Sahasralinga Lake in Patan Gujarat
Showcasing superb architectural skills, a remarkable water management sense and an innate sanctity of water in the Hindu religion, Sahasralinga Talav is a must-visit attraction in Patan. Built under the patronage of Siddharaj Jaisinh (1093-1143AD) the Chalukyan ruler of Gujarat, Sahasralinga Talav received water from a canal of the Saraswati River and was spread on an area of about five kilometres with masonry embankments.
Not to be outdone, Siddhraj Jaysinh built the reservoir Sahasralinga Talav, meaning "lake of a thousand lingas”, just north of Rani Ki Vav in 1084, over a lake originally known as Durlabh Sarovar, built by the King of Durlabhray. During his rule he had many artificial tanks built in different parts of Gujarat, but this one surpasses all the others, technologically, artistically, and spiritually.
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Sahasralinga TalavLocation
Location-------------------------------- Sahasralinga Talav, Near Rani ki Vav, Patan India
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The architecture represents the incorporation of careful water management with the sanctity of water. Of the 7-hectare spread of ruins only 20 percent has been extracted, unearthed in 1942-43, and though it was destroyed three times in attacks, its glory is still evident. There is a superbly carved three-ringed sluice gate that channeled water from the Saraswati river into the reservoir, and it is said that the lake had inbuilt natural filtration. The reservoir contains decorative sculptures of hindu deities and impressive columns that once supported a ceiling.
On the banks of Sahasralinga Talav the remains of a Shiva temple with a gallery of forty-eight pillars, and numerous small temples representing the creative spirit and fertility of Shiva and Parvati.
Today the talav is dried up and all one can see is the few remaining temples, however the excavation carried out at the site revealed an opening of the entry channel, silting chamber, some remaining part of the masonry embankment and a bridge leading into the Talav.
It is a must visit place if you are going to visit Patan. Then go to Sahasralinga Lake of Patan
