Hello! My name is Archi Patel, and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Sevasi Vav, also known as Vidhyadhar Vav. This ancient stepwell, located in the Sevasi area on the outskirts of Vadodara, is a fantastic spot for photography. My photoshoot experience here was nothing short of spectacular, and I believe this site is a must-visit for everyone interested in history, architecture, or photography.
A Glimpse into History
Sevasi Vav is believed to be about 500 years old, dating back to the time of Sultan Mehmud Begada. An inscription in Devnagari on one of the beams dates its construction to around 1496 (Vikram Samvat 1549). The stepwell was built in memory of a revered spiritual leader, Vidyadhar, who passed away young. This historical monument is a blend of brick masonry and stone columns and extends seven levels below ground.
Architectural Marvel
The vav is aligned in an east-west direction and is adorned with beautiful carvings of torans, flowers, bells, and animals such as elephants, horses, and birds. The walls also feature false ‘jharokhas’ with intricate floral patterns. The entrance gate, decorated with relief work of elephants and tigers, leads to a dome in the center.
My Visit to Sevasi Vav
I set off to Sevasi Vav on my motorbike with a local friend who knew the location well. It took us less than 10 minutes to reach there on a weekday morning. Initially, the bamboo fence at the entrance made me think it was closed, but a friendly shopkeeper directed us to lift the bamboo and go inside.
To our delight, we were the only visitors at that time, which made the experience even more special. As I walked through the humble entrance, I could see that the stepwell was not in the best condition compared to others I’ve visited. However, the carvings of tigers and elephants at the entrance were impressive.
The two parallel alleyways on both sides of the stepwell served as a bridge, which is usually closed for safety reasons in other stepwells but was open here. The seven-storeyed structure, with its stunning architecture and carvings, was a sight to behold.
Exploring the Stepwell
As we descended a few levels, the darkness and the odor of stagnant water became overwhelming, so we decided to explore the dome visible from the entrance instead. This dome, located at the seventh storey, offers a vivid view of the stepwell and the well on the other side. Despite the odor, the view was worth it. After spending about 90 minutes exploring and taking photos, we called it a day.
Photography at Sevasi Vav
Sevasi Vav is gaining popularity among photography enthusiasts, thanks to its picturesque ruins and exposed brick walls. It’s a popular spot for pre-wedding and fashion photoshoots. As long as you respect the structure, it’s a fantastic place for a photoshoot.
Tips for Visiting Sevasi Vav
- Respect the structure: Do not deface or damage the stepwell in any way.
- Avoid writing or carving: Preserve the ancient beauty of the vav.
- Respect closed areas: Do not enter places that are off-limits for safety reasons.
- Dispose of garbage properly: Keep the premises clean and do not throw trash into the well.
Conclusion
Sevasi Vav is an architectural marvel and a historical treasure that deserves to be on every traveler’s list when visiting Vadodara. Its intricate carvings and beautiful structure make it a perfect spot for photography. If you plan to visit, remember to respect and preserve this age-old monument for future generations to enjoy. Happy exploring!