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‘Abu’ according to a legend stands for the son of Himalaya,
deriving its name from Arbuada, the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the
sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm. |
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Mount Abu has been home to many sages and saints. Most famous of them was
Sage Vashishtha who is believed to have created four agnikula Rajput clans
from a fire-pit by performing a ‘yagna’ or fire sacrifice, to protect the
earth from the demons.
The Yagna was performed besides a natural spring situated below Abu,
emerging from a rock shaped like a cow’s head and hence the site was
called Gaumukh. |
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Places to Visit
Dilwara Jain Temple :
These beautifully carved temples built between 11th and 13th century A.D.
are sheer elegance in marble, dedicated to the jain Tirthankaras. The
Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the first
Tirthankara. Built in 1031 A.D. (by Vimal Shah-a merchant and
representative of then Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple
architecture.
The central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large courtyard with 52
small shrines,each housing a beautiful statue of thirthankaras with 48
elegantly carved pillars form the entrance to the courtyard.The Lun Vasahi
Temple, dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankaras-Neminath, was built in 1231
A.D. by two brothers-Vastupal and Tejpal,Ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a
ruler of Gujarat-belonging to the Porwal Jain community.With door casings,
pillars, architraves and sculptures on porticos,the temple is a fine
specimen of craftsmanship.
Museum and Art Gallery :
Located at the Raj Bhawan, it was a collection of archaeological
excavations dating back to 8th-12th century A.D. It also has Jain bronze
carvings,brassworks etc.
for viewing.
Gaumukh Temple :
A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow’s head gives the shrine
its name.The famous ‘yagna’ of sage Vashishtha was performed here. A
beautifully sculpted hill temple of Arbuada-the mighty serpent stands
against the beautiful backdrop. Nearby is the magnificent marble image of
Nandi, the celestial bull rescued by Arbuada.
Adhar Devi Temple :
The temple is chiselled out of a huge rock reached by a flight of 360
stairs. A favourite tourist spot.
Sunset Point :
Spectacular sight of the setting sun when the hills are covered in the
golden glow can be viewed from here.
Honeymoon Point :
Also known as Andra Point, it offers an enchanting view of the verdant
plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the dusk hours.
Shri Raghunathji Temple :
Situated near the ‘Nakki’ lake is the temple dedicated to Shri Raghunathji
with a beautiful image of the deity that was placed here in 14th century
A.D. by Shri Ramanand the famous Hindu preacher.
Gardens and Parks :
Beautifully laid parks and gardens are interspersed throughout the hilly
paradise. Ashok Vatika,Gandhi park, Municipal Park,Shaitan Singh Park and
Terrace Garden are some of the noteworthy gardens.
Excursions
Trevor’s Tank (5 km) :
Named after the British engineer who constructed it, Trevor’s Tank is a
delight for birdwatchers with densely wooded hills that are a haven to
pigeons, peacocks and partridges.
Achalgarh (8 km) :
An impressive fort with some beautiful jain temples enclosed within. Among
the
noteworthy temples are Achaleswar Mahadev Temple (1412 A.D.) and Kantinath
Jain Temple (1513A.D.) . The latter has gold plated image. Mandakini Kund
and a sculpture of Parmar Dharavarsh are situated close to the Achaleswar
Mahadev Temple. The Fort was built in the 14th century A.D. by Rana Kumbha
and is approachable by a motorable road.
Guru Shikhar (15 km) :
The highest peak on the mount (1722 mts. Above the sea level) allows a
bird’s eye view of the sylvan surroundings of Mt. Abu.
A small Shaivite shrine and a temple of Dattatreya standing on the shikhar
are worth a visit.
Access
Air :
Nearest airport is Udaipur, 185 kms.
Rail : Abu Road is the closest railhead linked with Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur and
Jodhpur
Road :
Good network of
bus services connect Mount Abu to major cities of Rajasthan and India.
Best Time To Visit
Any time from the autumn months to the end of the winter season. Though it
is a hill resort, Mt Abu can be very hot in summers.
Climate Conditions
Area 25 sq. km
Climate Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer 33,8 degree C 23.3 degree C
Winter 28.3 degree C 11.6 degree C
Rainfall 62 cms.
Best Season Feb-June , Sept. Dec
Clothing Summer Light Tropical
Winter Light wollen
Languages Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Altitude 1219 metres
Rainfall 65-177 cms. |
