If you are looking for a place to witness the architectural marvel and cultural heritage of Maharashtra, then Baramotachi Vihir in Satara is a perfect destination for you. Baramotachi Vihir, which means “the well of twelve mouths”, is a unique and ancient well that was built by Rani Yesubai, the wife of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, in the 17th century. The well is a masterpiece of engineering and art, and it attracts many visitors from far and wide famous tourist Attraction in Satara, visit one day trip from Pune. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Baramotachi Vihir, including its location, timing/entry fees, how to reach, things to do/must see, significance, FAQs, and conclusion.
Location of Baramotachi Vihir
Baramotachi Vihir is located in Limb village, about 25 km from Satara city and 130 km from Pune. It is situated near the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Venna. The well is surrounded by lush green fields and hills.
Timing/Entry Fees Baramotachi Vihir
The well is open to visitors throughout the year, from 6 am to 6 pm. There is no entry fee for visiting the well. However, you may have to pay a nominal parking fee if you are driving your own vehicle.
How to Reach Baramotachi Vihir
The easiest way to reach Baramotachi Vihir is by road. You can take a bus or a taxi from Satara or Pune to reach Limb village. From there, you can walk or take a rickshaw to reach the well. The distance from the village to the well is about 2 km.
Things to Do/Must See Baramotachi Vihir
There are many things to do and see at Baramotachi Vihir. Some of them are:
- Explore the well’s architecture and history. The well is a circular structure with a diameter of 110 feet and a depth of 50 feet. It has twelve arches or mouths that allow water to flow into the well from different directions. The well also has twelve pillars that support the arches and the dome above them. The dome has a circular opening at the top that allows sunlight to enter the well. The well has a spiral staircase that leads to the bottom of the well where there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The well has intricate carvings and paintings on its walls and pillars that depict various scenes from Hindu mythology and history.
- Enjoy the serene atmosphere and natural beauty of the place. The well is a peaceful and tranquil place where you can relax and meditate. You can also enjoy the scenic view of the rivers, fields, and hills around the well. You can also spot some birds and animals near the well such as peacocks, parrots, monkeys, squirrels, etc.
- Experience the local culture and cuisine. You can interact with the local villagers who live near the well and learn about their lifestyle and traditions. You can also taste some delicious local dishes such as bhakri, pithla bhakri, zunka bhakar, puran poli, etc.
Significance of Baramotachi Vihir
Baramotachi Vihir is not only a tourist attraction but also a symbol of pride and faith for the Marathi people. The well has witnessed many events and stories that shaped the history and culture of Maharashtra and India. Some of them are:
- The well was built by Rani Yesubai in 1695 CE as a tribute to her husband Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj who died in 1700 CE at Sinhagad fort while fighting against Aurangzeb’s army.
- The well was also built as a source of water for the villagers who were facing drought and famine due to Aurangzeb’s invasion.
- The well was also used as a hiding place by some Maratha warriors who escaped from Aurangzeb’s captivity and joined Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s army.
- The well was also visited by some famous personalities such as Lokmanya Tilak (a freedom fighter), Mahatma Gandhi (the father of the nation), Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (the first prime minister of India), etc.
FAQs
Q: How much time does it take to explore the well?
A: It takes about an hour to explore the well thoroughly.
Q: Is there any accommodation facility near the well?
A: No, there is no accommodation facility near the well. You can stay at some hotels or resorts in Satara city or Pune city.
Q: Is there any food or water facility at the well?
A: No, there is no food or water facility at the well. You should carry your own food and water as well.
Q: Is there any medical facility near the well?
A: No, there is no medical facility near the well. You should carry your own first aid kit and medicines in case of any emergency.
Conclusion
Baramotachi Vihir is a must-visit place for anyone who loves architecture, history, culture, and nature. It is a place where you can admire the engineering and artistic skills of our ancestors, enjoy the serene and natural beauty of our land, experience the local culture and cuisine of our people, and learn about the glorious past of our nation. It is a place that will leave you with awe and admiration.
