RANI KI VAV

Translating to ‘Queen’s stepwell’, this is one of the most unique places to visit in Gujarat. Queen Udayamati commissioned this mega multi-storey structure in the memory of her husband King Bhimdev. Created in the year 1063, this majestic structure is in the shape of an inverted temple as if paying homage to the sacred water.

The structure was excavated by the ASI only in the 1980s as it lay submerged under the River Saraswati. It is divided into seven levels, the walls of which are engraved with hundreds of mythological figurines, motifs, and sculptures that depict 3 levels of Hindu cosmology i.e. heaven, earth, and the underworld (patal lok). The image of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is printed on the new Rs.100 currency note.

Highlights of the place: You must see all the seven levels that have distinct carvings marking each one of them. You will see intricately-carved sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his 10 avatars like Varaha, the Boar, Kalki, Narasimha, etc. along with figures of celestial deities, water nymphs, apsaras, etc. are a must-see.

Location: Mohan Nagar Society, Patan, Gujarat.