Rani Ki Vav at Patan , RudraMal, Siddhpur and On the road

Ranaki Vav,  Rudramal,  Siddhapur   slideshow 

Rani ki Vav (The Queen's Stepwell) is a wonderful example of a Royal Step Well near Patan, Gujarat, which was built between 1022-1063 AD. Rani ki vav is a famous stepwell situated in Patan town in Gujarat in India..  It is  also ranked as one of the seven  wonders of India  ( 7 Wonders of India: Rani Ki Vav, Patan).

Most of the sculptures are in devotion to Vishnu, in the forms of Dus-Avatars (10  incarnations )  Kalki, Rama, Mahisasurmardini, Narsinh, Vaman, Varahi and others representing their return to the world.Nagkanya, Yogini beautiful women - Apsara showcasing 16 different styles of make-up to look more attractive called Solah-shringar.   I have   tried to  identify   most of them in captions 

Raniki Vav  is picked for the  3D scaning   and   Laser archeology  by National Geogrpahy   

( Jan  2014 ) 

Siddpur  is city with beautiful  homes  by the   Dawoodi   community. The Dawoodi Bohras (or Vohras) are a Gujarati trading community which fanned out across India (and to East Africa) in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They are most visible in cities like Mumbai, as traders in hardware, glass and textiles.
Gujarat’s architectural history is marked by rich traffic between the Hindu and Islamic architectural traditions. .  

The  Toran at Rudramal, is one of icons of the state.   Ruins of Rudra Mahalaya temple and the Jami Masjid  should be  a top tourist attraction.  However it is closed and   picture taking is officially  banned.    This is because of   religious  conflict between Hindu and  Muslims.  However I did take few pictures and  so that may  be   relatively  rare to see, 


The Road trip to    Modhera  and Patan was  also interesting.
Slideshow 

Modhera Sun Temple

M Modhera in Gujarat, is a temple dedicated to the Hindu Sun-God, Surya. It was built in 1026 AD by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty. This temple depicts the essence of ancient time. Beautiful columns and magnificent carvings decorate the hall. The exterior of the temple is intricately and delicately carved, showing demons and evolving gods. Despite its partial destruction by Mahmud of Ghazni and by subsequent earthquakes, it remains an outstanding monument, set against the backdrop of the barren landscape. Fifty two intricately carved pillars depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Unlike the exterior, the interior hall is plain with 12 niches representing the Surya's different monthly manifestations. Erotic sculptures panels complete the sensual decoration.


Modhera Sun temple Slideshow