Kalam Da Safar Vol 1 Issue 3

 

Vol 1 Issue 3

Editor’s Note

The way to get the most out of your work and your life is to go as small as

possible. Most people think just the opposite. They think big success is time

consuming and complicated. As a result, their calendars and to-do lists become

overloaded and overwhelming. Success starts to feel out of reach, so they settle

for less. Unaware that big success comes when we do a few things well, they get

lost trying to do too much and in the end accomplish too little. Over time they

lower their expectations, abandon their dreams, and allow their life to get small.

This is the wrong thing to make small.

 

You have only so much time and energy, so when you spread yourself out,

you end up spread thin. You want your achievements to add up, but that actually

takes subtraction, not addition. You need to be doing fewer things for more

effect instead of doing more things with side effects. The problem with trying to

do too much is that even if it works, adding more to your work and your life

without cutting anything brings a lot of bad with it: missed deadlines,

disappointing results, high stress, long hours, lost sleep, poor diet, no exercise,

and missed moments with family and friends— all in the name of going after

something that is easier to get than you might imagine.

Going small is a simple approach to extraordinary results, and it works. It

works all the time, anywhere and on anything. Why? Because it has only one

purpose—to ultimately get you to the point.

When you go as small as possible, you’ll be staring at one thing. And that’s

the point.

-          The One Thing, The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller with Jay Papasan

Harpreet Kaur Kapoor

 

Degh Tegh Fateh

 

"Degh Tegh Fateh" captures the core essence of Sikhism—a perfect, harmonious balance between dayaa (compassion) and shakti (righteous strength). It serves as a foundational pillar of the Sikh ethos, historically recited in the daily Ardas (supplication) to inspire a dual commitment to serving humanity and defending justice.

The Three Pillars

·         Degh (The Cauldron): Symbolizes charity, selfless service (seva), and universal nourishment. It represents Langar—the free community kitchen where food is served equally to all, obliterating barriers of caste, creed, gender, or social status. Degh stands for unconditional compassion and the pledge that no one under the Guru's watch should go hungry.

·         Tegh (The Sword): Symbolizes courage, justice, and protection. It represents the duty of the Khalsa to stand against tyranny, defend the oppressed, and uphold righteousness (Dharam). The sword is never a tool of aggression, but a sacred instrument used to shield the weak and innocent when all peaceful means have failed.

·         Fateh (Victory): Symbolizes triumph and divine destiny. Together, the phrase proclaims a timeless truth: when unconditional compassion (Degh) and the courageous defense of justice (Tegh) go hand in hand, true and lasting victory is achieved—both in the material world and the spiritual realm.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! The Khalsa belongs to the Almighty, and to the Almighty belongs the Victory!

 

Weapons of the Guru Gobind Singhji

The Sacred Legacy of Anandpur Sahib

Founded in 1664 by Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, Anandpur Sahib is a city of immense spiritual and historical significance. It is nestled at the foot of the scenic Shivalik mountain range, right on the banks of the River Sutlej.

It was here that Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent his formative years. To protect the city from various regional threats, Guru Ji fortified it by constructing a formidable chain of five forts:

·         Anandgarh

·         Kesgarh

·         Lohgarh

·         Holgarh

·         Taragarh

Anandpur Sahib served as the training ground where Guru Ji instructed his Sikhs in the art of warfare and established the Nihangs—a legendary order of Sikh knights. Above all, Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib is forever immortalized in history as the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth on Vaisakhi, 1699.

Sacred Shastras (Weapons) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Inside the inner sanctum of Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the sacred shastras (weapons) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji are reverently preserved. Every evening, these historic relics are brought out and displayed for the sangat (congregation).

Some of the most prominent weapons include:

1. The Historic Khanda

The double-edged sword used by Guru Gobind Singh Ji to prepare the Amrit (holy nectar) during the inaugural Khalsa initiation ceremony on Vaisakhi in 1699.

2. The Karpa Barsha/barcha(Spear)

This spear holds a beautiful history from 1673. When Guru Ji was to marry Mata Jito Ji, his father-in-law requested that the marriage procession travel to Lahore. Instead, Guru Ji chose to establish a new township near Anandpur Sahib, naming it Guru Ka Lahore. When the local residents faced a severe water shortage, Guru Ji struck the ground with this very barsha, causing fresh water to gush forth.

3. The Dhal (Shield)

A protective shield crafted from rhinoceros/hippopotamus skin, used by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in battle.

4. The Bandook (Rifle)

Following the martyrdom of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji issued a hukamnama (edict) requesting that Sikhs visiting Anandpur Sahib bring horses and weapons as offerings. In response, a devotee from Lahore presented this historic rifle to Guru Ji.

 

 

 

 

 

(images courtesy: Sikhiwiki, Facebook, Wikipedia)

 

 

Editor Short Bio

I have worked as a journalist for 16 years and then went on to online content writing for twelve years as a freelancer in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. I moved to Gujarat in 2023 and a year later started working at CHARUSAT University as a content writer. I have written over 18 books although they are eBooks and available online barring a couple of them which are in hard copy. The list is below with the place where you can buy them.

Books Authored by Me

Print Version

·     The Rajput Warrior

·     Monumental Kumbhalgarh

·     The Saint From Ajmer

·     Archaeology: Techniques and Methods

EBooks

-Kalam Da Safar - magazine Series -Rani Ki Vav – A study -The Writer’s Landscape -Badshah Dervesh-Guru Gobind Singhji -Many Mumbai’s -Fort of the Mist, -The Saint from Ajmer: Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, -Song of the Desert
Desert Chronicles Series:-
-Book 5 Mehrangarh Undersiege -Book 4  Rajputs and Rajputana -Book 3 Forts of Rajasthan, -Book 2 Desert Cuisine – From the Soul  -Book 1 Love and Courage   -Adventures of Young Arsalan, -Shakti, The Mother Goddess -Hampi, The Forgotten Empire -Come, walk with me! Book 2 - Come, walk with me! Book 1 -Quotes

 

 

Kalam Da Safar - 2 - a newsletter

Kalam Da Safar Vol 1, Issue 2, May 2026.

Harpreet Kaur Kapoor, Editor   Editor’s Note,

Be like the Sun ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਔਖੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਅਸੀਂ ਇਨਸਾਨ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਹਾਲਾਤਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਲੜ ਕੇ ਜਿਉਂਦੇ ਰਹਿਣ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ ਜੋ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਸਾਡੇ ਵੱਲ ਸੁੱਟਦੀ ਹੈ। ਹਾਂ, ਮੇਰੇ ਲਈ ਵੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਇੰਨੀ ਮੁਸ਼ਕਲ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਮੈਂ ਸਭ ਕੁਝ ਖ਼ਤਮ ਕਰਕੇ ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਰੋਕ ਸਕਦਾ ਸੀ। ਪਰ ਇੱਕ ਪੱਕਾ ਆਸ਼ਾਵਾਦੀ ਹੋਣ ਦੇ ਨਾਤੇ, ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਮੁਸ਼ਕਲ ਸਮੇਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੈਂ ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਸੂਰਜ ਦੇ ਗੁਣਾਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਪੜ੍ਹਿਆ। ਹਰ ਰੋਜ਼ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਨਾਗਾ ਇਹ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ - ਹਰ ਪਾਸੇ ਰੌਸ਼ਨੀ, ਖੁਸ਼ੀ ਅਤੇ ਚਮਕ ਫੈਲਾਉਂਦਾ ਹੈ - ਕੁਦਰਤ, ਜਾਨਵਰਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਇਨਸਾਨਾਂ ਲਈ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਮਿਹਨਤ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਫਿਰ ਵੀ ਕੋਈ ਇਸ ਦੇ ਨੇੜੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਗਿਆ - ਜੇ ਅਸੀਂ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੇ, ਤਾਂ ਅਸੀਂ ਇਸ ਦੀਆਂ ਗਰਮ ਲਹਿਰਾਂ, ਭਿਆਨਕ ਧਮਾਕੇ ਅਤੇ ਹਰ ਦਿਸ਼ਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਫੈਲ ਰਹੀ ਰੇਡੀਏਸ਼ਨ ਨੂੰ ਦੇਖਦੇ। ਸੂਰਜ ਇੰਨਾ ਕੁਝ ਸਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਫਿਰ ਵੀ ਹਰ ਰੋਜ਼ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਫੇਲ ਹੋਏ ਆਪਣੀ ਡਿਊਟੀ ਨਿਭਾਉਂਦਾ ਹੈ - ਇਹ ਇੱਕ ਡੂੰਘਾ ਸਬਕ ਹੈ - ਚਾਹੇ ਕੁਝ ਵੀ ਹੋ ਜਾਵੇ ਬੱਸ ਚੱਲਦੇ ਰਹੋ - ਸਭ ਕੁਝ ਠੀਕ ਹੋ ਜਾਵੇਗਾ!!!" Life is tough and we humans try to survive the situations that life throws at us. Yes for me too, life has been so difficult that I could just have it all stopped by ending it. But being an eternal optimist at the most difficult time I read someone describing the qualities of the Sun. Every day without fail it appears - spreading light, joy and brightness everywhere - working hard for the world - nature, animals and humans. And yet no one has gone close to it - if we could we would see the heat waves, massive explosions, radiation being thrown in every direction. The Sun faces so much and yet everyday it’s out and about doing its duty without fail - a deep lesson - keep going no matter what - everything will work out!!!

sikhwiki Aarti / ਆਰਤੀ The story of Aarti in Sikh religion. Guru Nanak Devji composed the primary Aarti, Gagan mai thaal after observing the ritualistic Aarti at the Jagannath Puri Temple, where priests used platters filled with lamps. Guru Nanak Devji describes the sky as a platter, the sun and moon as lamps, and the stars as beads. It is a celebration of the Creator present in all of nature. The entire Sikh Aarti has compositions by Guru Nanak Devji, Bhagat Ravidas, Bhagat Sain, Bhagat Kabir, and Bhagat Dhanna and includes compositions from the Dasam Granth.Sung in Raga Dhanashri, usually after the evening prayer (Rehras Sahib) in many Gurdwaras. The Aarti Written by Guru Nanak Devji

 ਰਾਗੁ ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ ਗਗਨ ਮੈ ਥਾਲੁ ਰਵਿ ਚੰਦੁ ਦੀਪਕ ਬਨੇ ਤਾਰਿਕਾ ਮੰਡਲ ਜਨਕ ਮੋਤੀ ॥ ਧੂਪੁ ਮਲਆਨਲੋ ਪਵਣੁ ਚਵਰੋ ਕਰੇ ਸਗਲ ਬਨਰਾਇ ਫੂਲੰਤ ਜੋਤੀ ॥੧॥ ਕੈਸੀ ਆਰਤੀ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਭਵ ਖੰਡਨਾ ਤੇਰੀ ਆਰਤੀ ॥ ਅਨਹਤਾ ਸਬਦ ਵਾਜੰਤ ਭੇਰੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਸਹਸ ਤਵ ਨੈਨ ਨਨ ਨੈਨ ਹਹਿ ਤੋਹਿ ਕਉ ਸਹਸ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਨਨਾ ਏਕ ਤਦ਼ਹੀ ॥ ਸਹਸ ਪਦ ਬਿਮਲ ਨਨ ਏਕ ਪਦ ਗੰਧ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਹਸ ਤਵ ਗੰਧ ਇਵ ਚਲਤ ਮੋਹੀ ॥੨॥ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਦੈ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਸਾਖੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੁ ਆਰਤੀ ਹੋਇ ॥੩॥ ਹਰਿ ਚਰਣ ਕਵਲ ਮਕਰੰਦ ਲੋਭਿਤ ਮਨੋ ਅਨਦਿਨਦ਼ ਮੋਹਿ ਆਹੀ ਪਿਆਸਾ ॥ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਜਲੁ ਦੇਹਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਰਿੰਗ ਕਉ ਹੋਇ ਜਾ ਤੇ ਤੇਰੈ ਨਾਇ ਵਾਸਾ ॥੪॥੩॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਆਰਤੀ ਮਜਨੁ ਮੁਰਾਰੇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਝੂਠੇ ਸਗਲ ਪਾਸਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਆਸਨੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਉਰਸਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਕੇਸਰੋ ਲੇ ਛਿਟਕਾਰੇ ॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਅੰਭੁਲਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਚੰਦਨੋ ਘਸਿ ਜਪੇ ਨਾਮੁ ਲੇ ਤੁਝਹਿ ਕਉ ਚਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਦੀਵਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਬਾਤੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਤੇਲੁ ਲੇ ਮਾਹਿ ਪਸਾਰੇ ॥ ਨਾਮ ਤੇਰੇ ਕੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਲਗਾਈ ਭਇਓ ਉਜਿਆਰੋ ਭਵਨ ਸਗਲਾਰੇ ॥੨॥ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਤਾਗਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਫੂਲ ਮਾਲਾ ਭਾਰ ਅਠਾਰਹ ਸਗਲ ਜੂਠਾਰੇ ॥ ਤੇਰੋ ਕੀਆ ਤੁਝਹਿ ਕਿਆ ਅਰਪਉ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਤੁਹੀ ਚਵਰ ਢੋਲਾਰੇ ॥੩॥ ਦਸ ਅਠਾ ਅਠਸਠੇ ਚਾਰੇ ਖਾਣੀ ਇਹੈ ਵਰਤਣਿ ਹੈ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਸਾਰੇ ॥ ਕਹੈ ਰਵਿਦਾਸੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰੋ ਆਰਤੀ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ਹਰਿ ਭੋਗ ਤੁਹਾਰੇ ॥੪॥੩॥ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਸੈਣੁ ॥ ਧੂਪ ਦੀਪ ਘ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਾਜਿ ਆਰਤੀ ॥ ਵਾਰਨੇ ਜਾਉ ਕਮਲਾ ਪਤੀ ॥੧॥ ਮੰਗਲਾ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਗਲਾ ॥ ਨਿਤ ਮੰਗਲੁ ਰਾਜਾ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਇ ਕੋ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਊਤਮੁ ਦੀਅਰਾ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਬਾਤੀ ॥ ਤੁਹੀ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਕਮਲਾ ਪਾਤੀ ॥੨॥ ਰਾਮਾ ਭਗਤਿ ਰਾਮਾਨੰਦੁ ਜਾਨੈ ॥ ਪੂਰਨ ਪਰਮਾਨੰਦੁ ਬਖਾਨੈ ॥੩॥ ਮਦਨ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਭੈ ਤਾਰਿ ਗੋਬਿੰਦੇ ॥ ਸੈਨੁ ਭਣੈ ਭਜੁ ਪਰਮਾਨੰਦੇ ॥੪॥੨॥ ਸੁੰਨ ਸੰਧਿਆ ਤੇਰੀ ਦੇਵ ਦੇਵਾਕਰ ਅਧਪਤਿ ਆਦਿ ਸਮਾਈ ॥ ਸਿਧ ਸਮਾਧਿ ਅੰਤੁ ਨਹੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਲਾਗਿ ਰਹੇ ਸਰਨਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਲੇਹੁ ਆਰਤੀ ਹੋ ਪੁਰਖ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪੂਜਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥ ਠਾਢਾ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾ ਨਿਗਮ ਬੀਚਾਰੈ ਅਲਖੁ ਨ ਲਖਿਆ ਜਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਤਤੁ ਤੇਲੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਕੀਆ ਬਾਤੀ ਦੀਪਕੁ ਦੇਹ ਉਜ੍ਯ੍ਯਾਰਾ ॥ ਜੋਤਿ ਲਾਇ ਜਗਦੀਸ ਜਗਾਇਆ ਬੂਝੈ ਬੂਝਨਹਾਰਾ ॥੨॥ ਪੰਚੇ ਸਬਦ ਅਨਾਹਦ ਬਾਜੇ ਸੰਗੇ ਸਾਰਿੰਗਪਾਨੀ ॥ ਕਬੀਰ ਦਾਸ ਤੇਰੀ ਆਰਤੀ ਕੀਨੀ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਨਿਰਬਾਨੀ ॥੩॥੫॥ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਤੇਰਾ ਆਰਤਾ ॥ ਜੋ ਜਨ ਤੁਮਰੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰੰਤੇ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਕਾਜ ਸਵਾਰਤਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਦਾਲਿ ਸੀਧਾ ਮਾਗਉ ਘੀਉ ॥ ਹਮਰਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਕਰੈ ਨਿਤ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਪਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀਆ ਛਾਦਨੁ ਨੀਕਾ ॥ ਅਨਾਜੁ ਮਗਉ ਸਤ ਸੀ ਕਾ ॥੧॥ ਗਊ ਭੈਸ ਮਗਉ ਲਾਵੇਰੀ ॥ ਇਕ ਤਾਜਨਿ ਤੁਰੀ ਚੰਗੇਰੀ ॥ ਘਰ ਕੀ ਗੀਹਨਿ ਚੰਗੀ ॥ ਜਨੁ ਧੰਨਾ ਲੇਵੈ ਮੰਗੀ ॥੨॥੪॥ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਤੇਰਾ ਆਰਤਾ ॥ ਜੋ ਜਨ ਤੁਮਰੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰੰਤੇ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਕਾਜ ਸਵਾਰਤਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਦਾਲਿ ਸੀਧਾ ਮਾਗਉ ਘੀਉ ॥ ਹਮਰਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਕਰੈ ਨਿਤ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਪਨ੍ਹ੍ਹੀਆ ਛਾਦਨੁ ਨੀਕਾ ॥ ਅਨਾਜੁ ਮਗਉ ਸਤ ਸੀ ਕਾ ॥੧॥ ਗਊ ਭੈਸ ਮਗਉ ਲਾਵੇਰੀ ॥ ਇਕ ਤਾਜਨਿ ਤੁਰੀ ਚੰਗੇਰੀ ॥ ਘਰ ਕੀ ਗੀਹਨਿ ਚੰਗੀ ॥ ਜਨੁ ਧੰਨਾ ਲੇਵੈ ਮੰਗੀ ॥੨॥੪॥ ਸਵੈਯਾ ॥ ਯਾਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਨਿ ਭਏ ਹੈ ਮਹਾਂ ਮੁਨਿ ਦੇਵਨ ਕੇ ਤਪ ਮੈ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਵੈਂ ॥ ਜਗ ਕਰੈ ਇਕ ਬੇਦ ਰਰੈ ਭਵਤਾਪ ਹਰੈ ਮਿਲਿ ਧਿਆਨਹਿ ਲਾਵੈਂ ॥ ਝਾਲਰ ਤਾਲ ਮ੍ਰਿਦੰਗ ਉਪੰਗ ਰਬਾਬ ਲੀਏ ਸੁਰ ਸਾਜ ਮਿਲਾਵੈਂ ॥ ਕਿੰਨਰ ਗੰਧ੍ਰਬ ਗਾਨ ਕਰੈ ਗਨਿ ਜੱਛ ਅਪੱਛਰ ਨਿਰਤ ਦਿਖਾਵੈਂ ॥੫੪॥ ਸੰਖਨ ਕੀ ਧੁਨ ਘੰਟਨਿ ਕੀ ਕਰਿ ਫੂਲਨ ਕੀ ਬਰਖਾ ਬਰਖਾਵੈਂ ॥ ਆਰਤੀ ਕੋਟ ਕਰੈ ਸੁਰ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਪੇਖ ਪੁਰੰਦਰ ਕੇ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਵੈਂ ॥ ਦਾਨਵ ਦੱਛਨ ਦੈ ਕੈ ਪ੍ਰਦੱਛਨ ਭਾਲ ਮੈ ਕੁੰਕਮ ਅੱਛਤ ਲਾਵੈਂ ॥ ਹੋਤ ਕੁਲਾਹਲ ਦੇਵਪੁਰੀ ਮਿਲਿ ਦੇਵਨ ਕੇ ਕੁਲਿ ਮੰਗਲਿ ਗਾਵੈ ॥੫੫॥ ਲੈ ਬਰਦਾਨ ਸਭੈ ਗੁਪੀਆ ਅਤਿ ਆਨੰਦ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਡੇਰਨ ਆਈ ॥ ਗਾਵਤ ਗੀਤ ਸਭੈ ਮਿਲ ਕੈ ਇਕ ਹ੍ਵੈ ਕੈ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ੍ਯ ਸੁ ਦੇਤ ਬਧਾਈ ॥ ਸਵੈਯਾ ਪਾਇ ਗਹੇ ਜਬ ਤੇ ਤੁਮਰੇ ਤਬ ਤੇ ਕੋਊ ਆਂਖ ਤਰੇ ਨਹੀ ਆਨਯੋ ॥ ਰਾਮ ਰਹੀਮ ਪੁਰਾਨ ਕੁਰਾਨ ਅਨੇਕ ਕਹੈਂ ਮਤ ਏਕ ਨ ਮਾਨਯੋ ॥ ਸਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬੇਸ ਸਬੈ ਬਹੁ ਭੇਦ ਕਹੈ ਹਮ ਏਕ ਨ ਜਾਨਯੋ ॥ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਸਪਾਨ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਤੁਮਰੀ ਕਰਿ ਮੈ ਨ ਕਹਯੋ ਸਭ ਤੋਹਿ ਬਖਾਨਯੋ ॥ ਦੋਹਿਰਾ ॥ ਸਗਲ ਦੁਆਰ ਕੋ ਛਾਡਿ ਕੈ ਗਹਿਓ ਤੁਹਾਰੋ ਦੁਆਰ ॥ ਬਾਂਹਿ ਗਹੈ ਕੀ ਲਾਜ ਅਸ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਦਾਸ ਤੁਹਾਰ ॥ 

 The Sky is your platter, the sun and moon are the 'Deepaks' the lamps (lights), The Stars in the sky are the pearls, The 'Dhoop' (Incense) is the fragrance that the wind propels, the whole forest is Your flowers. O! What a wonderful Aarti, this is! You, are a destroyer of Fear, The sound of Your Name, which is so subtle, that It goes unheard, Resounds endlessly. You have a thousand eyes, forms, feet, noses…And you have none… I am charmed! Your Light enlightens all! It is by the Grace of the Guru that the real Light (Knowledge) Manifests. What pleases the Almighty is this Aarti (Creation) For Your Lotus feet, Night and day, Nanak is like the thirsty bird that asks, For a drop of water, From You O Lord! That drop (Grace) will make Nanak find comfort, In the uttering of Your Name. 

 (The next part of the Aarti is a composition by Sri Ravidasji) Naam Tero Aarti Majan Muraarey… Sat Naam Har Bhog Tuhaarey Sant Ravidasji says that: O Lord, Your name is the Aarti, Your name is the Flower, the saffron, and the sandalwood that is offered to you. Your Name is the (Deeya) The Lamp, the oil and the cotton that is lighted in it. With the Light that Your Name gives out, the whole world is brightened. Your Name is the Thread and Your Name is also The Flowers that are strung into that thread. All that I offer to you is Yours. Your Name is the flywhisk, that you use, The (Chant of Your) True Name, We offer to You, All is false except Your Name! 

  (The following part of the aarti is composed by Bhagat Sain ji) Dhoop Deep Dhrit Saaj Aartee Vaarney Jaau Kamlapati… Madana Moorata Bhay Taarey Govindey Sain Bhanay Bhaj Paramaananda The Aarti is adorned by the lighted lamp and the fragrance of the incense. All is Auspicious. Thou art the Supreme and Pure Light. Thou art the Lord of the Goddess of Wealth. My obeisance to Thee. And to the Lord Rama, Beautiful Govinda, Who is described as Replete Pure Bliss! Sain prays to Thee, Who obliterates all Fear. 

(The following part is composed by Sant Kabeer) Sun Sandhyaa Teree Dev Devaakar AdhPati Aadee Samaayee Sidh Samaadhee Anta Naheen … Kabeer Daas Teree Aartee Keenee Nirankaar Nirbaanee Which means: Dear Lord! The Greatest of Yogis have not been able to comprehend You, Those who worship the Unmanifest, Fail to realize You. Even though they have persevered in their quest. Your Name resounds unheard (By the worldly) And only He can hear (On who Your Grace descends) Pray to Your satguru! Almighty Lord! Accept the Aarti, with the oil, Lit with the Chant of Your Name, By You, the Lord of the Universe! Kabirdas performs the Aarti of the 'Beyond Description' and the 'Without Form'. 

 (The following part is composed by Sri Dhana ji) Gopaal Teraa Aartaa Jo Jan Teree Bhagat Karantey Tin Key Kaaj Sanvaartaa… Gopaal Tera Aartaa Hey Dayaal Teraa Aartaa Which means: O Gopaala, (Accept) your Aarti! You grant the wishes of those who worship you! I ask for my basic sustenance (food, oil, lentils, and good quality grains) Which makes me feel fulfilled. I also pray for a good wife, good clothes, good grain, a horse, a cow…

The following has been composed by 'Daswin Patshaahi, Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj. I believe that in the following words, the same feeling is conveyed as Guru Nanak's: That the Cosmos is an Aarti, constantly in motion, paying obeisance to the Almighty. Yaa Tey Prasann Bhayey Hain Mahaa Muni … Aisey Chand Partaap Tey Devan Badhyo Prataap Teen Lok Jai Jai Karey Rarei Naam Sat Jaap It means: The Lord is pleased by the penance, prayers, rituals recitation of the Scriptures, Meditation, music, dance of the Celestial Beings, adorned with vermilion, various musical instruments, Ringing of bells and the showering of flowers, and the tune of the Aarti . The cosmic worlds rejoice and chant the Divine Name. Sagal Dwaar Ko Chaad Key Gahyo Tumhaaro Dwaar Baanh Gahey Kee Laaj Rakh Govind Daas Tuhaar… Gurbaanee Kahey Sevak Jan Maaney Partakh Guru Nistaarey It means: I have come to your door-step O Lord, having left the world behind, Protect me, I am in Your service. Because of the Lord's command, this order (Sikhism) Came into being. The Sikhs are urged to believe that the Granth is the Guru manifest, whoever is pure in heart, will find the answers within the words of the Guru Granth Sahib. Its words are the Guru, and the Guru is in the Guru Granth's Utterings, and within the words is the nectar (Of knowledge) And the words urge disciples to believe in the Guru!   

  When passion becomes a career 

 When passion becomes a career, you don't just excel, you become unstoppable. These words from a TED Talk capture my belief: passion drives unstoppable excellence. Writing is my passion, and as always, I am able to express myself better when I write. I do speak, and when it gets beyond a point, I can destroy someone with my speech. So I choose to be quiet and patient, reflective and articulate with my words in my writing. I am able to pursue my passion with interest, and it is also my love and my full-time job. It gives me fulfilment and motivation. So here are a few points where you can turn your passion into a career:- • Intrinsic motivation: You are driven by an internal desire to do the work, not just for rewards like salary. • Increased engagement: You are actively involved and invested in your work, leading to better performance. • Sense of purpose: It contributes by giving you a meaning and purpose in your life. Consider: • Skill development: Passion alone is not enough; you need the necessary skills and knowledge to turn it into a viable career. • Market viability: Research well and make sure that your passion and skill set have a demand as a career. . Potential challenge: It may lead to burnout, but not if you manage it well and never cross the line between work and leisure. To succeed, consider these tips for pursuing your passion as a career. Passions Can Change That different ages you may have different passions, and as they say, never put all your eggs in one basket. Never stop exploring other fields and opening new doors, even if you're passionate about something. A successful career will give you stability and financial security. Check which type of jobs are available, and what lifestyle you wish to follow. If your job leaves you overworked and paid less, you will not enjoy it anymore. You have to align your passion with your strength – you love to speak, but teaching is your strength – can you become a teacher and stand in front of 6o to 100 pupils and talk? You cannot have blinkers on – you have to evaluate every angle before you pursue a career based on passion. Building a career along the lines of your passion is great, but it can just as easily become a daily grind. As you debate your career path, remember that a career encompasses more than passion. A fruitful career requires commitment, responsibility, and a willingness to adapt and learn. If you’re trying to figure out what your career path should look like, a professional mentor can help. Whether you’re pursuing your passion or building the skills — or both! — Find a mentor who’s travelled a similar road who can help you figure out where to go. 

  Editor Bio I have worked as a journalist for 16 years and then went on to online content writing for twelve years as a freelancer in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. I moved to Gujarat in 2023 and a year later started working at CHARUSAT University as a content writer. I have written over 18 books although they are eBooks and available online barring a couple of them which are in hard copy. 

The list is below with the place where you can buy them.

 Books Authored by me Print Version - 

The Rajput Warrior Published by Lifi Publication, April, 2015. .

 - Monumental Kumbhalgarh, Shubhi Publishers, printed in March 2013 - 

The Saint From Ajmer, PublishAmerica in December 2009. (out of publication) 

Archaeology: Techniques and Methods, through Rupa publications in June 2006. 

 Rani Ki Vav – A study As ebook on Draft2Digital in 2026 

The Writer’s Landscape As ebook on Draft2igital in 2025 

Badshah Dervesh-Guru Gobind Singhji As ebook on Draft2Digital.com 2024 

Many Mumbai’s, on smashwords.com, 2023 

Fort of the Mist, on smashwords.com, 2022 -

The Saint from Ajmer: Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, on smashwords.com as ebook, May 2017 

-Song of the Desert, through Smashword.com as an ebook, April, 2017 

 Desert Chronicles Series Book 5 

Mehrangarh Undersiege On smashwords.com in 2012 Book 4 

 Rajputs and Rajputana on Smashwords.com as ebook, July 2012. 

Book 3 Forts of Rajasthan, on Smashwords.com as ebook, Nov 2011. 

Book 2 Desert Cuisine – From the Soul, on smashwords.com as ebook, May 2011 

 Book 1 Love and Courage, on smashwords.com as an ebook Dec 2010. 

-Adventures of Young Arsalan, On smashwords.com as an ebook November 2010. 

-Shakti, The Mother Goddess On smashwords.com as an ebook July 2010. 

Hampi, The Forgotten Empire on smashwords.com as an ebook June 2010 

Come, walk with me! Book 2 On Draft2Digital as an ebook in June 2013 

- Come, walk with me! Book 1 On smashwords.com as an ebook March 2010. 

Quotes On www.smashwords.com as an ebook February 2010  

Kalam Da Safar - a short newsletter

Kalam da Safar! VOl 1, Issue 1, April 2026. Editor’s Note, As a writer I have been writing for the last 27 years and for the first time I am working on this magazine. I have called it Kalam da Safar, as my pen has traveled far and wide, and across many years. The knowledge, wisdom, ideas I have picked up are far too many. This magazine is a tribute to my father, Randhir Singh Kapoor and my mom Jagjeet Kaur who both loved to read and write. In this magazine I will share lots of things and if you would like to write and contribute towards it, you are welcome to do so by emailing it at ………. Harpreet Kaur Kapoor, Editor

Baisakhi 2026 – Khalsa Sajna Diwas April is the month when we celebrate Vaisakhi (festival of Harvest) – mostly celebrated on 13 or 14 April. It marks the day – the Birth of the Khalsa in the year 1699. Guru Gobind Singhji initiated the Panj Pyare – the five who began the Khalsa Panth – the army of saint soldiers. It is also the day when the Jalianwala Bagh Massacre took place. This day marks a big celebration for the Sikh Community across the world. It is earmarked with Nagar Kirtan, Langars, bhangra, kirtan samagams, hoisting of the new yellow coloured Flag with the Khanda displayed prominently on it.

During the 17th century the Sikh community was facing a lot of turmoil after the martyrdom of Guru Tegh BahadurJi, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, at the hands of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1675. The Sikhs were facing increasing persecution. Guru Gobind Singhji recognized the need to instil courage among his followers. On March 30, 1699, Guru Gobind Singhji summoned his followers to Anandpur Sahib for a special Vaisakhi gathering. Thousands of Sikhs responded and there the atmosphere was charged waiting to hear their Guru's message. For the first time Guruu Gobind Singhji appeared before the congregation with a drawn sword and commanded attention, he asked for a volunteer willing to sacrifice their head for their faith. The request shocked the assembly, and silence fell over the crowd. After some hesitation, Bhai Daya Singhji, a Khatri from Lahore, stepped out Guru Gobind Singhji took him into the erected tent nearby. Shortly after, he emerged his sword dripping with blood, and asked for another volunteer. This sequence was repeated four more times, with Bhai Dharam Singhji (a Jat from Hastinapur), Bhai Himmat Singhji (a water-carrier from Jagannath), Bhai Mukham Singhji (a tailor from Dwarka), and Bhai Sahib Singhji (a barber from Bidar).

The congregation was stunned and fearful. After the fifth man had disappeared inside the tent Guru Gobind Singhji emerged with all five volunteers, alive and dressed identically. These five brave men came to be known as the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), who had passed the Guru's test of faith and courage. The significance of the men - they came from different castes and regions of India and the Guru had given the Sikhs/Khalsa Panth - equality and brotherhood. He on that day also granted the Sikhs five important things which are now a part of their daily lives – Daya (Kindness), Dharam (religious), Himmat (courage), Mukham (steadiness) and Sahib (status). The Panj Pyare were initiated into the Khalsa with amrit stirred in an iron bowl by Guru Gobind Singhji with the Khanda with a few sugar crystals added to it by his wife Sahib Kaurji symbolizing the importance of sweetness and humility in a Khalsa's life. Guru Gobind Singhji is regarded as the father and Mata Sahib Kaurji is the mother of the Khalsa Panth. After giving Amrit to the Panj Pyare, Guru Gobind Singhji requested the Khalsa to baptize him to in the same manner. And thus this revolutionary act established that the Guru and his disciples were one. When the Khalsa was created, the first to step forward was Bhai Daya Singh Ji. This moment carries a quiet but powerful message. Daya teaches us to look beyond ourselves and recognize the same light in everyone. Not just in those we love, but in strangers, in animals, in nature, and in all of creation. Before strength, before sacrifice, comes compassion, this is the very foundation of Sikhi. Waheguruji Ka Khalsa! Waheguruji Ki Fateh! Japji Sahib - The mul mantar

For Sikhs the mul mantar is the complete embodiment of Guru Nanak's teachings, which flow in the Sikh creed and the Sikh way of life. Guru In Sikhi there is immense importance given to the Guru. The Guru has been sent by Akal Purakh. He is a guide and not an incarnation. The Guru is the voice of Akal Purakh and spreads the Divine word, the shabad. Guru Angad emphasises the importance of the idea of Guru in this stanza:- mahalaa doojaa || je sau cha(n)dhaa ugaveh sooraj chaReh hajaar || If a hundred moons were to rise, and a thousand suns appeared, ete chaanan hodhiaa(n) gur bin ghor a(n)dhaar ||2|| even with such light, there would still be pitch darkness without the Guru. ||2|| (GGS: 463) The Sikh seeks to dissipate the darkness of spiritual ignorance with the enlightenment of the Guru. Sikh Gurus insist that there is no heaven or hell and human beings must awaken to the full realization of Akal Purakh during their life on this earth. Akal Purakh is not an external entity but exists within every heart and within all of creation. So everyone should be treated with dignity, serving Akal Purakh's creation and social justice to create a better world for others - sarbatt da bhalla. Short Bio I have worked as a journalist for 16 years and then went on to online content writing for twelve years as a freelancer in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. I moved to Gujarat in 2023 and a year later started working at CHARUSAT University as a content writer. I have written over 18 books although they are eBooks and available online barring a couple of them which are in hard copy. The list is below with the place where you can buy them. Books Authored by me Print Version - The Rajput Warrior published by Lifi Publication, April, 2015. . - Monumental Kumbhalgarh, Shubhi Publishers, printed in March 2013 - The Saint From Ajmer, PublishAmerica in December 2009. (out of publication) Archaeology: Techniques and Methods, through Rupa publications in June 2006. EBooks Kalam Da Safar – Series As ebook/magazine in 2026. Rani Ki Vav – A study As ebook on Draft2Digital in 2026 The Writer’s Landscape As ebook on Draft2igital in 2025 Badshah Dervesh-Guru Gobind Singhji As ebook on Draft2Digital.com 2024 Many Mumbai’s, on smashwords.com, 2023 Fort of the Mist, on smashwords.com, 2022 -The Saint from Ajmer: Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, on smashwords.com as ebook, May 2017 -Song of the Desert, through Smashword.com as an ebook, April, 2017 Desert Chronicles Series Book 5 Mehrangarh Undersiege On smashwords.com in 2012 Book 4 Rajputs and Rajputana on Smashwords.com as ebook, July 2012. Book 3 Forts of Rajasthan, on Smashwords.com as ebook, Nov 2011. Book 2 Desert Cuisine – From the Soul, on smashwords.com as ebook, May 2011 Book 1 Love and Courage, on smashwords.com as an ebook Dec 2010. -Adventures of Young Arsalan, On smashwords.com as an ebook November 2010. -Shakti, The Mother Goddess On smashwords.com as an ebook July 2010. Hampi, The Forgotten Empire on smashwords.com as an ebook June 2010 Come, walk with me! Book 2 On Draft2Digital as an ebook in June 2013 - Come, walk with me! Book 1 On smashwords.com as an ebook March 2010. Quotes On www.smashwords.com as an ebook February 2010

Rani ki vav - a study

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7438660271096860672/ a new article on linkedin

Roopkund, a mystery lake in the Himalayas By Harpreet Kaur

A beautiful ice covered lake hides a horror story. It hides over a 1000 skeletons when covered in ice and when it melts, they are uncovered and can be seen openly. A mystery remains unsolved. Many theories have been put forth but what really took place a thousand years back is unknown. Roopkund is located 16,500 feet up in Village Wan, Debal, Chamoli, Uttarakhand state in the Himalayas. This lake is also known as Skeleton Lake as the lake was full of frozen bodies and skeletons. The lake hides the skeletons when covered in snow, which are exposed once the ice melts and water evaporates. The entire lake rim is surrounded by skeletons. It was a shocking discovery by the British during World War II in 1942 where they thought the dead skeletons could be Japanese soldiers trying to find an entry into India and died due to exposure to cold. The melting ice had revealed the skeletons. The skeletons were not Japanese and they were very old. However, the hair, skin and bones were in a well-preserved state due to dry cold air. However, where they came from was still a mystery. Why the 200 were killed or died in the valley is still a mystery. Theories include landslide, epidemic, suicide, battle, or killing. Tests of the bodies done date them back to 850 AD. The DNA test reveals there were two groups of people one group contained people from a single tribe or family with closely related individuals. The second group is a smaller one with probably locals maybe containing guides or porters However, a 2004 expedition to the site seems to have finally revealed the mystery of what caused those people’s deaths. The answer was stranger than anyone had guessed. Experts have also found leather shoes; bamboo staves and rings making them believe that these were pilgrims passing through with local guides and porters. All have died in the same way from blows directly to the head. Short cracks that are deep and have not been made by weapons but something round. The blows are to the head and shoulder and have been made from above. Even the bodies of women show the same signs. There is a legend here that the goddess was displeased with intruders in her abode and rained down hailstones as hard as iron. The conclusion made is that all died in a hailstorm. Trapped in the valley they could not find a way out. The hailstones were the size of cricket balls 9 inches in circumference that resulted in these visitors death. The bodies have remained there for 1200 years until they were discovered. The trek to Roopkund starts from Gwaldum in Chamoli. It is a three to four day trek. It is an enclosed space and there are bodies everywhere and float. It is a scary place. A forest ranger Hari Kishan Madhwal discovered the bodies in 1942. They tried to establish the ancestry of the skeletons and were successful to a certain extent. This lake is located at a high altitude in Uttarakhund and is located in Trishul massif in the Himalayas. It is uninhabited. The altitude is 16,470 feet and is surrounded by other glaciers. It is a popular trek area. The size of the lake varies in summer and winter and is never more than 40 meters in diameter and three meters in depth. National Geographic recovered over 30 skeletons. Legend refers the party belonging to Raja of Kannauj Raja Jasdhaval. There is flesh attached to many skeletons. Legend says that Raja Jasdhaval along with his wife Rani Balampa who was pregnant along with a dance troupe was on a pilgrim tour to Nanda Devi and was suddenly struck with hailstorm. The entire party vanished close to Roopkund. Scientific research Samples are on display at the Anthropological Survey of India Museum, Dehradun. Three hundred skeletons show injuries made with round objects on the head and shoulders. All have died due to the same cause. Songs and legends talk about hailstorm killing the party. Radiocarbon dating at the Oxford University dates the bones back to 850 CE plus or minus 30 years. Along with the genome, wide analysis of 38 skeletons found at Roopkund concluded that there were three groups of people. - 23 individuals (dated ~800 CE) had typical South Asian ancestry, - One individual (dated ~1800 CE) had Southeast Asian ancestry, - 14 individuals (dated ~1800 CE) had ancestry typical of the eastern Mediterranean, and specifically mainland Greece and Crete. They all died due to same catastrophic event. South Asian remains are older and were deposited over a period, while the eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asian remains were deposited in a single event. Conservations Every day there is a loss of skeletons due to tourists and trekkers transporting them away from the lake site. Earlier they were strewn across the valley floor but today many are stacked or have disappeared. Government agency is making an effort to protect the site as an important archaeological and anthropological site. Trek Best time to trek is mid-September to October. The trekking path passes through Bedni Bugyal to reach Roopkund in Chamoli District. It is close to Trisul (7120m) and Nanda Ghunti (6310m) Himalayan peaks. To the lakes north is a rock face called Junargali and to the eats is another peak Chandania Kot. Villagers hold a festival every year at Bedni Bugyal in autumn and another is held at Roopkund every 12 years which is called Nanda Devi Raj Jat and Nanda Devi is worshipped here. It is a popular trek and many tour operators offer trek details and help you plan and reach there.

Stepwells of Gujarat

Stepwells of Gujarat By Harpreet Kaur Kapoor In the unforgiving grip of arid lands, ancient civilizations thrived, their very existence intertwined with brilliant architectural innovations and deep ecological wisdom. Their interaction with water went beyond mere retrieval; they were builders of community, shaping spaces like stepwells that resonated with social, religious, and cultural significance. These subterranean wonders, embellished with sculptures depicting mythology and daily life, endure as powerful testaments to sustainable living and the strength of communal effort, illustrating how humanity once flourished in balance with the earth. The earliest whispers of these water sanctuaries date back to the 4th century AD. The unpredictable rhythm of monsoons, the Indian subcontinent prioritized water. Stepwells emerged not just as utilitarian structures to conserve and harvest water, but also as ingenious solution to a fundamental need.

Rani ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat Water, the very essence of life since its emergence on Earth, has been managed and stored in diverse ways across cultures, each adapting to their unique terrains. Beyond the simple well, Persia engineered the ingenious qanats around 800 BCE – subterranean tunnels that channeled water. Egypt employed shafts sunk into underground catchment areas. In the Indian subcontinent, the stepwell, known by various names like vavs or baoris, emerged as a sophisticated method of containing and storing water. The subterranean architecture of western India flourished from the 7th to the 19th centuries, with the earliest stepwells dating back to the 3rd century CE, born from the region's characteristic long dry spells punctuated by intense rainfall. Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat Stepwells have roots in the Indus Valley civilization. They have evolved from simple trenches into architectural marvels by the 11th century. The Stepwell Atlas documents over 3000 such structures in India. The advent of British rule and their emphasis on modern notions of "clean water" ushered in an era of piped water systems leading to a decline of these ancient structures. There are over 100 stepwells in Gujarat each an architectural marvel, unique, preventing direct sunlight from penetrating the walls thus reducing evaporation. Made in stone, brick, and limestone the water usually came from deep within the earth or from rain fall or from a runoff into the depth of the well. Adalaj Ni Vav, Gandhinagar Adalaj ni Vav Stepwell Design The stepwell is divided into four sections (it does not matter when they were constructed). They have been found in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and the south:- • Nanda: The simplest and most common type, featuring a single flight of steps leading to the well. • Bhadra: Characterized by two flights of steps with the well situated in the center. • Jaya: Incorporating three flights of steps arranged in three different directions around the central well shaft. • Vijaya: Similar to the Jaya type but featuring staircases extending in four directions. Todas – are a pair of ornate pillars at the entrance to mark the location of the stepwell. Kutas – the landings between sets of steps for the purpose of providing a resting area. An ardhakuta – a supporting arch, without landing or pavilion. Well shaft – structure for storing water. Beyond these classifications, stepwells can also be categorized based on their size, plan (rectangular, circular, or L-shaped), building materials (ranging from masonry and rubble to brick), and the number of entries they possess (from one to four). Each stepwell stands as a unique architectural creation, reflecting the diverse design approaches of its architects. All are richly decorated with relief work, sculptures, and ornaments. The construction during Muslim rule was markedly different:- - They had true dome. - devoid of human figures (Dadi Harir ni vav) Dada Harir ni Vav Both the above-mentioned vavs were constructed in 1500 CE, patrons were females one was built by Hindu artists in the Islamic reign and is devoid of human figures. Dada Harir ni Vav Navghan Kuvo, Uperkot Fort, Junagadh (Gujarat): Carved directly out of soft rock, this well within the Uperkot Fort is named after Ra Navghan and stands as the earliest known example of a rock-cut stepwell. A spiral staircase descends 52 meters to the water level. The well itself is square in shape, with light filtering in through small openings in its sides. It is enclosed within a large courtyard, though the well predates the courtyard's construction. Navghan Kuvo Rani Ki Vav, Patan, North Gujarat: A breathtaking marvel of Solanki architecture, Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Stepwell) was commissioned in 1063 CE by Udaymati, the queen of Patan and wife of Bhimdev. Extending 64 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and 27 meters in depth, this multi-storied vav features interconnected walkways, walls, columns, pilasters, cornices, and beams, all leading down to the well. Every surface is adorned with intricate scrollwork, images, and depictions of the ten avatars of Vishnu alternating with graceful female figures along the staircase walls. This multi-storied well with colonnades and retaining walls that link the stepped tank to a circular well. Columns, brackets, and beams are encrusted with scrollwork and wall niches have carved figures. Its exceptional artistry and historical significance have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Adalaj Vav, Ahmedabad (Gujarat): A captivating blend of artistry and geometric precision, Adalaj Vav is strategically located along the ancient caravan route connecting Ahmedabad and Patan. Commissioned in 1499 CE by Rudabai, the widow of the Rajput noble Veer Sinh Vaghela, it is classified as a 'Jaya' type vav. Its five stories are replete with exquisite carvings, decorated walls, ornamented pillars, verandas, and images of Hindu gods and goddesses, interspersed with depictions of flowers, birds, trees, vines, and chhatris (domed pavilions). The well's interior space is octagonal, and transverse stone floor slabs with a three-dimensional trellis create a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. The temperature within the well remains noticeably cooler than the surface. The Dada Harir's vav at Ahmedabad, was modeled on the Mata Bhavani's Vav; it has an additional domed pavilion at the entrance. Figures are absent, but motifs and stylized scrollwork adorn the wall niches and can be compared to those that often appear in Islamic architecture. These are just a couple of Vavs mentioned here, there are many more hidden under. Indeed, the grandeur of these ancient stepwells has been dimmed by the passage of time and lack of upkeep. Yet, recognizing their profound importance, the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan have undertaken significant restoration efforts. These stepwells are more than just historical artifacts; they represent vital elements in addressing today's pressing water challenges. Despite its extensive water ecosystem, India has witnessed a decline in the utilization of its traditional water bodies. Revitalizing these stepwells presents a concrete opportunity for communities to reconnect with their heritage and harness these considerable traditional water resources. Their remarkable storage capacity offers the potential to substantially ease the increasing strain of water scarcity. Adi kadi Vav Two stories claim to explain why this step-well, built in the 15thcentury AD, is named so. One tells the tale of a king who ordered the step-well to be built. But when no water was found, the priest proposed that two unmarried girls be sacrificed at the altar. The two girls were Adi and Kadi and their sacrifice ensured that the water was struck soon after. The other tale is more probable, that the two girls were actually royal servant girls who fetched water from the well every day. No matter what story they believe in, people pay their respects by hanging up pieces of cloth and bangles. Unlike the other step-wells in Gujarat, which were dug out of layers of soil and rock and later given a structure by erecting stone columns, floors, stairs and walls, Adi-Kadi Vav was carved entirely of hard rock and goes down 120 steps