Adalaj Stepwell: A Marvel of Architecture and History

The stepwell was built by Queen Rudadevi in memory of King Rana Veer Singh. Adalaj Stepwell is an architectural wonder. Every carving and infrastructure holds deep cultural, and historical, significance.

The History of Adalaj Stepwell 

local villagers and travelers from the heat. During this period, a Muslim ruler Mohammed Begda of Junagadh attacked King Rana Veer Singh and took over the kingdom. Queen Rudadevi wished to perform Sati and, at the same time wanted to complete the stepwell construction in memory of King Rana Veer Singh. At this moment, Mohammed Begda proposed marriage to the widowed queen. 

Seizing the opportunity, Rudadevi agreed to his proposal only on a single condition. Mohammed Begda has to complete the construction of Adalaj Stepwell. Bedga agreed as he was stunned by the beauty of Rudadevi and completed Adalaj Stepwell in record time. 

Rudadevi wanted to visit Adalaj Stepwell one last time before her marriage. She walked down the steps of Adalaj Stepwell and even before anybody could notice, Rudadevi jumped into the water of Adalaj Stepwell and sacrificed her life. 

The stepwell thus got the name of Rudadevi as Rudabai Vav or Adalaj ni Vav. 

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The Marvellous Architecture of Adalaj Stepwell

The carvings at various levels symbolize Hindu and Jain gods. The upper floors are carved with elephants in different designs. The walls are carved with women performing daily chores like adorning themselves, churning buttermilk, and scenes of dance performances. 

Also, there is a depiction of a pot, considering it as water of life called” Ami Khumbor”. And the navagraha representing 9 planets is depicted. It was believed that these depictions attracted people during important rituals and ceremonies.

Extra Trivia

• As per the old scriptures of Swaminarayan, Queen RubaDevi, before her sacrifice requested religious saints to take a bath in the stepwell so that it purifies her soul.
• 6 tombs can be seen near the Adalaj Ni Vav Ahmedabad. Begda tested the masons who built the Vav if they could build another similar one. When they agreed, Bedga sentenced them to death as he didn’t want the replica of Adalaj Ni Vav Ahmedabad.

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Nearby Places to Visit Near Adalaj Stepwell 

Trimandir, Adalaj:

Indroda Nature Park:

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Narendra Modi Stadium:

Sabarmati Ashram:

Sarita Udyan:

Adalaj Ni Vav Gandhinagar: Tourist Information

Adalaj Stepwell timings – 6 am to 6 pm (open all days of the week) The best time to visit Adalaj Stepwell – October to March 

How to reach Adalaj Stepwell? 

Adalaj Stepwell is easily accessible by road. 

• Buses are available at regular hours from the city to Stepwell. 
• The railway network is excellent connecting Ahmedabad to various cities in Gujarat. 

Airways: Sardar Vallabhai Patel is the main airport to access Ahmedabad