CHAND BAOLI, ABHANERI

The ancient stepwell at Abhaneri as Chand Baoli, is approximately 65 feet deep, with 3500 steep steps making up 13 levels-much like an inverted pyramid.  The isolated and historic location of Abhaneri village, about 100 km from Jaipur, was probably once a great center of arts, as suggested by its sculpture and architecture.  Most of the areas monuments have fallen victim to ravages of time, but just across the stepwell lies the 7^th century Harshat Mata temple.  Its elaborate carvings evocative of the temples of Kajuraho.  However, Abhaneri is worth visiting the Chand Baoli alone.  The many baolis of Rajasthan once functioned as community centers, and are all impressive architectural structures.  Abhaneri’s stepwall is no exception; it is a huge, awesome construction inset with fine decorative panels and carved pillars.  Several balconies at various levels are set around the stepwall and you can almost hear the long-gone echoes of villagers gathered around the pool of water at the base.  Adjoining the Chand Baori, there is a temple, dedicated to Harshat Mata. This temple serves as the other tourist attraction of Abhaneri. Raised during the 10th century, the wrecks of the temple still boast of the architectural and sculptural styles of ancient India. Harshat Mata is considered to be the goddess of joy and happiness. The temple is worth visiting for its amazing architecture, which belongs to the medieval India. Abhaneri has a glorious past and, attracts tourists to its threshold, from all over the world.