Gadisar Lake is situated to the south of the city of Jaisalmer. Gadisar Lake is a rain-water lake of Jaisalmer, is located amidst calm and cool surroundings. This lake is surrounded by numerous temples and holy shrines. The water of this lake is crystal clear. Some water sports such as boating can be done in this lake. It holds the water supply of the entire city. Numerous migratory birds can be seen flocking around the lake. On top of the yellow sandstone gate, there is a famous Krishna temple built.
The Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer lies in natural splendor and is indeed a natural attraction worth a visit. The artificial reservoir of Gadisar was built to serve as a source of water, which is home to a wide variety of fishes and water bodies. The local inhabitants of this place often use the water of the lake for various purposes. To protect the beauty and cleanliness of the lake the tourism department of Jaisalmer is taking some serious measures.
The Gadisar Lake has a number of beautifully carved Temples, shrines, Chatteris, and ghats surrounding the lake. This lake becomes more attractive during the winter season as the lake attracts a large number of migratory birds.
Gadisar Lake History
The history of Rajasthan is replete with instances of its kings, excavating artificial lakes that would serve as water reservoirs, to supply water to their desert kingdoms. Udaipur is in fact known as the city of lakes with an intricate system of interconnected lakes that is the lifeline of the city. Major lakes like Fatehsagar Lake, Pichola Lake, Badi Lake, and many other minor lakes form an incredible water system.
Jaisalmer too which was founded on the fringes of the Thar Desert by Rawal Jaisal in the year 1156 had a crying need for water, the elixir of life, and this led the King, Maharawal Jaisal to build a water reservoir which would store rainwater.
Thus was born the Gadsisar Rainwater Lake, which was then named Jaisalasar Lake after Rawal Jaisal. The same lake was however rebuilt during the 14th century by Maharawal Gadsi Singh and its name got changed in honour of the king Gadsi Singh. This lake in Jaisalmer is what we know today as the Gadisar Lake or Gadaria Lake or Gadsisar Lake.
The Gadsisar Lake Jaisalmer is a man-made lake which was built at a higher level and connected to lakes at subsequent lower levels. It was a system of 9 interconnected lakes. The system ensured that when the Gadsisar Lake got filled with rainwater, the excess water flowed to the lake that was built at a lower level, and when that lake got filled, water would flow to the next lake and so on. It was indeed an ingenuous system of water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
The Gadsisar Lake Jaisalmer was built with ghats or steps that led to it surrounding the entire circumference. Canopies or Chhatris were built along its periphery. The lake was not only a source of water for the golden city of Jaisalmer, but it was also a public place where people congregated for festivals and cultural activities.
Places to visit in Gadsisar Lake
At the entrance of Gadsisar Lake is Tilon ki Pol. This magnificent arched gateway is made of yellow sandstone, and has intricately carved windows and chhatris. It also has a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna adjoining the pol.
There are chhatris, ghats, and temples bordering Gadsisar Lake, which makes it perfect for scenic landscape photography.
Boating is very relaxing thing to do in Gadsisar Lake. You can also feed the catfish in the waters of the lake.
Birds can be seen wading on the waters. Migratory birds can also be seen flying over Gadsisar Lake in the winter season. Take your binoculars or a DSLR Camera with you.
And di visit the Folklore Museum and Desert Cultural Center situated quite close to the lake. You will enjoy the puppet show in the museum, and various exhibits like coins, musical instruments, textiles, old utensils, rare manuscripts and other artifacts relating to folk history of Rajasthan.
