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Area
: 25 sqm. Altitude : 1219mts Climate
: [ Summer : 33.8 degree C - 23.3 degree C, Winter : 28.3
degree C 11.6 degree C ], Rainfall : 65-177cms,
Best Season : feb-jun-sep-dec, Clothing
: Summer-light tropical/Winter light woollen, Languages
: English, Hindi, Gugarati
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A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt.
Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape thats 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 cow’s head
and hence the site was called Gaumukh.
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PRIME
SITES
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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.
Delwara Jain Temple These beautiful temples were
built between 11th and 13th century A.D. These are carved
in marble and are 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.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.
Adhar Devi Temple The temple is chiselled out of
a huge rock reached by a flight of 360 stairs. A favourite
tourist spot.
Shri Raghunathji Temple Situated near the
‘Nakki’ lake is the temple dedicated to Shri
Raghunathji with a beautiful image of the deity that was
placed here in 14th century A.D. by Shri Ramanand the famous
Hindu preacher.
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.
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EXCURSIONS
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Trevor’s Tank (5 km) 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 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 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.
