AGRASEN KI BAOLI

About Agrasen Ki Baoli

The Agrasen Ki Baoli is one of the top historical monuments located in Hailey Road, New Delhi. It happens to be one of the old age water reservoir that was used to quench the thirst of many. 

This water reservoir is almost 103 stone steps tall above the ground and happens to be hidden in the middle of the top corporates and business towers of Delhi in recent times. 

This place is now protected under the Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. 

The Agrasen ki Baoli is located inside a structure, which is 15 meters in width and 60 meters in length. As per the beliefs, the Agrasen Ki Baoli dates back to the age of Mahabharata and it was a part of the ancient civilization that flourished here.

On many occasions, the lower parts of the Baoli seems to be submerged with water. This signifies this ancient water reservoir is still serving its purpose. 

The Agrasen Ki Baoli is widely acknowledged for its serene atmosphere and peaceful environment.

Tourists, as well as local Delhi people, come to this place to spend their leisure time. Photographers love this place as it offers amazing backdrops for picture-perfect portraits. When you are in Delhi, you can come over to this amazing place and explore this enigmatic architecture.

History of Agrasen ki Baoli - 

The Agrasen Ki Baoli has been connected with a number of past historical significances. It has been associated with many powerful civilizations and kingdoms.

This age-old water reservoir has been shrouded in mystery. As per the beliefs, the King Agrasen had built it in the Mahabharata era. It is also said to have been renovated in the 14th century by Aggarwal's. 

The Agrasen Ki Baoli happened to be one of the important places for the ancient community.

It used to be a meeting point of the women as they used to spend time around the place in the summer days to beat the scorching heat. 

The Agrasen Ki Baoli has also been used for celebrating many rituals and religious ceremonies.

This community-building served a number of other purposes apart from being a mere water reservoir.  

With time, this place has been a popular shooting set for a number of Bollywood movies. If you can recall Raju Hirani’s movie ‘PK’, then you can reminisce about this place.

On the other hand, it has been associated with a number of haunted stories from the past. As per beliefs, it is considered to be a place for many haunted incidents and happenings. 

The Architecture of Agrasen ki Baoli - 

The Agrasen Ki Baoli is considered to be one of its kind architecture that dates back to the time of Mahabharata. The architecture of this water reservoir is considered to be very futuristic.

The structure of the place is completely different from any other water reservoir built across the country. 

In the monsoon season, the level of water in the Baoli rises up to about 4-5 meters above the earth and remains completely dry for the rest of the year. 

The Agrasen Ki Baoli was not constructed in a round shape as any other traditional Baoli in India. However, it was built over a series of 108 steps that slopes into the earth and was constructed over three floors.

 People used to spend leisurely time in each of the floors and the floors were decorated with intricate stone carvings. Moreover, the stone carvings were made in complete symmetry with each other. It is believed that this water reservoir has also undergone a number of renovations in between.

This is evident from the Tughlaq style of architecture and from the Aggarwal style of architecture. 

The architecture of this place is said to be progressive at that point of time as it was not only built to serve the purpose of water reservoir but also to be a popular place for rituals and community meets. 

When you come over to this place, you may not find huge architectural marvels in the present time, however, you will certainly like the covered wall, a small mosque and arched alcoves in the complex. This place is worth paying a visit. 

Haunted Stories about Agrasen ki Baoli -

The Agrasen Ki Baoli has got a number of haunted stories associated with its name. The locals term it as a haunted place because of various haunted incidents and paranormal activities. 

As per the beliefs, it is believed that it was once filled with black water and people were compelled to commit suicide. 

It is also considered that the Agrasen Ki Baoli casts as a magical spell on the tourists who tend to stay back in the complex until late evening after dusk. In order to top up the paranormal activities, the presence of some nocturnal creatures like bats and owls elevate the inexplicable proportion. 

Many tourists have experienced an unseen force that pulled them towards the water when they went downstairs. 

Conversely, it is not known if all these paranormal activities are true but these incidents certainly make the place popular among adventure seekers.

 All these stories and beliefs have certainly made this place more titillating. If you want to know more about the haunted stories and cross-check if they are true or not, then you can visit this top haunted places in Delhi. 

Agrasen Ki Baoli Other Essential Information

Location-  The Agrasen Ki Baoli is situated in Hailey Road, New Delhi. 

Timings -  It is open from 7:00 AM in the morning to 6:00 PM in the evening. It is open on all days. 

Price -  There is no entry fee for tourists visiting the Agrasen Ki Baoli. 

Facts about Agrasen ki Baoli - 

1. The Agrasen Ki Baoli was constructed in the time of Mahabharata by the king Agrasen

2. It is made up of red sandstones and many other rocks.

3. The Baoli is about 60 meters in length and 15 meters in width.

4. The Agrasen ki Baoli is a protected monument as per the Archeological Survey of India Act, 1958. 

5. It has been serving as a water reservoir for numerous years.

6. The Baoli is built over three floors and there are a total of 108 steps.  

7. Agrasen Ki Baoli has got a number of landings, which was a place for community meets in the olden days. 

8. It is believed to be a house of paranormal activities.

9. It serves as a shooting set for many Bollywood movies.

10. The recent blockbuster movie ‘PK’ starring Amir Khan was shot here. 

Tips for Visiting Agrasen ki Baoli - 

1. Visit the place in the morning daylight hours.

2. Do not stay alone in this place beyond dusk.

3. Be careful when climbing up the steps.

4. Don't go beyond the last step into the water.

5. Shop souvenirs at the nearby market.

6. Carry water bottles with you as per there is no provision for drinking water.

7. Carry sunscreens and lotions as you would be exposed to direct sun all day.