Patan’s Stepwells and Temples: A Heritage Tour to Gujarat

Patan

Patan, the administrative headquarters of Patan district in Gujarat, India, is a historic municipality with a rich legacy. Known as Anhilpur-Patan to distinguish it from Prabhas Patan, it served as the capital of the Chavda and Chaulukya dynasties during medieval times and briefly the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate from 1407 to 1411.

The city was founded by King Vanaraja of the Chavda dynasty and flourished under the rule of various Hindu and Muslim dynasties. Patan became a prominent trading hub and a key regional capital in northern Gujarat. Its cultural heritage is reflected in the many Hindu and Jain temples and mosques, dargahs, and rauzas that still stand in the city. Patan is steeped in history, located on the banks of the now-extinct Saraswati River. Its old market, believed to have been in continuous operation since the time of the Vaghela dynasty, remains a vibrant center of trade and commerce.

Patan History

Vanraj Chavda established Aṇahilpur Patan in 802 CE as the capital of his kingdom, naming it after his close friend Anhil Bharvad. During his reign and later under the Solanki (or Chaulukya) dynasty, Aṇahilpur Patan flourished as a prominent capital. The city was governed by notable rulers such as King Bhimdev, Siddhraj Jaisinh, and Kumarpal. Influential officials like Udan, Munjal Mehta, and Tejpal-Vastupal served as secretaries to the kings during different periods of the Chaulukya era.

The kingdom also benefited from the guidance of renowned Jain scholars such as Hemchandracharya, Shanti Suri, and Shripal. Hemchandracharya, a distinguished Jain scholar, poet, and polymath, contributed significantly to grammar, philosophy, and historical literature. He earned the title Kalikal Sarvagna, meaning “the all-knowing of the Kali Yuga.”

Two iconic architectural monuments from Patan have been recognized as national treasures:

The Sahastralinga Tank

The Sahastralinga Tank (Sahasralinga Talav) is a remarkable example of medieval water management and architecture in Patan, Gujarat. Constructed during the reign of the Solanki (Chaulukya) dynasty, this artificial reservoir reflects the engineering ingenuity and religious devotion of the time.

The tank was commissioned by King Siddhraj Jaisinh (1094–1143 CE), one of the most prominent rulers of the Solanki dynasty. It was designed as a grand water reservoir and a site for spiritual and ritual activities. The name Sahastralinga translates to “a thousand lingas,” referring to the numerous small shrines and carved lingams (symbolic representations of Lord Shiva) that adorned the tank and its surroundings.

Design and Structure

The Sahastralinga Tank covered a vast area and was fed by a canal from the Saraswati River. The tank featured steps leading down to the water, ornate pavilions, and sculpted walls, showcasing the architectural grandeur of the Solanki period. The lingams were placed along the edges of the tank and on its platforms, making it a significant site for Shaivite worship.

Also read- Ajmer and Beyond: The Mystical Charm of Rajasthan’s Heartland

Rani Ki Vav Patan

Rani ki Vav (Queen’s Stepwell), a masterpiece of intricate Stepwell architecture, is located on the banks of the Saraswati River in Patan, Gujarat. Built in the 11th century AD as a memorial to King Bhimdev by Queen Udaymati, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 22, 2014. The intricately carved structure combines functionality with artistic brilliance, serving both as a water reservoir and a place of spiritual and cultural significance.

The City is also home to the Hemchandracharya Library, various Jain temples, and the Kalika Mataji Temple, built by King Siddhraj Jaisinh. In modern times, Patan remains historically significant as part of the Vadodara State era and is now a key district in Gujarat. The Radhanpur Taluka, part of the Patan district, was once ruled by the Babi Nawab dynasty. Nearby, Sidhpur is famous for the Rudra Mahalaya Temple and Bindu Sarovar, revered as the Matru Tarpan Tirth. Additionally, the Shankheshwar Jain Temple, located in the heart of Shankheshwar town, is a significant pilgrimage site for followers of Jainism, dedicated to Parshwanath Bhagwan.

The ancient capital of Gujarat, Aṇahilpur Patan, is celebrated for its golden history, vibrant cultural heritage, intricately carved monuments, and the world-renowned Patola silk sarees crafted by skilled artisans.

Patan Weather

Patan, located in Gujarat, India, experiences a subtropical steppe climate (BSh), characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and a distinct monsoon season.

• Summer (March to June): Temperatures rise significantly, with May being the hottest month, averaging highs around 42°C.
• Monsoon (July to September): The region receives the majority of its annual rainfall during this period, leading to cooler temperatures but increased humidity.
• Winter (November to February): The coolest month is January, with average lows around 16°C.

Precipitation:

• Patan receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 27.09 mm, with about 20.72 rainy days per year.

Humidity:

• Humidity levels fluctuate throughout the year, peaking during the monsoon months of July and August, where relative humidity can exceed 90%, creating a muggy atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit:

• The optimal time to visit Patan is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Dinosaur Park Patan

The Dinosaur Park and Regional Science Museum in Patan, Gujarat, is a major educational and recreational attraction. It features life-size, animated dinosaur models that recreate the prehistoric era, making it a popular destination for families, students, and science enthusiasts. Located near Samalpati village, approximately 10 km from Rani Ki Vav, the park is part of a larger science museum complex spread over 10 acres.

The museum includes galleries dedicated to topics like biology, zoology, chemistry, and botany, as well as a 5D theater. Other highlights are the Human Science Gallery and exhibits on modern agriculture techniques like hydroponics. The facility is designed to promote science and technology awareness, particularly among younger visitors. Entry fees are nominal, and the site is well-suited for educational trips and casual outings. It is closed on Mondays, and weekends can get crowded.

How to Reach Patan