Vyas Chhatri is found reclining in the soft sands of Jaisalmer. A place renowned for its affinity to golden sands; it is named after Vyasa, the sage who wrote the Hindu Epic Mahabharata. Vyas Chhatri comprises beautiful memorials made of white or yellow sandstones commonly known as cenotaphs built for Brahmins. These stunning towers are made from stone that is a mix of calcite, dolomite, and sandstone among other things therefore not only act as biers but also display the splendour of Rajput architecture. An area characterized by harsh dryness which is part of the Thar Desert surrounds this beautiful place.
About Vyas Chhatri
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Several centuries ago, Vyas Chhatri embodied Jaisalmer’s past and its royal family closely intertwined with it. These are plaques erected in memory of some Brahmins who died long ago. Its name is derived from Maharishi Vedvyas; a compiler of the Hindu Mahabharata. Vyas Chhatri is renowned for its old reputation for education and religion as well.
Jaisalmer, established by Maharawal Jaisal Singh in the year 1156, is always known for its unique architecture and culture. The golden sandstone monuments of this city, such as forts, havelis, and chhatris, speak volumes about past grandeur. The chhatris are especially remarkable for their architectural prowess. They were erected by different leaders throughout the years to pay tribute to the deceased and reveal artisans’ workmanship during particular periods. The portrayals of gods, goddesses, stories, or daily livelihood realities found in these structures’ highly ornamented columns and turrets show a fusion of religious and mundane symbols. Building such chhatris was an ongoing practice from one generation to another.
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Significance Of Vyas Chhatri
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Each ‘chhatri’ is a unique cenotaph that individualizes the person it commemorates. These cenotaphs are the final resting place of respected ancestors for the local Brahmin community and are considered sacred to them. People come to this place to pay their respects and pray and the peaceful environment makes it a perfect place for meditation practices. The architectural value of Vyas Chhatri is immense. They are symbolic of the original Rajput era with fine carvings on them, screens made out of marble as well as huge domes which cover every one of them.
Rajasthan is composed of numerous magnificent buildings that talk volumes about their skilled craftsmanship. Various symbols from patterns of flowers to mythological themes are shown on the detailed sculpture of any type of chhatri, which further brings out this strong local culture. A calm atmosphere and splendid architecture have made this location a favourite destination for photography and relaxing strolls. Ved Vyasa contributed to developing this area of spiritual importance, attracting pilgrims to know more about Indian mythology and literature.
Location Of Vyas Chhatri
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Near the city hub of Jaisalmer, Vyas Chhatri is comfortably placed, making it easy for visitors to reach. It lies on Bada Bagh Road, 2 kilometers north of Jaisalmer Fort. With proximity to other important sites, such as Jaisalmer Fort and Bada Bagh Ki Haveli, this is one place in Jaisalmer that cannot be missed by any traveller on their itinerary.
Vyas Chhatri Jaisalmer Address: Dr. K. L. Achalvanshi Colony, Bada bagh, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, 345001, India
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Top Tourist Spots Near Vyas Chhatri
From Jaisalmer Fort to the Gadisar Lake. Here are some amazing tourist spots near Vyas Chhatri you can visit.
1. Jaisalmer Fort
Image Credit: Gérard Janot for Wikipedia
Also called Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort, Jaisalmer Fort is a wonderful illustration of Rajput architecture which was built by Rawal Jaisal in 1156. It is carved out of yellow sandstone with an appearance that glows because it is the colour gold under the desert sun. Built on Trikuta Hill, it contains a labyrinth of narrow passageways filled with homes and temples as well as markets selling all sorts of goods. There are intricately designed palaces such as Maharaja’s Palace, Jain temples from ancient times, and Havelis where tourists can go on excursions inside the fort.
2. Patwon Ki Haveli
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This Haveli is comprised of five interconnecting havelis which make it one of the biggest and most highly decorated buildings in Jaisalmer. This beautiful Haveli is crafted by Guman Chand Patwa and his sons in the early 19th century. Rich embroidery can be found on the balconies elaborated with slabs while also intricate frescos pave the way to this masterpiece. Each section of this Haveli depicts a particular level of luxury that was experienced by business families that lived in this place in the past.
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3. Gadisar Lake
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In the 14th century, Maharawal Gadsi Singh built Gadisar Lake which is an attractive man-made water body. The surroundings of this lake have variously carved temples, shrines, and ghats; thus it is seen as an oasis of tranquillity amidst the serene surroundings of the Thar desert. People may go on quiet trips using boats there and witness beautiful views or different types of migratory birds that come to this place.
Timings Of Vyas Chhatri
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The visitors must make sure to not miss visiting this magnificent place. The site is open from sunrise up to sunset usually from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The late afternoon, just before sunset, is the best time for anyone who would love to visit Vyas Chhatri. It’s because that’s when the gold sandstone structures get bathed in the setting sun’s warm light, making it a very beautiful scene full of peace and quietness. Besides this, one can have amazing views when watching the sun go down over Vyas Chhatri hence it has always been one of the most preferred areas among photographers and those who love nature.
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Entrance Fees Of Vyas Chhatri
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The entrance Fees of Vyas Chhatri are made in such a way that they are inexpensive. Here are the most recent charges:
- INR 100 per person
- INR 100 for Camera Fee
- INR 200 per person for Guided Walk
Further Read: Hidden Treasures Of Rajasthan
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to witness Vyas Chhatri, plan your trip to Jaisalmer to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!
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Cover Image credit : By David Brossard for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vyas Chhatri
How many days are sufficient to cover Jaisalmer?
You can cover the major tourist sites like Gadisar Lake, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Bada Bagh, Kuldhara village, Nathmal Ki Haveli, Sam Sand Dunes, etc; within three to four days. This time frame allows you to enjoy its surroundings and have a memorable experience.
Are foreign tourists subjected to any specific restrictions?
There are no definite restrictions on foreign tourists. They are typically advised to respect the local customs and dress modestly.
How is the climate of Jaisalmer?
Since Jaisalmer is situated in Rajasthan, it encounters hot summers, scanty rainfall during the monsoon season, and mild winters.
What is the best season to visit Jaisalmer?
You can plan out your trip to Jaisalmer between October to March. During these months, there are a lot of festivals thus, offering a culturally rich experience.
What should one wear while visiting Jaisalmer?
During the summer, prefer light and breathable clothes. In winter, opt for layering in the mornings and evenings. Respect the local customs by covering shoulders and knees in religious sites. You can bring a scarf or purchase one locally. You should prefer comfortable footwear and closed-toe footwear to protect you from dust.
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