Rajasthan Villages - Abhaneri
95 km from Jaipur, the village of Abhaneri is situated on the Jaipur-Agra road and is especially notable for 'baoris', the step wells that are an indigenous invention of the local people at rainwater harvesting. Besides these 'baoris', the Harshat Mata Temple is worth visiting, who is the Goddess of Mirth and Happiness. According to the local beliefs, Goddess Harshat Mata is always depicted in a jolly mood and is said to impart her mirth and happiness as brightness to the whole village. 'Abha' means brightness in Hindi. Thus, the village was originally named 'Abha Nagri', which in time was corrupted to Abhaneri.
King Raja Chand is credited with laying the foundation of the village. Some people also believe that Raja Chand is actually just a mythological representation of Raja Bhoja, who was the ruler of the Gurjar kingdom in the 9th century AD. This belief finds its evidences in the ruins of the temple that confirms to the 10th century architectural and sculptural styles. Opposite the temple is a huge tank known as 'Chand Baori', which impresses the visitors as it is fortified on all four sides with stronghold for defense. The mysterious and rich past of Abhaneri, lend it an age-old charm that attracts the tourists. One can reach Abhaneri by road and buses are available to Abhaneri from Jaipur or Agra.
