The Aravalli hills stretching from Delhi to Gujarat reach their highest point here in a mountain, atop which is a picturesque plateau. This is Abu in Sirohi district, a lush green summer resort and the only hill station in Rajasthan.
 | Mount Abu has a somewhat steep incline, with ravines cut into its sides, filled with trees, bushes and beautiful birds. It is a detached hill, and on the plateau on the summit are granite rocks of fantastic shapes, the space between them covered with greenery. The Hill of Wisdom, The Saint's Pinnacle, The Rajput Olympus, the Mon Capitalia of Pliny. Yes all these are titles for just one place – Mount Abu. |
Abul Fazal (Akbar’s chronicler) has mentioned in the Akbarnama (a historical record written during Akbar's time) that the old name of Abu was Arbuda Achal – Arbuda being the name of a spirit who, disguised as a woman, shows way to the wanderers, and achal meaning mountain.
History Of Mount Abu
Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. The history of this mountainous region is steeped in mythology. Once upon a time it was part of the Chauhan kingdom. They treated Mount Abu as a summer retreat. Even for later Rajput rulers this picturesque place served the same purpose. During the British rule the Mount Abu was lent to Maharaja of Sirohi as the headquarters of the resident of the Rajputs.
For the British Mount Abu was their favorite summer destination. For them it was a welcome respite from the dusty and dry heat of India. it also served as a sanatorium for the British troops. Even today the small huts and cottages in Mount Abu stand testimony to this fact. According to legends Mount Abu was the abode to several saints and sages.
It is a popular belief that all the gods and goddesses of Hindu pantheon used to visit this sacred mountain. It was also the place where the Hindu hermit Vashishth resided and performed yagna to form four Agniukula or four clans of fire. It was done to protect the earth from demons. It was performed at the site of the present Gaumukh temple.
Another legend related to sage Vashishth`s cow is also popular in the hills of Mount Abu. The cow named Nandini was trapped in a deep gorge and could not come out of it. The hermit appealed for help to Lord Shiva. Goddess Saraswati was sent by the lord for help. The goddess in the form of stream flooded the gorge and this enabled the cow to float to the surface. Taking a cue from such an incident Vashishth muni asked his son Himalaya to fill the gorge permanently so that such unpleasant incidents are not repeated.
This task was completed by Himalaya with the help of Arbud, the mighty snake. From then on the place came to be known as Mount Arbud. In the later years the name was changed to Mount Abu.
Besides the Hindus Mount Abu is also important historically for the Jains. According to Jain scriptures Lord Mahavira had visited the city. As a result a number of Jain temples are to be found here.
Tourist Attraction in Mount Abu
Dilwara Jain Temple :
Rajasthan’s only hill station and a major pilgrim centre, Mount Abu is located in the south-western corner of Rajasthan. All roads in Mount Abu lead you to the Dilwara Jain Temples made out of intricately carved marble, dedicated to Jain Tirthankars.
| Dilwara Temples are one of the finest Jain temples & many even consider them architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. The two temples Vimala Vasahi & Luna Vasahi are singled out by experts as superb examples of architecture. 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 |  |
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. Dilwara Temple complex consist of five major sections or temples devoted to five jain trithankara : |  |
• Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple
• Shri AdiNath Temple or Vimal Vasahi Temple
• Shri ParshavNath Temple or Khartar Vasahi Temple
• Shri Rishabdaoji Temple or Peethalhar Temple
• Shri NemiNathJi Temple or Luna Vasahi Temple
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.
If you are a visitor to the Mount Abu region and you wish to experience some of the local religious culture, you must visit the Gaumukh Temple. Once only popular for Ancient sages and saints to meditate at, the Gaumukh Temple is now a popular tourist destination.
The area is covered with very think forest cover and visiting the place after dark & rainy season is not recommended without proper information and local guidance, you should plan for a full day trip to Gaumukh if you want to enjoy the beauty and nature of this place.
Adhar Devi Temple :
Other attractions include Adhar Devi Temple, which is located 3 km in the north of town. This ancient Durga temple is chiselled out of a huge rock, which is reached by a flight of 365 stairs.
It is one of the most believed holiest grounds for tourists and pilgrims across India. The temple allows panoramic views over the old mountain valley of Mount Abu.
Nakki Lake :
Rajasthan’s only hill station is also a major pilgrim centre for the Jain community. Mount Abu is located in the south-western corner of Rajasthan. Although a part of Aravalli range, it is detached completely from it by a narrow valley and the highest point Guru Shikhar. Mount Abu owing to its good rainfall, has the richest vegetation in Rajasthan, a wide variety of trees and shrubs can be viewed as one drives up to Mount Abu. The flowering trees, notably Flame of the Forest, and shrubs make the area seem like a gigantic garden.
| Gaumukh temple, Achalgarh fort, Tod’s Rock, Sunset Point, Trevor’s Tank are some of the interesting areas to be visited. Mount Abu has not many lakes in its premises or vicinity. The most famous lake found in Mount Abu is Nakki Lake. It is a serene and placid lake, one of the major tourist attractions of Mount Abu and situated beside it, is the Sri Raghunathji temple and the Maharaja Jaipur Palace. |  |
Nakki Lake a focal point for visitors to Abu is a lovely little artificial lake ringed round by hills and overhung by the enormous Toad’s Rock. Boating and exploring the lake’s little islets is a favorite recreation. The rulers of most Rajput states built summer villas round the lake; some of these are now guest houses or hotel. Nakki lake is said to have been dug by the god with their nails, hence its name, as nakki means nails.
Nakki is a small lake with small islets that can be reached by a boat. The location of the lake, the rich surroundings and amazing landscape views is a regular crowd puller.
Ragunath Temple, a popular one in the district, lies nearby the lake. Some people, Hindu devotes, take it as a sacred lake, as a reference has been made about it in the popular legends.
The picture perfect location of the lake surrounded with mountains, gardens and rock formations also make it a very good location for photography. In the evening the setting sun makes the canvas.
Sunset and Honeymoon Point :
Sunset Point, 1.5 km from the tourist office of Mount Abu, is the most popular. Hoards stroll out here every evening to catch the setting sun, the food stalls and all the usual entertainment. Is is a one kilometer walk from the road to the viewpoint or you can hire a horse.
Honeymoon Point, 2.5 kms northwest on Ganesh Road, also known as Andra Point, offers an enchanting view of the verdant plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the dusk hours. The route to Honeymoon Point goes past the Nakki Lake.
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 Mt. Abu. A small Shaivite shrine and a temple of Dattatreya standing on the shikhar are worth a visit. |  |
Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University and Museum :
The university's stated aim is the establishment of universal peace through the impartation of spiritual knowledge and training of easy raja yoga meditation.
To attend one of these residential courses, contact your local branch and arrange things in advance. There is no charge- the organization is entirely supported by donations, as is the accommodation.
Achalgarh :
| Another attraction is Achalgarh in the north of Mount Abu is a cluster of temples, amongst which Achaleswar Mahadev Temple is noteworthy, built around 1412 A.D and the Kantinath Jain Temple, build around 1513 A.D. This alluring complex was build around 14 century by great warrior Rana Kumbha of Mewar. Beside this, a tourist must visit Gaumukh Temple. According to legends, Sage Vasishta performed |  |
Trevor's Tank :
Trevor’s Tank is a picturesque location just 5 kilometers from the main town of Mount Abu, and one of the Mount Abu region’s most popular tourist destinations.
It is a nature lover’s paradise that is named after the British engineer who built it.Trevor, the British engineer who built it, was dedicated to building a beautiful place for people to enjoy and watch nature.
How To Reach
Fly Away: The nearest airport to Mt Abu is the one at Udaipur. It is about 185 kms far from the place. There are regular and connecting flights that serve to connect Udaipur with the rest of the country.
On Tracks: By train one can avail the services from Abu Road, which is some 25 kms away from the place. The train service connects Mt Abu with many cities and towns of Rajasthan and beyond Rajasthan.
On Wheels: The road network that hooks up the place with the adjacent cities and towns is quite good. Long distance bus services are available. Important stations from which buses are available are Ahmedabad and Jodhpur.
Shopping In Mount Abu
Curious in marble, sandalwood and sandstone can be bought from the shops around Nakki Lake. Kota sarees, banglesand linen with sanganeri prints are also available.
Rajasthali- famous for Rajasthani Handicrafts, Khadi Bhandar- famous for metal, stone, wooden and clothing, Rajasthan Emporium- famous for Rajasthani handicrafts, Nakki Lake- famous for curious in marble, sandalwood and sandstone, Government Emporium- famous for Rajasthan handicrafts like metal, stone and wooden items.
I just yesterday returned from a trip where I photographed a woman with two children whom I photographed first when she was the age of the older of the two children.
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