Jaipur with its mahals, forts, kings, queens, frescoes and temples, has always held the ability to arrest you in its bright colours and exquisite music! While Jaipur is the amalgamation of all of these things, there are plenty of places around this regal city that will be a feast for your eyes and will blow your mind. Falling at about 95 km away from Jaipur, a small village in the Dausa district of Rajasthan, Abhaneri is the ideal spot for you to visit, if you’re in search of a quick one-day getaway option. So grab your keys and head to Abhaneri in order to immerse in the light of this mystical town, also known as the ‘City of Brightness’!
Legend behind ‘Abha Nagri’
It’s not just history and architecture that you dip your toes in when you enter Rajasthan; it is also about the legends and the folklore attached with every place you visit here, that makes you want to explore more and more! Established in the 9th century A.D by King Raja Chand of the Gurjar kingdom as ‘Abha Nagri’, which translates to ‘City of Brightness’, this site’s name gradually transformed into Abhaneri.
Legends say that Abha Nagri was called so because the goddess of happiness and joy, Harshat Mata, spread brightness all over the village and therefore is an integral part of the tale of this beauteous hamlet. From the Chahamanas of Shakambari to the Mughals and then later ruled by the Marathas, Abhaneri was always desired by plenty and therefore is a place you simply cannot miss when in Jaipur!
For the one who spreads brightness across the village
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A proof of the architectural brilliance of the 10th century, the Harshat Mata Temple is the spot where spirituality and artistic mastery come together in unison with one another! Placed under the archaeological department of the government, this bewitching temple in its rustic ruins, articulates the craftsmanship of medieval India. The temple is the perfect place for you to sit and soak in the sunset and take pictures that reflect the glory of the days gone by!
Get lost in the psychedelic stepwell!
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The Chand Baori here is a colossal stepwell built by the natives of the village, to be used as a water reservoir. This unique attempt at rainwater harvesting, has a depth of 20 metres with 13 levels and is located right in front of the majestic Harshat Mata Temple. Chand Baori is considered one of the deepest and largest step wells in India and despite its huge size, it does not show any ignorance in the intricacy of the details and carvings on the walls!
Knock Knock
The best time to visit Abhaneri is during the months of October to March, as it also is the time when the 3-day Abhaneri Festival is celebrated here for you to indulge in. If you’re travelling to this nagri, make sure you follow all the covid protocols- wear your mask, gloves and apply sanitiser religiously!
