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Tourist Destinations of Rajasthan
Jaisalmer
Gadsisar Lake
"A
artificial lake built by Maharaja Gadsi Singh, Gadisar lake once
held the town's water supply.."
 Gadsisar
Lake in Jaisalmer, the rainwater fed
reservoir, was built in 1156 AD and rebuilt in 1367AD by Maharwal
Garsisingh. Until 1965, it remained the city’s only water supply. It is
adorned with an arched gateway, which is believed to have been built by a
courtesan. The Tilon ki Pol, the palatial archway at the water’s edge,
was built by a local prostitute.
This tank, south of the city walls, once held the town water supply, and
befitting its importance in providing precious water to the inhabitants of
this arid city, it is sourrounded by small temples and shrines. The
beautiful yellow sandstone gateway arching across the road down to the
tank is the Tilon-ki-Pol, and is said to have been built by a famous
prostitute, Tilon . When she offered to pay to have this gateway
constructed, the Maharaja refused permission under it to go down to the
tank and he felt that this would be beneath his dignity. While he was
away, she built the gate , adding a Krishna temple on top so that king
could not tear it down
The dismayed king tried to severe it down, but not the one to stay behind,
Tilon constructed a tiny temple along the lake, dedicated to Lord
Satyanarayan (Krishna, as truth) and ensured the building’s survival.
Along the lakeshore and on the islands, is a plethora of little temples
and cenotaphs. Arrayed all around the tank, are many small shrines and
temples. An extraordinary plumage of birds can be seen here.
Travel
Map Jaisalmer
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