The Curious Case of RANI KI VAAV

[CanadianMalodu]

Visited Gujarat after Sankranthi, last month when I was on my vacation. RAANI KI VAAV piqued my Interest because of this.

I also visited Adalaj Step well in Ahmedabad.

Some snaps of Adalaj stepwell:

 

 

 

Some snaps of Rani ki Vaav:

I don't know what that overseeing creature is. Lol.

 

 

This is goddess Durga. 

Shankam and chakram possibly Vishnu. I don't know that guy with goatee on the left though. I have seen the same sculpture in multiple places. 

This is easy, Varaha avataram.

That's Vishnu. I took this from internet as I didn't find it there.

Is this a mohini (this is among gods, may be)? or rather a Yakshini (holds a skull)? 

This is the most interesting part. A vinayaka with broken trunk and woman in his lap. This undoubtedly is Uchista Ganapathi, a form not normally seen in mainstream Hinduism. Uchista Ganapathi is a tantric form of Ganapathi who has a consort in his lap and the trunk reaches the private parts of the consort. 

This is another random image of Uchista Ganapathi from internet. 

 

These are from internet too. The structure itself is an inverted one as you can see it. It's both positive and negative construction. 

This is what government has to say about this. 

My skepticism of this story comes from some pertinent questions.

1. Compare the style with Adalaj Step well. A plain stepwell, with not much intriguing architecture at all.  Why did Rani ki Vaav have so many sculptures? Many Hindu gods? Does a well need to have these?

2. Of all, why Uchista Ganapathi?Does this structure have something to with Tantra? 

3. Solanki dynasty's other structures were nothing like this. Also, the structure of Rani ki Vaav looks way older than the dates stated in the  plaque.

4. Why a random name? Rani ki Vaav (Rani vaari baavi)? A structure of this magnitude given such a generic name? 

Some parts are closed for general public too. The name was given by  ASI in 1940s after rediscovering it, which is why I'm skeptical of the name and ascribed history to it as well. This coupled with presence of Uchista Ganapathi, and other esoteric sculptures  some how make me wonder if this is a special place for Tantric worship, (conveniently masked as a stepwell by govt). Thoughts linger. 

P.S Mount Abu, Rajasthan is about a two hour drive, from this place. I didn't plan Rajasthan so didn't visit it, this time.