Rajasthan is home to several mysterious monuments, whose origins are shrouded in legend and ghost stories. Be it the Bhangarh Fort and its haunted atmosphere or the Kuldhara village with its abandoned
homes, there are several spots in the state that can send a shiver down your spine. However, for many, the Chand Baori (stepwell) located in the Abhaneri village is the most fascinating location in Rajasthan. The architecture of the stepwell and the folklore associated with it draw visitors from all over the world.
One of the largest stepwells in the world, Chand Baori, is located 88 km from Jaipur. As per the official website of Rajasthan Tourism, it is one of the most popular attractions in the state. The Harshad Mata Temple, located near the step well, is also a major tourist attraction.
Chand Baori: History And Legends
The stepwell was constructed in the 9th century AD by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty. Chand Baori was built as a community gathering place as well as for conserving water and providing a respite from the heat. It remains an architectural wonder with 3,500 narrow, perfectly symmetrical stairs that descend 20 feet. The stepwell narrows as visitors get closer to the bottom. On three sides, there is a double flight of steps that go to the surface of the water below. The fourth and final side has a three-storeyed pavilion with intricately carved galleries, balconies and jharokhas (windows), meant for the royal family’s use.
The exquisite geometry of the structure and the play of light and shadow in the stepwell captivate visitors to this day and have inspired several legends. As per an NDTV report, locals believe that anyone who descends to the water cannot return using the same stairs, even if they want to. Some even claim that the structure was built by djinns in just one night.
Another mysterious tale attached to Abhaneri says that centuries ago, an entire wedding procession descended into this stepwell and never came back. Another belief states that when the moonlight falls on the stepwell, the entire steps glow.
Chand Baori In Films
The stepwell has been featured in several movies, such as Paheli and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, according to the Times of India. The monument was also the setting for pivotal scenes in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, the final movie in his Batman trilogy.
The unique architecture and the legends associated with Chand Baori make it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Rajasthan.
