Photo: Nizil Shah, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
11th century stepwell with moderate carvings. Unusual mandapa shrine in the middle pavilion tower. Usually premises is locked.
Modhera Vav is a stepwell in Modhera village in Mehsana district, Gujarat, India. The stepwell belongs to the 11th century while the mandapa origins from the 10th century. It is the state protected monument.
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A lakeside pavilion on high plinth probably made from parts of earlier structure belonging to Solanki period. It is erected in six pilaster and 12 columns of sandstone with some decorations on pillar capitals and on plinths. A jali windows are there in rear wall.
Built around 11-12th century, the temple complex was commissioned by Chaulukya king Bhima I. The beautifully carved sandstone temple complex has three parts; a reservoir Surya Kund, the assembly hall Sabha Mandapa and the shrine proper Gudha Mandapa. It is located on the bank of Pushpavati river. There is a small museum as well. Public Toilets are behind the museum.
The three-day Modhera Dance Festival is held every year during the third weekend of January after the conclusion of Uttarayan festival. The dance festival is frequently visited by art and dance connoisseurs from around the world. Classical and folk dancers and musicians from different states of India exhibit their talent and flair while culture enthusiasts become part of the festival to witness this splendid event.
See how canal crosses a river by going under it! Understand the engineering and mechanics of the system.
Modheshwari is a clan deity of several families belonging to the village. A very large and beautiful temple.
A large embankment forms this wetland where migratory and local birds flock in winter. A good seasonal birdwatching spot.