Gadisar Lake

Gadi Sagar Lake, 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.

Introduction to Gadi Sagar Lake
An important tourist attraction in Jaisalmer, the Gadi Sagar Lake is a beautiful place to relax. Being the only source of water for Jaisalmer in the olden days, it has a special historical significance. The Gadi Sagar Lake in Jaisalmer is now a favorite stop over for migratory birds. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the lake or just relax while sitting in the serene Ghats and watch the golden banks mingle with the rays of the setting sun. During the Gangaur celebrations, the peaceful Gadi Sagar Lake comes back to life.

History of Gadi Sagar Lake
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.

Description of Gadi Sagar Lake
The Gadi Sagar Lake has artificially built chattris, shrine and Ghats that surround the banks of the lake. The entrance to the Gadi Sagar Lake, which is to the south of the city, is through a beautiful and creatively carved archway made of golden yellow sandstone. This is called the Tilon-Ki-Pol. The enthralling view of the golden fort from the Gadi Sagar Lake brings many tourists to this place.