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  Home > State > Rajasthan > Mount Abu
      
Mount Abu
Cities of Rajasthan
Alwar Ajmer Banswara Barmer Bharatpur
Bundi Bikaner Chittorgarh Churu Dholpur
Dausa Dundlod Dungarpur Jalore Jaipur
Jhalawar Jaisalmer Jaisamand Jhunjhunu Jodhpur
Karauli Kumbhalgarh Kota Khetri Merta
Mount Abu Mandore Nagaur Nathdwara Nawalgarh
Pushkar Ramgarh Rajsamand Ranakpur Ranthambore
Samode Shekhawati Sikar Siliserh Udaipur
Tonk

Mount Abu at a height of 1,200 metres above sea level is Rajasthans only hill station. The 22 km long hill station has among its principal attractions a cool climate, the famous Dilwara group of temples, some old palaces like the Bikaner Palace and the Nakki Lake. Once the tranquil retreat of meditating rishis, legend has it that it is home to 330 million gods and goddesses. For Rajputs this is the scene of the great Agni Kunda or sacred fire pit, from which 36 warrior clans emerged. 
By the 11th century, Mount Abu had become an important Jain center of pilgrimage. Over the next two centuries, many spectacular marble temples were built here. In the 15th century these hills were conquered by Rana Kumbha of Mewar, who built a fortress here. In the early 19th century, Mount Abu was developed as a summer capital by the British. 

What to see

Dilwara Temples: At a very short distance of 5 km lie these wonderfully carved Jain temples dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries A.D. Rated as among the finest of Indian temples, it is recommended that any visitor to Rajasthan include them on his itinerary. The marble architecture here is comparable with the best. 

Vimala- Vasahi Temple: This is the oldest temple in the complex, built in 1030 A.D. by Vimala Shah, a minister in the Government of Gujarat, to atone for his earthly sins. He dedicated it to Adinath, the first of the Jain tirthankaras, and the central shrine has an image of Adinath. The massive work involved in the temple took fourteen years to complete. The temple has been designed in an austere fashion on the outside but the ornateness strikes you immediately as you enter through the gateway. 

The Neminath Temple was built in 1230 A.D. by two brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal, who dedicated it to Neminath, the 22nd tirthankara. It is told that gold and silver, equivalent in weight to that of the marble was given to the workers who worked on or sculpted the temple. Built in the Solanki style of architecture, the temple has a wonderful lotus flower piece hanging from the central dome in the porch. Shaped like a collection of half-open lotuses it is so exquisitely carved it has a translucent quality. 

Luna Vashi Temple : Built in 1232 A.D., this temple is similar, but smaller than the Vimila -Vashi Temple. Its carved ornamentation is magnificent indeed. The doorways of the temples are framed by ornate pediments and plasters while the columns are exquisitely carved with the ceiling carved with mythological figures, dancers, horsemen and elephants. The masterpiece of the Dilwara complex is the ranga mandapa of the Luna- Vashi, with its superb ceiling, from the center of which hangs a clustered marble pendant. On a nearby frieze are sixty-eight dancers in different postures. 

There are two other temples in the complex, dedicated to Parshavantha and Adinatha. 

Nakki Lake : The lake derives its name from the belief that it was gouged out of the earth by the fingernails (nakk) of the gods. The lake is the focal point of tourist activity in Mt. Abu. Boats are available for hire at reasonable rates. 

Sunset Point: At a short distance from the lake, a spectacular view of the sunset can be witnessed here in quiet contemplation of nature. 

Gomukh Temple: Located about 2 Kms from Mount Abu, this is the site of the ancient agnikunda , where legend has it that sage Vashistha performed the great fire sacrifice. The temple contains an image of Vasistha along with images of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, both of whom are considered to be incarnations of Vishnu, the Preserver of the Hindu trinity. The name Gomukh literally means cow's mouth, referring to a spring here which flows through the mouth of a marble cow. The spring water is believed to have sacred, purifying properties. 

Achalgarh Fort: This fort, built by the warrior King Rana Kumbha is now in ruins Five miles from Mount Abu, this is one of thirty-two forts that were constructed all over Mewar in order to secure the kingdom from invaders. Nearby are the remains of several ancient temples. Notable among these is the 15th century temple of Lord Shiva. 

Guru Shikar: The peak of Guru Shikhar, at an altitude of 5,676 feet, is about 2 miles beyond Achalgarh and is the highest point in Rajasthan. It has a commanding view of Abu and its surroundings. Notable temples located here are the Mira Temple, Chaumundi Temple and a small Shaivite shrine.  

How to get there

The nearest railway station is Abu Road, 27 km away, on the Delhi-Ahmedabad rail route. The bus-stand is adjacent to it, and buses are available from here, as well as from Mt Abu to all major towns in Rajasthan. 

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