Salim Singh Ki haveli that stands in mute testimony to the splendorous Jaisalmer past towards the eastern end of Jaisalmer city. This stately Jaisalmer haveli with its stunning blue cupola roof is resplendent with exquisite stone carvings, screen windows and exotic murals.
The intricately chiseled brackets on the walls of Salim Singh ki haveli speak volumes about the love for detail and beauty among the artisans of those days. The sheer lavishness of extensive corridors, massive rooms and hallways weaves a bewitching spell on you.
Vibrant, graceful and stylish murals on the walls of Salim Singh ki haveli add an extra opulent charm to this lovely medieval mansion that was named after Salim Singhji, who was the prime minister in the Jaisalmer royal court.
Salim Singh ki Haveli served as residence to the members of the Mohta family for decades. Most of the ministers in the Jaisalmer royal court were descendants of the Mohta family. The haveli draws its name from Salim Singh, who was an important minister in the Jaisalmer royal court and a shrewd statesman who was later murdered for conspiring against the royal throne.
It is believed that there were two more stores over the existing five storied structure, that were torn down by the orders of the royal court of Jaisalmer as a prime ministers home could not be of the same height as that of the royal palace.
Gadsisar Lake
Gadsisar is a scenic rainwater lake situated in Jaislmer,Rajasthan. It was built in 1156 and later rebuilt by Maharwal Garsisingh in 1367. A beautiful arched gateway decorates the lake. The lake is surrounded by ghats, temples, cenotaphs and gardens.
Umbrella Between Lake
Gadsisar Lake is an ideal picnic spot and is famous for boating. It is also home to a numerous species of birds.
Jain Temples
Within the fort walls, there are seven beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The cluster of temples is connected by a series of corridors and walkways. Shoes and all leather items must be removed before entering the temple.
The first temple you come around is the one dedicated to Chandraprabhu, the eighth tirthankar (Jain Teacher), whose symbol is the moon. It was built in 1509 and features fine sandstone sculpture in sandstone in Mandapa (Fore chamber of the inner sanctum of the temple).
To the right of the Chandraprabhu Temple is Rikhabdev temple. There are some fine sculptures around the walls protected by glass cabinets, and the pillars are beautifully sculpted with apsaras (Celestial Maiden) and gods. This temple has a lovely and tranquil atmosphere.
Lord Buddha Statue
Other temples which may be currently closed to the non - Jains, include the temple dedicated to Parasnath, a few steps behind Chandraprabhu. Entry is via an enormous and beautifully carved torana (Gateway) that culminates the image of the Jain tirthankara its apex. There is a voluptuous carving of an apsara balancing a set of balls on her raised forearm.
A door to the south side of the temple leads to the small Shitalnath Temple, dedicated to the 10th tinrthankar. The image of Shitalnath enshrined here is composed of eight precious metals. A door in the north wall leads to the beautiful Sambhavnath Temple.
Entrance To Temple
Steps lead from the courtyard before the Sambhavnath temple to the Shantinath Temple, which was built in1536. The enclosed gallery around the temple is flanked by hundreds of images of saints, some of marble and some of Jaisalmer sandstone. Steps lead below the temple to Kunthunath Temple, which was also built in 1536.
BaraBagh Tombs(Dedicated To Ladies Who Burnt Themselves)
On the outskirts of Jaisalmer, presently a district headquarters and formerly a princely state of Rajasthan, is a sandy rocky area where these tombs are constructed.This place is called -'Bara Bagh' or-'Big Garden'.There is clear road to this spot. There is nothing of the garden sort. It is named so to indicate the abundance of what is there. And there is the abundance of-tombs!
In the medieval period,when Muslim rule was forcefully spreading all over India, Indian natives had great struggle to save their culture, chastity, heritage and properties.The fear was more with indian ladies, who regarded their chastity more than their life.While men were out to fight against the invaders, women in the houses were praying for their win.In Rajasthan, there was a custom in which ladies of warriers were falling into burning fires as soon as they hear that their men were defeated in the battle field. So, they kept the burning fire ready.This custom was called -JOUHAR.This place is dedicated to those Brave Ladies only.
Camels For Safari
Safari on Camels is a Fantastic experience.Camels can take to you to those place where cars cant go.You will really enjoy the safari on Sand Dunes.
People Traveling On Sand Dunes
In Rajasthan people in Villages prefer travelling on Camels only as it is one of the most suitable animal of desert.It is also known as Ship Of Desert.They can live many days without water and thats why in desert they are used more.
Royal Men In Festival
They are the Royal Men Of Rajasthan who has came from different villages to attend the festival .This festival is organized every year in the month of December.This is also known as Desert Festival.Both Local and Foreigners join the Festival and enjoy the Marvellous life of Royal Rajasthan.
Man With His long Moustaches
These kind of stuff can easily be found in Jaislmer as this place is still one of the most traditional and cultural city of India.This man is showing his big moustaches and also claims that he can lift 200 Kgs of weight with them.This was also challenged and This man won.Great.
Kid Selling Indian Sweets
This kid is selling the most famous sweets of Rajasthan which is known as Laddu and Petha.
With these sweets and sweet memories i am completing my journey to Jaisalmer.
Source: travel-rajasthan.net
