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Rani Ki Vav is a magnificent stepwell in Patan, Gujarat, that was built by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband King Bhima I in the 11th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Indian architecture and sculpture. Here are 10 legends about rani ki vav that you might find interesting:
1. According to one legend, the stepwell was built by the queen as a secret escape route for her and her husband in case of an enemy attack. The stepwell has seven levels of stairs and more than 500 sculptures that depict various Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The lowest level of the stepwell is said to lead to an underground tunnel that connects to the nearby town of Sidhpur.
2. Another legend says that the stepwell was cursed by a saint who was annoyed by the noise of the construction. He Cursed that the stepwell would be buried under the earth and remain hidden for centuries. His curse came true when the Saraswati river flooded and silted over the stepwell, covering it completely. It was only rediscovered in the 1940s and restored in the 1980s by the Archaeological Survey of India.
3. A third legend claims that the stepwell was a gift from the sun god to the queen, who was his devotee. The sun god was impressed by her piety and devotion and granted her a wish. She wished for a stepwell that would be as splendid as the sun itself. The sun god obliged and created the stepwell with his rays, which is why the stepwell is also known as the Surya Kund or the Sun Well.
4. A fourth legend relates to the sculptures of the stepwell, which are said to be alive and change their positions at night. Some people believe that the sculptures are actually the souls of the workers who died during the construction of the stepwell. They come to life at night and move around the stepwell, expressing their emotions and stories.
5. A fifth legend tells of a hidden treasure that lies at the bottom of the stepwell. It is said that the king and the queen had amassed a huge wealth of gold, jewels, and precious stones, which they stored in a secret chamber at the lowest level of the stepwell. The treasure was guarded by a snake god, who would only allow the rightful heirs of the royal family to access it. However, no one has ever been able to find the treasure or the snake god.
6. A sixth legend is about the mysterious disappearance of the Saraswati River, which used to flow near the stepwell. The river was considered sacred and was worshipped by the people of Patan. However, one day, the river vanished without a trace, leaving behind a dry and barren land. Some people believe that the river was angry with the people for neglecting her and decided to go underground. Others say that the river was abducted by a demon, who wanted to use her water for his evil purposes.
7. A seventh legend is about the miraculous healing powers of the water of the stepwell. It is said that the water of the stepwell was blessed by the gods and had the ability to cure any disease or ailment. People from far and wide would come to the stepwell to take a dip in the water and seek relief from their sufferings. The water was also used for religious rituals and ceremonies, as it was considered holy and pure.
8. An eighth legend is about the love story of the king and the queen, who were deeply devoted to each other. The king was a brave and noble ruler, who protected his kingdom from enemies and invaders. The queen was a beautiful and virtuous woman, who supported her husband in all his endeavors. They were inseparable and shared a bond of true love and respect. When the king died, the queen was heartbroken and decided to build the stepwell in his honor. She spent the rest of her life in the stepwell, praying for his soul and waiting for him in the afterlife.
9. A ninth legend is about the astrological significance of the stepwell, which is said to be aligned with the stars and planets. The stepwell was designed according to the principles of Vastu Shastra, which is an ancient Indian science of architecture and geometry. The stepwell has a rectangular shape and is oriented in the east-west direction. The east side of the stepwell represents the rising sun, which symbolizes life and prosperity. The west side of the stepwell represents the setting sun, which symbolizes death and rebirth. The stepwell also has a number of pillars, niches, and panels, which correspond to the zodiac signs and the lunar phases. The stepwell is thus a representation of the cosmic order and harmony.
10. A tenth legend is about the hidden messages and secrets that are encoded in the stepwell. It is said that the stepwell contains a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, which can only be deciphered by those who have the eyes to see and the ears to hear. The stepwell has a number of symbols, motifs, and patterns, which convey various meanings and messages. Some of these are related to the Hindu mythology, philosophy, and spirituality. Others are related to the history, culture, and society of the time. The stepwell is thus a treasure trove of information and inspiration for those who seek to learn and explore.
