The one and the only hill station in
Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning
display of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, dating back to the 11th century
make it a popular pilgrimage centre. It was once a part of the Chauhan
kingdom of Rajasthan and served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings of
the region.
Legends say that all the 330 million gods and goddesses of the Hindu's used
to visit this holy mountain. It is also the place where the great saint
Vashishth lived and performed a yagna or sacrificial worship on a fire pit
to create four Agnikula (four clans of fire) to protect the earth from
demons. This place is also held in reverence by Jains since Jain scriptures
records that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar also visited Mount Abu
and blessed the city.
Location
Mount Abu is situated in southwest end of Rajasthan at a distance of 326 km
from Jodhpur, 185 km Udaipur and 221 km.Ahmedabad.
Climate
In summer temperature hovers between 33.8° C to a minimum of 23.3 °C
while in the winters 20.3° C is the maximum temperature which can drop
to 0 °C. Rainy season starts from July to mid Sept, and is very humid
.The best time to visit the place is from Feb to June.
Major Attractions of Mount Abu
The Gaumukh Temple - The Gaumukh Temple gets its name
from the small stream which flows out of the mouth of a marble cow. There is
also a marble figure of the bull Nandi, Shiva's vehicle. Agni Kund, placed
there is said to be the site of the sacrificial fire, made by sage
Vashistha, from which four of the great Rajput clans were born. An image of
Vashishtha is also seen flanked by the figures of Rama and Krishna. To reach
the temple one has to take a path with 750 steps down to the valley without
wearing shoes and chappels.
Delwara Jain Temple - The Temple complex includes two
temples with exquisite marble carvings namely the Vimal Vasahi after the
first tirthanka, Jain Teacher, Adinath. The central shrine contains an image
of Adinath, while around the courtyard are 57 identical cells, each with a
Budhdha like cross-legged image. Forty eight elegantly carved pillars are
seen from the entrance to the courtyard.
The second one the Tejpal Temple is dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd
tirthankar, and was built in1231 by the brothers Tejpal and Vastupal. The
lotus flower that hangs from the center of the dome is an incredible piece
of work
Achalgarh - Achalgarh, situated eleven kilometers north
of Mount Abu has a beautiful Shiva temple which has many interesting
features including the toe of Shiva and a group of colorful Jain Temples.
Three stone buffaloes stand around a tank with a figure of a King shooting
at them with his bows and arrows. History points that the tank was once
filled with ghee, but demons, in the form of buffalos came down and polluted
the ghee until the king finished them off.. A path leads up to the hillside
to a group of colourful Jain temples, all of which have fine views over the
plains.
Sunset Points - Several points around the edge of the
plateau offer spectacular views across the plains. Sunset Point, 1.5 km from
the tourist office of Mount Abu, is the most popular point to view the
natural surroundings. Peoples stroll out here every evening to catch the
glimpse of the setting sun. It is a one kilometer walk from the road to the
viewpoint.
Honeymoon Point, 2.5 kms northwest on Ganesh Road offers an enchanting view
of the verdant plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the
evening hours. The route to Honeymoon Point goes past the Nakki Lake.
Nearby Attractions
Guru Shikhar - At a distance of just 15 minutes is
situated Guru Shikhar, the highest peak on the Mount Abu. At a height of
1722 mts above the sea level it allows a bird's eye view of the idyllic
surroundings of Mt. Abu. A small shrine and a temple of Dattatreya standing
on the Shikhar are worth visiting.
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