Once in a while when travelling I come upon places that take my breath away. When touring north India I came across two such places.
Before I elucidate I should say I found the Taj Mahal majestic, and it certainly lived up to its reputation as being one of the seven wonders of the modern world. However, Chard Baori Step-Well and Akshardham Temple are worthy contenders!
I’ve seen thousands of pictures of the Taj Mahal and knew what to expect. My jaw dropped when I was shown Chard Baori Step-Well, dating back to the 8th century AD. Constructed like an inverted pyramid I was suddenly faced with a very steep drop. I had to quickly tell my brain not be afraid of heights and thankfully I settled, marvelling at the ability of anyone who could descend the thirteen flights of steps (which are about a foot deep) to collect water, then climb back up again carrying full containers. A job often done by women.
Sadly the building that houses the well has been damaged over the centuries and the broken columns with bas relief sculptures sit around the walls where they once stood.
I was able to imagine what the entire structure must have looked like in its heyday and I hope that restoration work can be done in order to rebuild what must have been a fabulous monument.
In complete contrast I wasn’t expected to be blown away by a modern Hindu temple built in 2005, but I most certainly was. The only photographs I took of Akshardham Temple was from the bus a kilometre or so away, because electronic devices are not allowed on the site.
Our guide explained that all phones, smart watches, cameras etc had to be left on the coach and we were searched for such devices before entering the spacious grounds.
I was able to buy some postcards for a very small fee, but to get a better idea of the magnificence of this temple I firmly suggest you go to the website and take a look at the glorious architecture and opulence of this holy place. (https://akshardham.com/
Shoes and socks had to be removed before entering the interior of the temple, where marble reigns supreme. The floors and columns are constructed of marble and all available wall space is decorated with with bas relief sculptures or exquisite black and white ink drawings. Gold statues dominate the central area, seated on more marble, and decorated with precious stones.
But what was most spectacular was the frieze around the base of the temple celebrating the elephant. Stories regarding man’s interaction with this gentle giant were carved in stone at the foot of the frieze. Unable to take photographs, I tried to commit a few of the stories to memory, recalling only one as it was similar to a tale concerning Archimedes.
Once upon a time a king, delighted with his court poet, agrees to pay him with gold equivalent to the weight of an elephant, but how does one weigh an elephant? A court minister comes up with a solution. An elephant is put in a boat and once the boat has settled, the waterline is marked. The elephant then leaves the boat and in its place gold is poured to the same mark.
I wonder if the minister shouted “Eureka!”
Of all the places in India I would love to see again it would be the Taj Mahal and Akshardham Temple. The outer walls reminded me of the temple in Angkor Wat in Cambodia, which is often seen as the eighth wonder of the world. I would go as far as to say Akshardham is possibly the ninth.
***
My tour of India is one I will not forget. To learn more of my experiences please click on the links:
I mention Angkor Wat at the end of this blog. I visited this special temple last year and was most impressed. To learn more please click on the link:
Commentaires