Kaleshwari Group of Monuments, Hindu temple complex in Lavana, Gujarat, India
The Kaleshwari Group of Monuments is a collection of religious structures, temples, and historical buildings scattered across the landscape near Lavana village. Nine protected sites together include two stepwells and a reservoir, showcasing architectural variety from different periods.
The structures were built between the 10th and 16th centuries through multiple construction phases along a trade route connecting Gujarat with Rajasthan. This extended building period shows how the site developed over time under different influences.
During Mahashivaratri and Janmashtami, the site hosts festivals where regional artists perform traditional music and dance. Visitors can witness how these religious celebrations connect communities to the temples across the landscape.
The site is maintained by the State Archaeology Department and spread across several areas, so allow time for exploration. Good walking shoes are useful since you will move between different temples and water structures.
Two stepwells with an unusual backstory: Sasu ni Vav and Vahu ni Vav were constructed by a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law as separate works after disagreements over water access. These two wells standing nearby reveal how individuals solved the same problem independently.
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