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

Aur isi ke saath Chandrama ke Sabse late Darshan 10:25 PM par huye 🙄 #scrolllink #moon #karwachauth

Chandrama aane waale hain parvaton ke upar se 🙏 Kurukulla temple 🛕 #karwachauth #moon #kurukullaTemple #scrolllink

Karva Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated by married women in India. On this day, wives observe a day-long fast from sunrise to moonrise for the long life, prosperity, and well-being of their husbands. Women dress beautifully in festive attire, apply mehndi (henna) on their hands, and gather together to listen to the Karva Chauth Katha (story). In the evening, after sighting the moon through a sieve, they offer prayers and then break their fast after their husbands offer them water and the first bite of food. The festival symbolizes love, devotion, and the sacred bond between husband and wife. #karvachauth2025 #karvachauth #hindu #sanatan #siddhadharma #jaishreeram #jaikalki #jaisambhalasamrajya #scrolllink

Moon on the sky 🥰 tonight 🙏Kurukulla temple 🛕 #moon #kurukullaTemple #ishaputra #love

Sambhala Samrajya Diwas is celebrated every year on the auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima, marking the divine appearance of Maa Kurukulla Bhagwati, a radiant and powerful form of Devi Parvati. According to the ancient Siddha Dharma tradition, there came a time when Devi Parvati expressed her wish to attain supreme knowledge. Lord Shiva, smiling compassionately, reminded her that all wisdom already resided within her, for she herself is the embodiment of divine knowledge. Yet, acknowledging her sacred play, Shiva agreed to impart the ultimate wisdom, saying that to truly receive and assimilate this profound knowledge, she must first manifest in her Kurukulla form—the aspect of the Goddess who governs knowledge, attraction, and siddhi (spiritual accomplishment). Thus, on the full moon night of Sharad Purnima, Devi Parvati manifested as Maa Kurukulla Bhagwati, glowing with divine brilliance. To bestow this sacred knowledge upon her, Lord Shiva manifested as Swachchhand Bhairava, the free and boundless aspect of Mahadeva, and created the divine realm of Sambhala Lok. Within this mystical and sacred domain, Lord Shiva transmitted the complete and eternal wisdom of Siddha Dharma to Maa Kurukulla. This sacred transmission marked the beginning of the Siddha Dharma Parampara, the lineage of enlightened knowledge that has since flowed unbroken through the ages. After receiving the wisdom, Maa Kurukulla created various Kulas (spiritual lineages), each embodying unique streams of knowledge. These teachings were received and preserved by the Mahasiddhas, ensuring the continuation and protection of Siddha Dharma through countless generations. Within the revered Kaulantak Peeth, Sambhala Samrajya Diwas is regarded as one of the most sacred and auspicious days of the year. On this day, all Bhairavas and Bhairavis, the dedicated disciples and followers of Kaulantak Nath, come together to perform special worship and rituals in honor of Maa Kurukulla Bhagwati. The celebrations culminate in the Kala Pradarshan, a sacred performance of art, dance, and music that symbolizes the creative expression of divine energy. The day is not merely a festival but a spiritual remembrance—an invocation of the moment when eternal wisdom descended into the universe and when the Goddess herself became the vessel of divine knowledge. Sambhala Samrajya Diwas thus stands as a celebration of the eternal unity of Shiva and Shakti, the harmony of knowledge and devotion, and the timeless flow of divine wisdom through the sacred Siddha tradition. Part -3 #siddhadharma #sambhala #sambhalasamrajya #jaisambhalasamrajya #ishaputra #mahasiddha #kaulantakpeeth #kulantpeeth #kaulantaknath #MahayogiSatyendraNath #kurukulla #Shiva #himalayansiddhatradition

Sambhala Samrajya Diwas is celebrated every year on the auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima, marking the divine appearance of Maa Kurukulla Bhagwati, a radiant and powerful form of Devi Parvati. According to the ancient Siddha Dharma tradition, there came a time when Devi Parvati expressed her wish to attain supreme knowledge. Lord Shiva, smiling compassionately, reminded her that all wisdom already resided within her, for she herself is the embodiment of divine knowledge. Yet, acknowledging her sacred play, Shiva agreed to impart the ultimate wisdom, saying that to truly receive and assimilate this profound knowledge, she must first manifest in her Kurukulla form—the aspect of the Goddess who governs knowledge, attraction, and siddhi (spiritual accomplishment). Thus, on the full moon night of Sharad Purnima, Devi Parvati manifested as Maa Kurukulla Bhagwati, glowing with divine brilliance. To bestow this sacred knowledge upon her, Lord Shiva manifested as Swachchhand Bhairava, the free and boundless aspect of Mahadeva, and created the divine realm of Sambhala Lok. Within this mystical and sacred domain, Lord Shiva transmitted the complete and eternal wisdom of Siddha Dharma to Maa Kurukulla. This sacred transmission marked the beginning of the Siddha Dharma Parampara, the lineage of enlightened knowledge that has since flowed unbroken through the ages. After receiving the wisdom, Maa Kurukulla created various Kulas (spiritual lineages), each embodying unique streams of knowledge. These teachings were received and preserved by the Mahasiddhas, ensuring the continuation and protection of Siddha Dharma through countless generations. Within the revered Kaulantak Peeth, Sambhala Samrajya Diwas is regarded as one of the most sacred and auspicious days of the year. On this day, all Bhairavas and Bhairavis, the dedicated disciples and followers of Kaulantak Nath, come together to perform special worship and rituals in honor of Maa Kurukulla Bhagwati. The celebrations culminate in the Kala Pradarshan, a sacred performance of art, dance, and music that symbolizes the creative expression of divine energy. The day is not merely a festival but a spiritual remembrance—an invocation of the moment when eternal wisdom descended into the universe and when the Goddess herself became the vessel of divine knowledge. Sambhala Samrajya Diwas thus stands as a celebration of the eternal unity of Shiva and Shakti, the harmony of knowledge and devotion, and the timeless flow of divine wisdom through the sacred Siddha tradition. Part - 2 #siddhadharma #sambhala #sambhalasamrajya #jaisambhalasamrajya #ishaputra #mahasiddha #kaulantakpeeth #kulantpeeth #kaulantaknath #MahayogiSatyendraNath #kurukulla #Shiva #himalayansiddhatradition

Sambhala Samrajya Diwas is celebrated every year on the auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima, marking the divine appearance of Maa Kurukulla Bhagwati, a radiant and powerful form of Devi Parvati. According to the ancient Siddha Dharma tradition, there came a time when Devi Parvati expressed her wish to attain supreme knowledge. Lord Shiva, smiling compassionately, reminded her that all wisdom already resided within her, for she herself is the embodiment of divine knowledge. Yet, acknowledging her sacred play, Shiva agreed to impart the ultimate wisdom, saying that to truly receive and assimilate this profound knowledge, she must first manifest in her Kurukulla form—the aspect of the Goddess who governs knowledge, attraction, and siddhi (spiritual accomplishment). Thus, on the full moon night of Sharad Purnima, Devi Parvati manifested as Maa Kurukulla Bhagwati, glowing with divine brilliance. To bestow this sacred knowledge upon her, Lord Shiva manifested as Swachchhand Bhairava, the free and boundless aspect of Mahadeva, and created the divine realm of Sambhala Lok. Within this mystical and sacred domain, Lord Shiva transmitted the complete and eternal wisdom of Siddha Dharma to Maa Kurukulla. This sacred transmission marked the beginning of the Siddha Dharma Parampara, the lineage of enlightened knowledge that has since flowed unbroken through the ages. After receiving the wisdom, Maa Kurukulla created various Kulas (spiritual lineages), each embodying unique streams of knowledge. These teachings were received and preserved by the Mahasiddhas, ensuring the continuation and protection of Siddha Dharma through countless generations. Within the revered Kaulantak Peeth, Sambhala Samrajya Diwas is regarded as one of the most sacred and auspicious days of the year. On this day, all Bhairavas and Bhairavis, the dedicated disciples and followers of Kaulantak Nath, come together to perform special worship and rituals in honor of Maa Kurukulla Bhagwati. The celebrations culminate in the Kala Pradarshan, a sacred performance of art, dance, and music that symbolizes the creative expression of divine energy. The day is not merely a festival but a spiritual remembrance—an invocation of the moment when eternal wisdom descended into the universe and when the Goddess herself became the vessel of divine knowledge. Sambhala Samrajya Diwas thus stands as a celebration of the eternal unity of Shiva and Shakti, the harmony of knowledge and devotion, and the timeless flow of divine wisdom through the sacred Siddha tradition. #siddhadharma #sambhala #sambhalasamrajya #jaisambhalasamrajya #ishaputra #mahasiddha #kaulantakpeeth #kulantpeeth #kaulantaknath #MahayogiSatyendraNath #kurukulla #Shiva #himalayansiddhatradition

Sambhala Samrajya Divas + Kurukulla Divas ka poorn chandrama from Kurukulla temple 🛕 🙏😇 Jay Sambhala Samrajya #Sambhala #SambhalaSamrajya #kurukulla #Chandrama #fullmoon #sharadpurnima #ishaputra #himalaya

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

A Colossal #Steampunk #Inspired #Space #Rocket Ascending to the #Stars! #Astronauts #Walking Around a Space #Shuttle on the #Moon – Stunning Footage

Chandraghanta Devi is the third form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the third day of Navratri. She is known for the half-moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) adorning her forehead, which gives her the name Chandraghanta. Radiant with golden complexion and riding a lion, she symbolizes both grace and bravery. With ten arms carrying various weapons and a lotus, she represents strength, protection, and serenity at once. Devotees believe that worshipping Chandraghanta Devi removes fears, grants courage, and fills life with peace and prosperity. She embodies the balance of calm devotion and fierce protection, teaching that true strength lies in harmony.’ -Life Unfold #durga #chandraghanta #kurukulla #Devi #navratra #scrolllink