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Mount Abu (Mt.
Abu)
A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a
green oasis in the barren desertscape 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 centre. Abu according
to a legend stands for the son of Himalayan, 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 cows head and hence the site was
called Gaumukh.
Transportation
- Air
: Nearest airports are Udaipur and Ahmedabad.
- Rail
:
Nearest railhead is Abu Road (27 kms).
- Road
:
By road Mount Abu to Ahmedabad 214 kms, Bombay 835 kms, Delhi 768
kms, Jaipur 515 kms, Udaipur 182 kms, Jodhpur 291 kms, Ranakpur
168 kms.
- Bus
: Regular buses connect Mount Abu with Abu Road, Achalgarh,
Ahmedabad, Ranakpur, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Abu Road. Toll Tax : Rs.
3/- for visitors to Mount Abu by Car. Vehicle Tax : Car Rs. 5/-,
Bus Rs. 10/-
- Taxi
:
Taxis and Jeeps are available from Abu Road to Mount Abu.
What to see
Gaumukh Temple: A natural spring flowing through a sculpted
cows 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Excursions
Trevors Tank (5 km): Named after the British engineer who
constructed it, Trevors 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 (1513 A.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 birds 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. |
