One of the oldest and deepest stepwells in India, Chand Baori was said to have been built overnight by jinns. To this day, it is said that this chilly, obscure place is haunted by something.
In the serene village of Abhaneri in the eastern Dausa district of Rajasthan, Chand Baori is a testament to the architectural ingenuity of age-old India. Built in the 8th and 9th centuries by King Chanda of the Nikumbha dynasty, this age-old stepwell is one of the deepest and largest in the country, although not always the easiest to find.
Its haunting beauty and eerie atmosphere make it one of the oldest and largest stepwells in the world. It is these that have earned it the reputation of being one of the most haunted places in Rajasthan, attracting both curious tourists and paranormal enthusiasts.
An architectural marvel with a obscure side
Chand Baori is an architectural marvel, consisting of 3,500 narrow steps arranged in a precise geometric pattern, descending 13 storeys into the mute depths of the earth. On the walls are paintings like Sheshasayee Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta and Mahishasuramardini. On the sides are shrines to Ganesha. According to legend, there are also tunnels connecting Abhaneri with Dausa.
Stepwells served many purposes, including obtaining water and being places for religious meetings and rituals.
The abandoned appearance of the structure, combined with the echo of footsteps in the empty well, contributes to its haunting reputation. At the very bottom, the air is about 5-6 degrees cooler than at the surface. The sense of isolation and the shadows cast by the age-old stones create an eerie atmosphere, especially in the evenings or on overcast days.
Legends and paranormal stories Chand Baori
Local legends whisper of ghosts and djinns that supposedly haunt Chand Baori. According to folklore, the stepwell was built overnight by spirits, and those who disturb its peace risk incurring their wrath.
Both visitors and locals have reported strange occurrences, from sudden drops in temperature to the feeling of being watched. There are also those who claim to experience a sudden feeling of nausea when descending the stairs.
The silence and darkness in the depths of Chand Baori can be unsettling. Some visitors claim to hear whispers and footsteps echoing through the serene corridors, while others report seeing shadowy figures lurking in the corners of the well.
References:
Chand Baori Haunted | Times of India Travel
Image Source: Pixabay.com
