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

The Ghost weapon that started the world's first cyber war 😯 #cyberwar #war #weapon #science #physics #world #earth #saveearth #scrolllink

#NewsLiveNow फिलीपींस के मिंडानाओ द्वीप के पूर्वी तट पर शुक्रवार सुबह जबरदस्त भूकंप आया, जिसकी तीव्रता 7.6 मापी गई। इस शक्तिशाली झटके से इलाके में हड़कंप मच गया और लोग घबराकर अपने घरों से बाहर निकल आए। #newsinhindi #earthquake #Philippines #WeatherUpdate

"Kundalini Awakening is nothing but Self- Unfoldment or Awakening of Intuitive Intelligence" “Serpent Power” (also known as Kuṇḍalinī Śakti) is among the deepest mystical concepts in the Indian spiritual tradition — uniting Tantra, Yoga, and Vedānta. Below is a clear and poetic exposition — “The Serpent Power: The Inner Ascent of Consciousness” 🕉️ The Serpent Power — The Inner Ascent of Consciousness. 1. The Sleeping Goddess at the Root At the base of the human spine, in the Mūlādhāra Chakra, lies a coiled, radiant energy known as Kuṇḍalinī — the “Serpent Power.” She is depicted as a three and a half–coiled serpent, resting in deep sleep, her tail in her mouth — symbolizing eternal energy folded within itself. This is not a mythic serpent but the latent spiritual potential — the Divine Mother (Ādi Śakti) asleep in matter, awaiting awakening. > “As fire lies hidden in wood, as fragrance rests in the flower, so Kuṇḍalinī lies hidden within man. 2. The Three and a Half Coils — The Mystic Symbol The three full coils represent the three guṇas — Sattva, Rajas, Tamas — and the half coil represents the transcendent power beyond them, the unmanifest consciousness (Turīya). Thus, the serpent’s coiling signifies that divine power is bound by nature (Prakṛti), yet ready to uncoil upward toward liberation (Mokṣa). 3. The Subtle Path — The Sushumnā When awakened through Yoga, Mantra, or Grace, Kuṇḍalinī rises through the central subtle channel (Sushumnā Nāḍi), piercing the six Chakras, each a lotus of consciousness: Chakra Location/ Element/ Function Mūlādhāra: Base of spine /Earth/ Stability, foundation Svādhiṣṭhāna : Pelvic region /Water /Emotion, desire Maṇipūra : Navel /Fire / Will, power Anāhata: Heart / Air / Love, compassion Viśuddha: Throat /Ether/ Purity, expression Ājñā : Between eyebrows / Mind/ Insight, intuition Sahasrāra; /Crown/- Beyond elements, Union with the Absolute At each chakra, her ascent transforms instinct into intuition, and energy into awareness. 4. The Serpent and the Staff — Yogic Alchemy. In many cultures, the serpent entwined on a staff (like the Caduceus) symbolizes the same truth — the dual currents (Idā and Piṅgalā Nāḍīs) winding around the central axis (Sushumnā). When these two energies are balanced — solar and lunar, active and passive, mind and prāṇa — then the serpent awakens and ascends through the spine, joining the thousand-petalled lotus above the head — the seat of Śiva-consciousness. > The sleeping Mother rises to meet the silent Father. Their union births illumination. 5. The Descent of Grace and the Ascent of Power. The yogic path is not only ascent of Kuṇḍalinī (Śakti), but also the descent of Grace (Śiva). When the upward movement of energy (Urdhva Shakti) and the downward movement of divine grace (Anugraha Shakti) meet at the Heart center (Anāhata), there arises Samādhi — the fusion of the finite and the infinite. > “When Śakti unites with Śiva, the body becomes a temple, the mind becomes the sky, and awareness blooms like a thousand-petalled lotus.” 6. The Mystic Experience. When Kuṇḍalinī pierces each chakra, it brings visions, sounds, lights, and bliss — but these are by-products. The true awakening is the dawning of silent awareness, the recognition — > “I am That.” ( Truth- Being- Existence- Consciousness and Bliss) At the summit, the Serpent Power dissolves in Pure Consciousness, and there remains no seeker, no path — only Chaitanya, the radiant Self- Truth - Being - Existence - Consciousness and Bliss or Brahma. 7. The Esoteric Meaning of the Serpent The serpent has always symbolized: Wisdom — self-renewing, immortal, cyclical. Energy — coiled potential. Transformation — death of ego and rebirth in spirit. Thus, the Serpent Power is not to be feared but revered — it is the divine creative pulse within the human body, the living bridge between matter and spirit. 8. The Quintessence > Kuṇḍalinī is the Divine Mother, asleep in matter. Her awakening is the spiritual rebirth of the seeker. The chakras are stations of consciousness, not physical points. The union of Śiva and Śakti within is Self-realization. > The Serpent rises not to escape the earth, but to illumine it. Summary Table: Symbolic Meaning: Serpent: Dormant Divine Energy Chakras : Levels of Awareness Sushumnā : Central Channel of Spirit Awakening: Transformation of Consciousness. Union: Liberation – Sahasrāra Samādhi. 🌺 In essence: The Serpent Power is the story of consciousness remembering itself. It is Shakti longing for Shiva, energy yearning for awareness, and when they unite — the universe shines within you as your own Self. Thus Kundalini Awakening is nothing but Self- Unfoldment or Awakening of Intuitive Intelligence. #kundalini #chakra #nagas #awakning #iksvp #siddhaDharma #tantra #yoga #scrolllink

Where nature speaks, words become silent.🍃 #NatureWhispers #SilentSoul #PeaceWithin #NatureMagic #CalmMind #EarthVibes #DivineNature #WhisperOfTheWoods

Lunar Rover’s Epic Journey Toward Earth – A Stunning View from the Moon #lunarrover #moonrover #moon

Which one has the biggest ring system? Chariklo vs Uranus vs Saturn vs J1407b #Shorts #Space #Planet #Scariest #events #Earth #Astronomy #Science

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light either partly or completely. During a total solar eclipse, the day suddenly becomes dark for a short time, and people can see the Sun’s outer layer, called the corona. In a partial solar eclipse, only part of the Sun is covered by the Moon. Solar eclipses are rare and can only be seen from certain places on Earth at the right time. They are fascinating natural events that remind us of the perfect balance and movement of the Earth, Moon, and Sun in space.’ -Life Unfold #solareclipse #sun #earth #moon #space #scrolllink #nature

A world first. New footage from Mars rendered in stunning 4K resolution. We also talk about the cameras on board the Martian rovers and how we made the video. The cameras on board the rovers were the height of technology when the respective missions launched. A question often asked is: ‘Why don’t we actually have live video from Mars?’ Although the cameras are high quality, the rate at which the rovers can send data back to earth is the biggest challenge. Curiosity can only send data directly back to earth at 32 kilo-bits per second. Instead, when the rover can connect to the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, we get more favourable speeds of 2 Megabytes per second. As you would expect, sending HD video at these speeds would take a long long time. As nothing really moves on Mars, it makes more sense to take and send back images. #Marse #Planet #rovers #curiosity #orbiter #images #scrolllink #science

Deep space is full of mysteries that scientists are still trying to understand. It is the vast area beyond our solar system, filled with countless stars, galaxies, black holes, and strange cosmic phenomena. Many secrets of deep space remain unknown, such as how the universe began, what lies inside black holes, and whether life exists on other planets. Powerful telescopes and space missions help us explore these mysteries, but deep space is so enormous that much of it is still beyond our reach. The mystery of deep space inspires curiosity and shows how much more there is to discover about the universe.’ -Life Unfold #deepSpace #stars #planets #sun #otherEarth #mystry #scrolllink

Planets are large round objects that move around stars, like the Earth moves around the Sun. In our solar system, there are eight planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Some are small and rocky, while others are huge and made mostly of gas. Planets do not make their own light; they only reflect the light of the Sun. Each planet is different in size, distance from the Sun, and the conditions on its surface. Studying planets helps us understand more about space, the universe, and the possibility of life beyond Earth.’ -Life Unfold #planets #universe #sun #space #earth #scrolllink

Humans as a species have come a long way from their early beginnings. In the past, humans lived as hunters and gatherers, slowly learning to farm, build homes, and form societies. Over time, they developed language, culture, and technology, which allowed civilizations to rise and knowledge to grow. Today, humans are the most advanced species on Earth, exploring space, creating powerful technologies, and connecting across the world. In the future, humans may continue to evolve through science and innovation, possibly living on other planets, curing more diseases, and creating smarter technologies. The story of humans is one of survival, growth, and endless possibility.’ -Life Unfold #Humans #science #innovation #Past #future #scrolllink