MOUNT ABU : VERDANT OASIS IN THE HILLS
A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills. Mount Abu is a green oasis in the barren deserts cape that's Rajasthan.
Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range, the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. The road leading to mount Abu is a curved one characterized by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird shapes and high velocity winds.
The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain temples, dating back 11th-13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage center.
`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.
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.
PRIME SITES:
Gaumukh Temple:
A natural spring flowing through a sculpted cow's head gives the shrine its name. The famous `yagna' of Sage Vashistha was performed here. A beautiful 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.
Nakki Lake:
A tiny lake, picturesquely set amid hills. The lake is dotted with several islets approachable by a boat. Of particular interest are strange rock formations around the lake. Especially notable is the Toad Rock which looks like a real toad about to jump into the lake. Others are Nun-Rock and Nandi Rock etc.
Set in the heart of the town, the lake gets its name from the legend that it was scooped out by the gods with their finger nails or `Nakh'. It is the only artificial lake in
India that is 1200 mtrs. Above sea level.
Delwara Jain Temples:
These beautifully carved temples built between 11
th
and 13
th
century A.D. are sheet elegance in marble, dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras.
The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest of these dedicated to the first Tirthankara. Built in 1301 A.D. (by Vimal Shah – a merchant and representative of the 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 22
nd
Tirthankara- Neminath, was built in 1231 A.D. by two brothers- Vastupal and Tejpal, Ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, ia ruler of Gujarat- belonging to the Porwal Jain community.
With door castings, pillars, architraves, and sculptures on porticos, the temple is a fine specimen of craftsmanship.
Adhar Devi Temple:
The temple is chiseled out of a huge rock reached by a flight of 360 stairs. A favorite 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 Anadra Point, it offers an enchanting view of the verdant plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the dusk hours.
Shri Raghnuathji Temple:
Situated near the `Nakki Lake' is the temple dedicated to Shri Raghnathji with a beautiful image of the deity that was placed here in 14
th
century A.D. by Shri Maanand, the famous Hindu preacher.
Garden 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.
Museum and Art Gallary:
Located at the Raj Bhawan, it has a collection of of archaeological excavations dating back to 8
th
-12
th
century A.D. It also has Jain bronze carvings, brass works etc., for viewing.
EXCURSIONS
Trevor's Tank (5 kms.):
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 kms.):
An impressive fort with some beautiful Jain temples enclosed within. Among the noteworthy temples are
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple (1412 A.D.) and Kantinath Jain Temple (1513 A.D.). The latter has a 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 14
th
century A.D. by Rana Kumbha and is approachable by a motor able road.
Guru Shikhar (15 kms.):
The highest peak on the mount (1722 mts. Above the sea level) allows a bird's eye view of the sylvan surroundings of
Mount
Abu
.
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