple Keeper of Harshat Mata Temple

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Palace Entrance of Bhangarh Fort (Const 1573 CE) - Picture of the Week - #133

Bhangarh Fort was constructed by King Bhagwant Das for his son Madho Singh (younger son of the illustrious Man Singh I). This fort cum township was abandoned in the year 1783 CE. Bhangarh is believed to be one of the most haunted places in India.

On an architectural note this township has been observed, by archaeologists, to be very well planned. There are separate sections in the city for residential areas, markets e.t.c. The streets are well lined as well.

Madho Singh, the individual for whom this town was built, was a royal prince and a soldier. He participated in the Battle of Haldighati (against Maharana Pratap) and led the vanguard of the Mughal forces of Akbar (which were being commandeered by his brother Man Singh).

 

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Gopinath Temple, Bhangarh (Const. 1613 C.E.) - Picture of the Week - #132

In Bhangarh, the Gopinath Temple is one of the many temples located in the fort. Constructed as per the Nagari Architecture (North Indian style) the Gopinath Temple is based on a raised 14 ft Platform (Jagati). It is one of the most well known temples in Bhangarh.  It is not in use, currently.

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Ruins of Southern Gate of Siri Fort, New Delhi (Const 1303 CE) - POTW #131

The ruin of the Southern Gate of Siri Fort are one of the few remaining structures of the 3rd city of Delhi, Dar'ul Khilafat (better known as Siri Fort) with other major ruins being 2 intact sections battlements opposite August Kranti Marg, the Thanewala Masjid behind them and the Hauz e Alai. This city was commissioned by Sultan Alauddin Khalji and built with the help of Seljuq Turks.

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Shrine of Sacred Heart, Idaikattur (Const 1894 CE) - POTW #130

Located in Idaikattur (Tamil Nadu) the Shrine of Sacred Heart, const in 1894 CE by a French missionary, is an imitation of the Rheims Cathedral of France, upon the wishes of the donor. Despite that the church has some unique features which include statues of 153 angels which adorn the exterior of the structure. The reasoning behind placing the angels is because of a dream (seen by a presiding judge who was deciding upon a litigation regarding the church) who saw that the church was being built by angels !

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Panipat Battle Field Memorial, Panipat - Picture of the Week #129

This memorial has been erected at the spot where a tree with black mangoes (Kala Amb) used to stand. The significance of the tree was that it marked of the spot of the battle field where the Third Battle of Panipat (1761 CE) took place between the Maratha and the Durrani armies. The Marathas were led by Sadashiv Rao Bhau while the opposing armies were led by Ahmad Shah Durrani (who was accompanied with local collaborators).

This battle ended in decimation of the Maratha armies post a tense 'stand-off' between the two armies for over 3 months. The Panipat Battle Field Memorial is located on the outskirts of the city.

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