Abhaneri is a village in Dausa district of Rajasthan state in India.It is situated at a distance of 95 km from Jaipur, on Jaipur-Agra road. The place is popular for the amazing 'Chand Baori' (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple.

History

The village of Abhaneri is believed to be established by Gurjar parihar king Samrat Mihir Bhoj.In mythology samrat Mihir Bhoja is presented as King Raja Chand.1

Monuments

Abhaneri is an ancient village in Rajasthan, famous for its post-Gupta or early medieval monuments. This village has contributed numerous pieces of sculpture to various museums worldwide. Abhaneri is situated on the Ahmedabad Delhi railway line, near Bandikui in Jaipur district. According to the locals, the village is so called because, the local Goddess Harshat Mata is shown portrayed in a joyous mood and spreads brightness or abha all around. The village's original name was Abha Nagri, and its name today is Abhaneri. The village is said to have been founded by the legendary king Raja Chand and thus the village could be over three thousand years old. However, it is felt that the mythological Raja Chand could be King Bhoja, who ruled over the Gurjar kingdom in the ninth century AD. The ruins of the temple conform to 10th century architectural and sculptural styes. The Harshat Mata temple dates back to the tenth century AD and is placed under the protection of the Archeological Department of the Government of India. Daily worship is offered to the deity in the temple. The temple is in ruins and pieces of sculpture showing a fine degree of craftmanship lie strewn around. The image above is that of a carved pillar in the temple.An annual fair held in honor of Harshat Mata lasts three days and numerous devotees and merchants gather from neighboring villages. This village also boasts of another 10th century monument - The Chand Baori, a vast well with flights of steps on three sides. Abhaneri was named as Abha Nagri, which means the city of brightness, but due to mispronunciation of the term, it is changed to the present name. In the present day, this city of brightness is in ruins; still it attracts tourists from across the globe. Abhaneri is prominent for 'Baoris', which are the unique invention of the natives for harvesting rain water. Amongst the other step wells, Chand Baori is the most popular one. This colossal step well is located in front of the Harshat Mata Temple. Chand Baori is one of India's deepest and largest step wells. The huge tank with delicate carvings is certainly delightful to the eyes. Step wells are the unique concept of India. These big tanks were used as cool places of resort and water reservoir in parched days. It was a ritual to wash hands and feet before visiting the temple. Adjoining the Chand Baori, there is a temple, dedicated to Harshat Mata. This temple serves as the other tourist attraction of Abhaneri. Raised during the 10th century, the wrecks of the temple still boast of the architectural and sculptural styles of ancient India. Harshat Mata is considered to be the goddess of joy and happiness. As per the beliefs, the goddess is always cheerful, who imparts her joy and happiness to the whole village. The temple is worth visiting for its amazing architecture and that too, which belongs to the medieval India. Abhaneri has a glorious past and this hoary magnetism of the place, attracts tourists to its threshold, from all over the world. SOURCE-VIVEK SONI
mailme-vivek.ctn@gmail.com