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 CE 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.