|
About
Amar Sagar Lake |
|
Amar Sagar is a beautiful and small lake cum Oasis which is
located about 7 kms in the western outskirts of Jaisalmer,
Rajasthan, India and is nearby to a 17th Century palace called
the Amar Singh Palace. Maharawal Akhai Singh built this palace
in honor of one of his predecessors Amar Singh. There are
pavilions with stairs near the palace that lead down towards
the Amar Sagar Lake. This haveli has been constructed in the
pattern of apartments. The Amar Sagar is a five story high
haveli and is well-known for its murals.
This complex of Amar Sagar Lake and Palace includes various
ponds and wells along with an old Shiva Temple. Amar Singh
built this because he was supposed to be a great follower of
Lord Shiva, a Hindu God related to destruction. Surrounding
this lake are varied figureheads of animals that have been
carved in stone. As per legends, the carved figureheads are
said to be the protectors of the royal family. Located close
to the Jaisalmer Fort, tourists can take taxis or shared auto
rickshaws from the fort to reach this lake and palace. Best
time to Visit Amar Sagar Lake is from November to March. |
|
| |
|
Main Attractions Near Amar Sagar Lake |
|
In
close proximity to the lake there are figureheads of various
animals carved in stone. Many wells and monuments of the royal
family are located nearby as well as a large garden with a water
tank in the middle which are known inevitably as the Amar Singh
Tank. Being an ardent devotee of Shiva Amar Singh had a Shiv
temple built in the complex – a tribute to the deity known as
the Destroyer among the holy trinity of gods in the Hindu
pantheon.
Jain Temple Attractions
As Jaisalmer was located on the trade route with west Asia,
there was a prevalence of wealthy Jain businessmen in the city
who constructed many fine Jain temples. Amar Sagar has as many
as three, the most famous of which is the Adeshwar Nath Jain
temple which was founded by Patwa Bafna Himmat Ram in 1928.
Located towards the back end of the tank, the temple is engraved
in what must have been a fairly avant garde design at that time,
with one projection made in ivory coloured marble. There are two
other Jain temples at Amar Sagar with elaborately carved
galleries and latticed walls which are surrounded by old
step-wells. The lake generally dries up in the summer heat, but
commeth the monsoon and it fairly brimmeth over. |
|
| |
|
History of Amar Sagar Lake |
|
Amar
Sagar Lake is counted among one of Jaisalmers most scenic water
bodies, despites being somewhat smaller in size as compared with
other famous lakes. The lake serves as a true Oasis in the
desert of Jaisalmer, relaxing the eyes through its enthralling
water after one has witnessed miles of sun kissed desert and
sand dunes- a welcome shift of colors from gray to blue. It is
an amusing site to relax, enjoy a short picnic trip and witness
a wonderful example of Rajput architecture in Amar Singh Palace.
Another reason for its popularity is the Amar Singh Palace which
is located nearby to the lake. The palace was founded in 17th
century by Maharawal Akhai Singh ( reigned 1722-61 ) in honor of
his predecessors Amar Singh. The palace comprises of Balconies,
pavilions and Jharokhas, exhibiting the trademark facets of
architecture that are famous all over the world for their
extensive carvings, the beautiful frescos, royal opulence and
optimal design. However, Amar singh palace’s chief attraction is
the murals ornamenting the walls. These superlative murals
decorates the impressive structure and are seen on almost all
apartments of this 5 storied palace. As the visitors wander
around the lake, they more often than not notice the several
wells, ponds and cenotaphs in the area. Maharawal Amar Singh was
an enthusiastic devotee of Lord Shiva and built a temple which
is dedicated to the deity. The temple now exists within the
complex and is highly frequented by both visitors and the
villagers alike. |
|
|
|
|
How to Reach Amar Sagar Lake |
|
By Rail
Jaisalmer is connected to major cities of India through
broad gauge as well as meter gauge railway tracks. Direct
trains to Jaisalmer are available from Jodhpur as well as
Delhi. Jaisalmer is connected through both 'Broad gauge'
as well as 'Meter gauge' tracks. One can also travel to
Jaisalmer by Palace on Wheels.
By Road
Jaisalmer is well connected to the rest of state by
well-maintained roads. Deluxe & Ordinary buses of
Rajasthan Roadways & Private companies operate form
Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Barmer, Mount Abu,
Jalore, Ahmedabad etc, Roadways main bus stand opposite
Railway station & Golden bus terminal near State Bank of
Bikaner and Jaipur, Shiv road, Jaisalmer are the two major
bus stands.
By Air
Jaisalmer is not directly connected to Airways as such,
Jodhpur airport which is about 300 kms away is the nearest
airport. Jodhpur is connected to all the major metros of
India by government owned as well as private airlines.
From Jodhpur you can hire Cabs or take a train journey
according to one’s wish and preference. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chat
