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Station Tourism, Monuments, Attractions, Travel Tips, Shopping,
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organized, atri rishi temple
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Mount Abu
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known for: |
only Hill Station in
Rajasthan in Aravali Ranges |
Shopping: |
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History of: |
500 years approx. |
Population: |
72 Th. |
The history of Mount Abu is
as diverse as the city itself. It was once a part of the Chauhan
kingdom of Rajasthan and served as a summer resort for the Rajput
kings of the region. After that, it was leased by the British
government from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarter
of the resident to Rajputana (another name for Rajasthan).
During the British rule in India, it was the favorite summer
destination of the British, who came here to escape the dusty, dry
heat of the plains particularly Rajasthan. It also served as a
sanatorium for the troops. The small huts and cottages here tell
stories of those times even today.
Mount Abu was the home of many saints and sages in the old days.
Legend has it that all the 330 million gods and goddesses of the Hindu
pantheon used to visit this holy mountain. It is also the place where
the great saint Vashishth lived and performed a yagna (sacrificial
worship on a fire pit) to create four Agnikula (four clans of fire) to
protect the earth from demons. The yagna was supposed to have been
performed near a natural spring, which emerged from a rock shaped like
a cow's head.
Major Attractions
Gaumukh Temple
Down on the Abu Road side of Mount Abu, a small stream flows from the
mouth of a marble cow, giving the shrine its name. There is also a
marble figure of the bull Nandi, Shiva's vehicle. The tank here, Agni
Kund, 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 flanked by the figures of Rama and Krishna.
To reach the temple you have to take a path with 750 steps down to the
valley.
Delwara Jain Temples
The Temple complex includes two temples with exquisite marble
carvings. The older of the temples is the Vimal Vasahi, built in 1031
by a Gujrati minister named Vimal. It is dedicated to the first
tirthankar (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 from the entrance to the courtyard. In front of the
temple stands the House of Elephants, with figures of elephants
marching in procession to the temple.
Adhar Devi Temple
The Adhar Devi temple, about 3km north of town, is chiseled out of a
huge rock reached by a flight of 365 steps. You have to stoop to get
through the low entrance of the temple. It is a favorite tourist spot.
Museum & Art Gallery
The museum is divided into two sections. The first section has been
adorned by a diorama of local tribal hut with their usual living style
by adding a gallery of weapons, musical instruments, ladies ornaments
like barly, damani, karna, guthma toda, gaga wala thoomar, kanksi
berla, various type of earrings and garments etc. belonging to hill
dwellers.
View Points
Of the various points around the town, 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
At the end of the plateau, 15km from Mount Abu, is Guru Shikar, the
highest point in Rajasthan at 1722m. A road goes almost all the way to
the summit. At the top is the Atri Rishi Temple, complete with a
priest and good views all around.
Fun Festives
Summer
Festival
Organized in the only hill
station of Rajasthan, this is the coldest place at this time of the
year. Folk dances and a general atmosphere of gaiety prevails in this
tiny hill resort and the tourist has ample time to relax and enjoy
himself.
Distance
from major cities
Jaipur |
450 Kms |
Jodhpur |
231 Kms |
Udaipur |
185 Kms |
How to reach there
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Udaipur is the nearest airport to
Mount Abu, 185 km away. |
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The railway station at Abu Road is a
two-hour drive from Mount Abu and is well-connected to the rest of
the country. |
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Mount Abu is well-connected by roads. |
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