The Yavateshwar Mahadev Temple, located on the banks of the Vishwamitri River near Kala Ghoda in Vadodara, is a site of deep historical and spiritual significance. The temple’s history traces back to the late 18th century and is closely tied to Raoji Appaji Phanse, the Diwan of Baroda State under Maharaja Govindrao Gaekwad. According to local lore and the temple’s inscriptions, the Diwan had…
Vav
Located near the Shree Navgrah Mandir, this Vav (step-well) and its stone seating area stand as a beautiful tribute to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Built by Shri Govindrao Vishnu Dev Vakil, the structure is a rare piece of history that shows the deep respect people had for the King. The entrance is full of meaning. It features the “SRG” monograms…
Baroda, now Vadodara, is home to an impressive collection of stepwells, known locally as ‘vavs’. Once numbering over 100, these ancient water reservoirs served both practical and cultural purposes. Today, only a few of these vavs are accessible, and even fewer are well-maintained. Here’s a look at some of the notable stepwells still standing in and around the city. Navlakhi…