Rani Ki Vav at Patan, Gujarat also known as Queen's Stepwell Rani Ki Vav, Patan Queen's Stepwell, A UNESCO World Heritage Site Patan is a district in the state of Gujarat, located at 125kms distance from Ahmedabad. Patan was once the capital of the state in historic times located on the banks of the (lost) Saraswati River. Nestled in the hustle and bustle of the city Patan, lies an “Architectural Wonder” – Rani Ki Vav. It is also known as “Rani Ni Vav” in Gujarati local dialect. This is a 7 storeyed Magnificent Stepwell, which is built using scientific principles for storing water. Back in 11th century, Udaymati, Queen of the King Bhimadev I from Solanki(Chalukya) Dynasty, expressed her desire to build a stepwell. This stepwell, she ordered to build is in the memory of her beloved husband. Rani ki Vav is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India. The new ₹100 rupee currency note has a picture of this stepwell. Let’s have a visual tour of Stepwell As you walk towards this site, it doesn’t appeal very much. Just a compound wall and some—Well Kept—landscaping work is done around it. The more you approach it, the more it starts appealing. When you reach the main entrance, the Jaw-Dropping view absorbs you in it. Perspective steps going deep down towards the well-shaft are accompanied by intricately carved idols of gods and goddesses. Each idol is as magnificent as if they are living things. The far end is of this stepwell—which is a well-shaft—is not even clearly visible from the first step. Constructional Aspects Rani ki Vav was constructed as a religious as well as a functional structure. The expanse of this stepwell is roughly 1610 sq.m. and 70m length from the base of Toran—Sacred Gateway—to the inner edge of well-shaft. Its 23m in width and 28m in depth. Rani Ki Vav is constructed like an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water. It is built on the East-West axis, “Step-Corridor” being in the east and “Well” on the west. Ceremonial Entrance (Toran Dwaar) The first architectural object you see as you step down, is the remains of a pillar base. This evidently confirms the presence of Toran Dwaar – A Ceremonial Entrance. In 19th century, a survey was conducted for Rani Ki Vav. James Burgess and Henry Cousens were two archeologists who had mentioned about these pillars in the survey. The Toran was comprised of 2 freely standing pillars, which were connected by an ornate arch at their upper sections. Towards the west side from this entrance, downward leading steps make a way to the edge of the well. Ceremonial Entrance (Toran Dwaar)Ceremonial Entrance (Toran Dwaar) Architecture and Decorative Work Rani ki vav is a seven storeyed and inverted temple like structure. It has 4 pavilions downwards from east to west and then lastly a Well Shaft. Below is a picture taken from first pavellion. You can see other 3 Pavilions as well. Rani ki Vav is a Maru-Gurjara style architecture. A style of “temple architecure” which is originated from the Gujarat & Rajasthan in historic times. All the 7 levels were open for public and tourists were able to go down to the well. Then there was a powerful earthquake in Bhuj which rocked the state of Gujarat in 2001. After this earchquake, out of 7 levels, only 4 levels are left open for public to ensure the safety & security. There is a great diversity of themes: Divine Figures: Devi or Goddess, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha in their respective incarnations and form Sacred & Mythical Representation Figures: Dikpalas, Sacred flora and fauna, Apsara, Nagkanya, Vasus and scenes from epics Reflection of Contemporary Society Buddha, Kalki and Mahishasurmardini sculptureFrom left Buddha, Kalki and Mahishasurmardini Sculpture Mahishasurmardini is one of the forms of a goddess “Durga” who is killing a demon called Mahishasur. MahishasurmardiniMahishasurmardini Sculptures in Rani ki Vav are displayed in a pattern, where main deities are displayed in niches. These main deities are flanked by semi divine figures like Apsaras, Nagkanya, Dikpalas and Yogini.& Sheshshayi Vishnu Sculpture During medieval times in Gujarat, there was a tradition of installing “A Sheshshayi Vishnu” sculpture inside the Stepwell, Kunda or Temples. Which you can see in Modhera Sun Temple as well. Sheshshayi Vishnu is represented in 3 successive niches in 3 levels on the rear wall of the Well Shaft. One between the first and second pavillion on the niche of the north wall. In addition to this, out of 24 forms of the lord Vishnu, following forms are present in Rani ki Vav: Keshava, Narayana, Govinda, Vishnu, Trivikrama, Vamana, Sridhara, Padmanabha, Damodar, Samkarsana, Aniruddha, Purusottama, Narsimha, Hari. Moreover 10 famous incarnations are also represented. But among those 10 incarnations; Varah, Narsimha, Vaman, Parshuram, Ram, Balram, Buddha and Kalki (future incarnation at the end of Kaliyug) are clearly identified in Rani ki Vav. Buddha is shown as an incarnation of the lord Vishnu here. A Bhairav—fierce form of the lord Shiv—is represented in a dancing pose here. If you take a closer look down on his right side, the dog is snatching a piece from the decapitated corpse. Licking the blood oozing from the freshly cut head that Bhairava is holding in his hand. Vishnu On Left and Bhairav on rightVishnu On the Left and Bhairav on the Right Brahma, Mahesh & Vishnu With Their Consort When you reach near the well (at 4th pavillion) you can see the panel of “Brahma, Mahesh & Vishnu with Their Consort”. The Top left side of front wall is decorated with the idols of Tridev(Ttriple deity of Supreme Divinity in Hinduism). Their Vahan is also present near each of them, Swan, Bull and Garuda respectively. Front wall sculptures from bottom levelFront wall sculptures at base level Brahma Mahesh and Vishnu with their consortsBrahma Mahesh & Vishnu With Their Consort On the Top-Right side of the front wall, you can see Ganesh with his Consort and then Maha-Lakshmi and Kuber idols are also present. These three are considered as Gods of Luck. Other Sculptures in Rani ki Vav Dikpals (Guardians of Eight Directions) also appear on the walls of Rani ki Vav. 8 Vasus are present on the walls with human body and Cow head in folded hands (Namaskar position). Nav graha are represented in a complete set, over Sheshshayi Vishnu on the Well Shaft. Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra), Mercury (Budha also known as Grahpati), Venus (Shukra), Mars (Mangal), Jupiter (Brihaspati), Saturn (Shani), Rahu and Ketu constitute Nine Planets called Nav Graha. Dikpal - Guardian of directionDikpal – Guardian of A Direction A Marble sculpture of 48cm height was recovered while de-silting in 1987-88. This sculpture has an inscription in devnagari(indian script) “Maharajani Shri Udayamati”. Due to time constraints, we did not get a chance to see this sculpture. Hence, have no idea where it is kept (May be in museum). Rani Ki Vav is built using burnt bricks, lime mortar, and locally available “Dhrangadhra” stone. Larger blocks of stones were joined by Rosewood Dowels and placed on the ground, forming the floor of the steps and terraces. Interlocking system with woodInterlocking System With Wood A small glass plate was attached at several places where cracks are visible. These cracks were developed after Bhuj’s Earthquake. Upon asking about the purpose of these glass plates, our guide told us they are attached to keep the track of changes in such sections. When the stress on such sections will be increased, these glass plates will break and give an indication for safety. #thehinduheritage #CulturalHeritage #thehindugodsandgoddesses #scrolllink #bharat

After the conclusion of the explanation of whole ‘Brihaspati Kalpa’, it was the time for diksha and test. As this was a certificate course, it was imminent that a test would be taken and the grades will be mentioned in the certificate accordingly. The ‘Brihaspati Kalpa’ can only be perfected when through the diksha of ‘Brihaspati’. Brihaspati diksha is the stepping stone for the perfection of ‘Brihaspati Kalpa’ because the diksha is all about unlocking the human brain to increase the grasping power of the Brihaspati’s magnum opus, ‘Brihaspati Kalpa’. After the empowerment of the ‘Brihaspati’ diksha to the participants, it was now time for a test as it was a certificate course. The test was done in a written and oral format. The grades of both the format is also to be mentioned in the certificate course. In fact this was the first course performed under ‘International Kaulantak Siddha Vidhya Peeth’ in its own centre and Kaulantak Peeth has decided that all the shivirs and the camps would now be conducted in one of our centers unless explicitly mentioned. Finally, the course concluded with the distribution of certificate. It was the ending days of 2018 so in short, the camp concluded with the conclusion of the year 2018 and 2019 shall be a big year as the very first course of the year is “Ma Kurukulla Sadhana’, the kuladevi of the Kaulas. We have received some pictures taken during the last two days of the camp. We would like to hereby present the pictures made available to us by the ‘Kaulantak Peeth team. #ishaputra #iksvp #himalayansiddhas #patanjaliyoga #mahasiddhaishaputra #kurukullatemple

After the conclusion of the topic of Akula and tantra practice, it was the time for another equally important subject i.e. Purana. His Holiness explained to the sadhaka, ‘Purana means history of the great souls, their whereabouts, their actions, their contributions to the world’. Purana means history with full of information about do’s and donts from practical experience of the great souls. His Holinesss Mahasiddha Ishaputra revealed that Purana can be a great source of knowledge. For instance, in the Bhagawat Purana, there is mention of King Bharata. He left his kingdom in the search for truth. While in his penance period, he rescues a young deer or buck and saves its life. He grows such attached to the deer that he forgets about his intention of the whole renunciation. One day the deer doesn’t return and King Bharata dies in the separation of the deer and in the next birth, King Bharata becomes a deer. Now any person can infer from the Purana that whatever is in the mind of a person at the time of death, the person begets the body related to it. In the case of King Bharata, it was deer. Purana is used to infer wisdoms from history. Tantra is different to Purana in a sense that Purana means study of history while tantra is pragmatic wisdom which is about creation of history. Therefore, under Brihaspati system, both tantra and purana have significances. One should know how to utilize it. While the discussions were going on, the ‘Kaulantak Peeth ’ team managed to take some pictures. We hereby present the pictures taken, to the Kaulantak Peeth fraternity so that they could witness the happenings of the Peeth. We shall also update further happenings as soon as we get an update from the "Kaulantak Peeth Team Satara." #ishaputra #iksvp #patanjaliyoga #himalayansiddha #mahasiddhaishaputra #kurukullatemple

After the explanation of Yoga, Karmakanda and Darshana of Brihaspati in the residential course currently being held at ‘International Kaulantak Siddha Vidhya Peeth’, His Holiness Mahasiddha Ishaputra then touched the topic of tantra. He explained the participating sadhaka about the various aspects of tantra. Tantra is as ‘brihad’ or holistic as Brihaspati himself. Brihaspati means master of numerous wisdom forms and Tantra means techniques to use numerous wisdom forms for pragmatic use. Tantra is basically divided into two forms, the ‘kula’ and the ‘akula’. Brihaspati is the master of both forms. He has his own kula and the master of his tantric kula attains the status of ‘Brihaspati’. The akula part is where all the kula ends. It is a process of going from the physical adhyatma to sookshma adhyatma and finally to be liberated from the sansara. In the tantra of Brihaspati, one starts with the tanta of ‘ihaloka’ and gradually then concludes with the tantra of ‘paraloka’. Brihaspati’s tantra in the words of Mahasiddha Ishaputra himself is that the tantra is a process of starting from the physical dimension ultimately leading to subtle adhyatmik dimension. Some pictures were taken during the course when Mahasiddha Ishaputra was explaining the concept to the sadhaks. We hereby present the pictures taken, to the Kaulantak Peeth fraternity so that they could witness the happenings of the Peeth. We shall also update further happenings as soon as we get an update from the "Kaulantak Siddha Vidhya peeth team. #ishaputra #iksvp #himalayansiddhas #patanjaliyoga #brihaspati #kurukullatemple #mahasiddhaishaputra

The residental course on "Brihaspati Kalpa" is currently being held at International Kaulantak Siddha Vidhya Peeth from 24th December, 2018 at Satara, Maharastra under the holy guidance of His Holiness Kaulantak Peethadhishwara Mahayogi Satyendra Nath Ji Maharaja (Ishaputra)" Mahasiddha Brihaspati Nath is the master of many wisdom forms. One such wisdom forms is Karmakanda or rituals. The ritual wisdom is a vast concept. It incorporates many practices like yagya, avaran pujan, upasana, nyasa etc. He was also the master and siddha of karmakanda. The third day started with the explanation of the very concept of karmakanda as touched the day before and its modus operandi under the system of Brihaspati. His Holiness explains to the sadhakas that karmakanda looks like a physical act but its essence is very subtle. The whole act of karmakanda only seems to have effect upon the physical world but contrary, its effect on inner subtle world is manifolds. For instance, when we purify our body with water, we sprinkle ourselves. Can the act of sprinkle, purify our body when we need more then few buckets to bath to clean ourselves? Brihaspati’s karmakanda has an essence to it and in the absence of which every karmakanda is fruitless and incomplete. That essence is what was discussed in the third day. In fact it took the whole third day to explain the essence of karmakanda to the sadhakas and different facets related to it. Our ‘Kaulantak Peeth Team Satara’ will also be regularly updating us on the happenings of the shivirs which we shall update immediately. We hereby present the pictures taken, to the Kaulantak Peeth fraternity so that they could witness the happenings of the Peeth. We shall also update further happenings as soon as we get an update from the "Kaulantak Peeth Team Satara." We sincerely hope that the picture we present shall inspire and aspire the Kaulantak Peeth fraternity to the path of eternal wisdoms of the Rishi/Munis. #ishaputra #iksvp #himalayansiddhas #patanjaliyoga #kurukullatemple #yogacourse

The residental course on "Brihaspati Kalpa" is currently being held at International Kaulantak Siddha Vidhya Peeth from 24th December, 2018 at Satara, Maharastra under the holy guidance of His Holiness Kaulantak Peethadhishwara Mahayogi Satyendra Nath Ji Maharaja (Ishaputra)" As mentioned earlier, Mahasiddha Brihaspati Nath’s magnum opus is his ‘ihaloka’ darshana. Almost all the six philosophies of Hinduism incorporate the Brihaspati’s ihaloka darshana. The second day of the camp was mainly about explaining the nastika and astika school of Brihaspati with special focus on ‘ihaloka darshana’. The ‘ihaloka darshana’ can be roughly translated but not wholly as empiricism of the western philosophy. The second day started with the explanation of all the concepts related to the darshana of Brihaspati. Not only, ihaloka darshana, nastika and astika school of thoughts but also on various subtle topics like ‘dharma’, ‘adhyatma’, ‘satya’, ‘asatya’, ‘gyana’, ‘agyana’ etc. Brihaspati is also the guru of dharma therefore; the interpretation of dharma of Brihaspati was the main theme of the second day. Furthermore, His Holiness also touched the topic of karmakanda or rituals. Lesser known fact is that Brihaspati is also master of Mimansa i.e. karmakanda. He is also adept in tantric karmakanda. The explanation of the karmakanda part will be explained in upcoming post as updated to us by our ‘Kaulantak Peeth Team Satara.’ We hereby present the pictures taken, to the Kaulantak Peeth fraternity so that they could witness the happenings of the Peeth. We shall also update further happenings as soon as we get an update from the "Kaulantak Peeth Team Satara." We sincerely hope that the picture we present shall inspire and aspire the Kaulantak Peeth fraternity to the path of eternal wisdoms of the Rishi/Munis. #ishaputra #iksvp #himalayansiddhas #kurukullatemple #patanjaliyoga