Just next to the temple is a enclosed rectangular courtyard type of structure, upon entering one reaches a
Jharokha and coming down stairs on left one can see, the
Baori (
Step-Well) on right, something which is unique to India, it is a
water reservoir which not only has water also respite from heat in dry summers it is about 64 ft deep narrowing towards the bottom
criss-crossing steps provided with double flight of steps on three sides reach the the water surface, it is one of the
deepest and the largest step-well in India, the geometrical pattern of stairs gives the different magical images of the stairs, the light and shadow makes one spell bound, the stairs are on the three sides while on the one side are the three storied pavilion with beautiful carved
jharokhas, the galleries supported on Pillars and two projecting balconies enshrining beautiful sculptures.
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A closer look on the double flight stairs of the Abhaneri Step-Well & The magical look of the stairs in the Step-Well |
This surrounding area is
semi desert, shrubs and small trees mainly the
Kikar and
Ber(
Ber Berry),
Amla (
Goose berry) are found, there are only two seasonal rivers
Banganga and
Morle, agriculture is totally dependent on rains and ground water.
Chand Raja was from the
Gujara Pratihara clan claiming to be the descendant of Lord Ram’s younger brother
Laxman, they were at their peak during 6-10th century AD, almost North of India, founder of this dynasty was
Raja Hari Chandra and once dominated the
Rajasthan, their capital city was
Mandore near
Jodhpur, during this period
open pavilion temples were built the best examples are the temples are at
Khajuraho in
Madhya Paradesh and
Osian in
Rajasthan.