Abhaneri is a famous village in Rajasthan, also known as the village of stepwells. There are many other small stepwells here along with the world’s largest stepwell. Along with these stepwells, the Harshat Mata Temple of Abhaneri is also the center of tourist attraction. The name of the village of Abhaneri was Abha Nagari (shining city), but gradually due to the distortion of the language, its name was changed to Abhaneri. Chand Bawdi is a major tourist attraction site of Abhaneri village which belongs to the 10th century monuments. Abhaneri village is located near Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Let us tell you that Chand Bawdi is a wonderful step well which has steps on three sides, which work to store water. Please tell that this step well is more than 13 storeys deep, in which more than 3500 steps are made. Despite being more than 1000 years old, this step well is still in existence today. Let us tell you that many films have also been shot here, including Bhool Bhulaiyaa, The Fall, The Dark Knight Rises and Best Exotic Hotel Marigold. Chand Baori is an architectural marvel consisting of several thousand steps built as a water reservoir in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan. It is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and this beautiful structure is not in use today. The world’s most attractive stepwell Chand Bawdi attracts tourists from all over the world. People who are architecture lovers must come to see this attraction. It is said about these stairs made in the form of a maze, that a person who descends the ladder can never come back up the same ladder. This square step well is surrounded by pillared verandahs.

1. History of Chand Baori Abhaneri

It was built by Raja Chand during the 8th and 9th centuries and is named after him as Chand Bawdi. This stepwell is about 1000 years old. It has been constructed so that the local people can get clean water throughout the year. Also, this grand structure is said to be a gathering place for the local people of Abhaneri, where they sit around the well. The lower part of the stairs gets cold during summer and during this time the temperature of this step well cools down to 7-8 degrees. Apart from common uses, according to Hindu mythology the water of this well forms the boundary between heaven and earth. Because of this, it also became a place for meditation, prayer, and a ritual bath, which is a must-visit before visiting the Harshat Mata Temple. Many locals consider the stepwell to be haunted. According to the locals, the stepwell was built in one night, which is practically impossible. Hence it was believed that the task of making it was given to a jinn. There is also an underground cave in this stepwell which is 17 kilometers long. This cave originates in the nearby Bhandarej village. It is said here that many years ago a procession went inside this cave which never returned again.

2. Architecture of Chand Bawdi

This stepwell has worked very well in the extremely dry region of Rajasthan. Chand Bawdi is known for the splendid architectural expertise of the Indian architects. It displays geometrical precision with 13 floors down and 3500 steps. About 100 feet deep, the stepwell is a square construction measuring 35 meters on each side. It is believed that the lower part of the stairs was built in the 8th-9th century while the upper part was completed during the Mughal period in the 18th century. The magnificent statues of Ganesha and Mahishasur Mardini located in the two niches on the lowest floor of the stepwell add to its beauty. King Chand is also mentioned in an inscription of Bawdi. It is also said here that Chand Bawdi has been built by ghosts, and deliberately made it so deep and with so many steps that if a coin is tossed in it, it is almost impossible to get it back.

3. Harshat Mata Temple

Harshat Mata Temple is a famous temple located next to the Step Wells which attracts a lot of tourists and devotees. Let us tell you that this temple is dedicated to the local goddess Harshat. Let us tell you that this temple has faced many outbreaks in the old times. This temple was destroyed by the Islamic rulers. It is said that in the period of 1021-26, Mohammad Ghaznavi broke this temple and destroyed all the idols, so now only ruins are left here. Here you can see amazing sculptures along with carvings on the pillars and walls in a grand open courtyard. It is said that Harshat Mata, installed in this temple, foretells the people about any danger in the village and always protects them. It is also called the goddess of prosperity. Seeing the present beauty of this temple, one can get an idea of the glory of the temple in the olden times. Let us tell you that this temple does not disappoint the tourists coming here at all. One can be mesmerized by the natural beauty of the temple and its surroundings.

4. Best time to visit Chand Bawdi

Winters (November – March) is the best time to visit Chand Baori and other parts of Rajasthan as the weather is 8 degree Celsius during night and 32 degree Celsius. The summers here are very hot, due to which sightseeing is not fun.