Chand Baori Step Well in Rajasthan, India

Chand Baori Step Well in Rajasthan, India

Chand Baori in Abhaneri village in eastern Rajasthan, India is one of the oldest stepwell in Rajasthan, and is considered to be among the biggest in the world.

Chand Baori is not just a well but also a monument dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness upon completion.

This incredible square structure is 13 stories deep, and lined along the walls on three sides are double flight of steps. 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry descends to the bottom of the well 20 meters deep to a murky green puddle of water.

Built during the 8th and 9th century by King Chanda of Nikumbha Dynasty, it provided the surrounding areas with a dependable water source for centuries before modern water delivery systems were introduced.

This is the Chand Baori Stepwell. It was built around the 8th or 9th century and has 3500 steps and has 13 stories

Chand Baori became a popular gathering place, especially during periods of hot weather when the temperature at the bottom of the well would be several degrees cooler than at surface.

Stepwells such as this also served as a place for social gatherings and religious ceremonies. Usually, women were more associated with these wells because they were the ones who collected the water. Also, it was they who prayed and offered gifts to the goddess of the well for her blessings.

Chand Baori was featured in the movie The Fall and also made a small appearance in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.