JAISALMER
PLACES TO VISIT
Rising from the heart of the
Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding
fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with all its awesome splendour,
dominating the amber-hued city.JAISALMER
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to
which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that
a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom atop
the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal
Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput,abandoned
his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer,perched on
the Trikuta Hill.
Bahti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were fedual chiefs who lived off the forced
levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed
the territory enroute Delhi-or-Sind. These caravans earned the town
great wealth.
For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences.
The rise of shipping trade and the port of Mumbai saw the decline
of Jaisalmer. But the desert fortress, that seems to be straight out
of the ‘Tales of the Arabian Nights’ still enchants.
The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty
visible in its narrow lanes stewn with magnificent palace, havelis,
temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels.
The setting sun turning Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is
a spectacular sight.
The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival,
held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound
of melodious tunes and rhythms.
Folk dances, exciting competitions an contests, especially the turban-tying
contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities.
Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and
light spectacle is organized wit folk artists performing against the
splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night.
Surely a not-to-be missed event.
The
Fort
The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the
bleak desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill,housing
the entire township within its ramparts.It has an enchanting cow-web
of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis,three beautifully
sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected
palaces.The fort is approached through four gateways-Akhaiyal,Ganesh
Pol,Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.
Manak Chowk and Havelis
A main marketplace outside the fort leads
to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis.
Gadsisar Lake
A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful
shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake is an idyllic
spot for outings.
Tazia Tower
A pagoda like structure looming up from the
‘Badal Mahal’ with beautiful ‘Taazias’-ornately
decorated bamboo,paper and tinsel replicas of a bier, carried out
in procession during Moharram by the Muslims.
Havelis
Some of the most exotic mansions or havelis,all
intricately latticed are strew all over Jaisalmer-each with a different
facade.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli
The late 19th century haveli with intricate
architecture a display of sheer craftsmanship. The left and right
wings of the mansion which were carved by two brothers are not identical
but very similar and balanced in design. The interior walls are
ornate with splendid miniature paintings.
Patwon -ki-Haveli
The most elaborate and magnificent of all
the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive
corridors and chambers.One of the apartments of this five storey
high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli
This 300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer’s
Prime Minister Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh-Salim Singh, has a beautiful
blue cupola roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks.This
extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate
carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey.The
mansion is one of the most notable of the array of havelis.
Jain Temple
The fort has three exquisitely carved jain
temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars-Rishabhdev,Sambhavnath
and Paraswanath.Gyan Bhandar or Library: Some of the oldest manuscripts
of India are found in this library established as a part of Jain
temples.
Excursions
Lodurva (16
km): The ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an important pilgrim
spot of the Jain community with some magnificent Jain temple. "Toran’
or the ornate arches at the main entrance and splendid carvings
are noteworthy. A ‘Kalptaru’ or a divine tree within
is the main attraction of the temple
Wood Fossil Park, Aakal(17
kms): Lying on the Barmer Road , this park takes you back
to the Jurassic period (when the whole Thar region lay under the
sea) with 180 million year old fossils - the geological landmarks
for the study of the Thar Desert.
Sam Sand Dunes(42 km):
No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque
dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind -caressed dunes, that create
an enchanting mirage, are surely a delight for a trigger -happy
photographer.
Various cultural programmes are organized against the backdrop of
these fascinating sand dunes. Exciting camel safaris allow you to
get the real feel of the desert on the camel back.
Desert National Park (45
km): The landscape of the Desert National Park is dominated
by rolling sand dunes and scrub covered hills. The prominent fauna
of the park includes black buck , chinkara, desert fox and the great
Indian bustard.
Bada Bagh (6km.) :
A fertile oasis on the bank of an artificial lake. Much of the city’s
fruits and vegetables are grown here. Surrounded by dense trees
are the royal cenotaphs with beautifully carved ceilings and equestrian
statues of the former rulers.
Mool Sagar(18km.)::
The pleasant shady grove is a perfect picnic spot during summers.
Barmer (155 km): A
tiny desert town renowned for its hand block printing industry,carved
wood furniture,colorful costumes and amiable folks.
Amar Sagar (5 km) :
A pleasant garden beside a lake with mango and other fruit trees.
Beautifully carved Jain temples add to its splendor. |
