Abhaneri Temples
Distance : 90 km east of Jaipur
Abhaneri, in the Dausa district of
Rajasthan, used to be an important village in the ancient times. The
sculpture and architecture suggest that it must have been a great
centre of arts. But the flourishing town was ruined by none other than
the early 11th century plunderer Mahmud Ghazni in one of his invasions
(see Historyof Delhi for more on Ghazni.)
¤ Main Attractions
Harshat Mata Temple
Today Abhaneri is mainly famous for the Harshat Mata Temple
belonging to the 9th century. of course, only portions of this ancient
shrine remain now, like the sanctuary walls, terrace and something of
the columned mandapa (forechamber). The sanctum, shorn of its
superstructure, is enclosed in an ambulatory and is pancharatha (with
five offsets) in structure. The walls have carved nichés in
which are images of other deities.
These worn out images indicate that the temple was originally
dedicated to Vishnu, the Creator of the Hindu trinity of
Creator-Preserver-Destroyer. The architectural details of the terrace
basement is more or less complete, showing friezes of geometric
ornament and miniature nichés with sculptures of seated deities
and amorous couples. The columns and walls are adorned with scenes of
dance, music, sport and love, although majorly damaged now. Some of
the better panels have been shifted to the Archaeological Museum,
Amber and the Central Museum, Jaipur. The sanctum now enshrines an
image of the four-armed deity Harasiddhi, locally called Harshat Mata.
Many images of Hindu deities have been found around the place which
are being preserved by the Archaelogical Survey of India. A mela
(fair) is held near the temple in the month of Chaitra (March-April)
every year.
Chand Baoli-A Stepwell
Near the Harshat Mata Temple is the stepwell Chand Baoli, belonging
to the 11th century AD. The desert kingdom of Rajasthan has many such
tanks which served as community centres, and constructing them was
considered an act of great generosity and benevolence. These baolis or
stepwells were no ordinary structures; they were marvels of
architecture. The Chand Baoli has beautifully carved panels inserted
into the sides. The steps, in sets of 4 or 5, are in the shape of an
inverted 'V'. The carved stone pillars, which are somewhat damaged
now, were once strong enough for supporting pulleys to draw water.
Several storeyed verandahs surround this beautiful stepwell.
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