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Maharastra Lonar Lake
Lonar Lake is Located in a small town Lonar that is included in the Buldana district of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The mean diameter of the lake is around 1.2 km and below the crater rim its diameter is 137 meters. During the Pleistocene Epoch, this saline soda lake had been created as a result of meteor impact. The lake is alkaline as well as saline in nature. It has been under studies of several scientists, astronomers, ecologists and archaeologists. The lake is a part of the crater ecosystem on which several studies had been reported. In the year 2007, ecologists discovered biological nitrogen fixation in the lake.
History
The ancient scriptures likethe Padma Puran, Skanda Purana, and the Aaina-i-Akbari contained information regarding the lake. In the year 1823, J.E . Alexander , the British Officer was the first European who visited this lake.The district of Buldhana was ruled by Ashoka, Satavahana, The Chalukyas and The Rashtrakutas respectively during the past. This area became an important trade center during the period of Mughals, Nizams,Yadavas andbritish rule. There are few temples found on the banks of the lakes.These temples are known as Yadavas Temples and Hemadri temples.
Attractions
There are many temples surrounding the lake dating back to the Yadavas period. Most of the temples are in ruins now. The most famous temple of the town is the temple of Daitya Sudan. This temple stands in the middle of the town and was built to celebrate victory of Lord Vishnu over giant lonasur.The temple demonstrates fine examples of Hindu architecture.There are various ther temples that are found inside the crater.
Daitya Sudan Temple
Daitya Sudan Temple dated back to the Chalukyas period. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.The chalukyas ruled southern and central Indian from 6th century to 12th Century. The temple belonging to the Hemadpanthi class has been built in a shape of an irregular star. The carvings of the temple are similar to the carvings seen on the Khajuraho temples. An re has been used to make the deity of the temple. The metal concentration in the ore is very high hence it resembles a stone. Sanctum is surrounded by a dark area and the ceilings of this area are also carved if seen in the light of a torch. Some figures are carved on the exterior walls of the temple. The height of the plinth of the temple is around .5 meters and the roof of the temple is in a form of a pyramidal tower.
Kamalja Devi Temple
Besides the Lonar lake, Kamalija temple is located. This temple also demonstrates many carved figures. During the rainy season the water level of the lake rises up but it had never touched the temple.
Along with the crater’s rim; Gomukh temple is located. In this temple a regularly flowing stream emerges and it is a custom to bath in this stream as it is considered to be holy.
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