India has many unique archaeological sites. Millions of tourists from all over the world are drawn to this exotic country to see the famous monuments with their own eyes. But there are buildings that very few people know about their existence. This is exactly what the Chand Baori well belongs to.
Where is located
Chand Baori is located in the state of Rajasthan, in the small village of Abhaneri, which has long been considered a stronghold of the Rajputs. Given the prolonged dryness in this region of India, the depth of the well is quite justified.
But the bizarre shape conceals many mysteries and resembles a pyramid, only extending 30 meters into the bowels of the earth.
The amazing structure on three sides consists of 13 levels, ideal in symmetry, each of which has seven steps.
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There are many small ladders along the four walls. In total, there are 3,500 steps in the stone structure. In the fourth wall there are many pavilions, a temple to the goddess of joy and happiness Harshat Mata. The consoles in the rooms are decorated with columns with sculptures of elephants, and the niches are decorated with relief images of the god Ganesha and the goddess Durga.
How was created
Scientists have no consensus regarding the construction of an architectural masterpiece. Many people date the appearance of the well in the 9th-11th centuries, but there is a hypothesis that it could have existed even before our era. The construction of a stunning structure is considered quite difficult even for modern builders, so it is difficult to imagine how people managed it many centuries ago.
The reservoir was used not only for storing water, but also for washing hands and feet before visiting the temple. This tradition still exists today, pilgrims enter the temple only after the cleansing rite.
Danger to life
Walking around Chand Baori is not entertaining. A large number of steps requires a certain endurance, there are no handrails. Until recently, there were not even fences, and there was a great risk of falling into a deep reservoir of water.
For the safety of a large influx of tourists, the lower part of the well was surrounded by a fence. The clever design is designed for a large flow of people.
The water is not sanitary and is full of bacteria. Swimming, and even more so drinking it, is strictly prohibited. Bacteriologists believe that water can cause serious harm to health and be fatal. The safety measures are monitored by the caretakers. But this does not stop local residents, and the press periodically writes about the death of people in connection with the dirty water in the well.
Even the photographs of the building are breathtaking, others like it cannot be compared with it in depth and grandeur. Chand Baori has a unique form, beauty and mysticism.