MOUNT ABU INFORMATION
Mount Abu huddles among the rocks on a 1,220-m granite table mountain at
the far southwestern end of the Aravalli hills. The only hill station in
Rajasthan. It is built around a lake and is surrounded by forested hills.
According to a legend, the place derives its name from Arbuda, a serpent
who descended to the spot to rescue Shiva’s bull, Nandi. Besides having
all the features of a pleasant hill resort,
Mount Abu is also well known for the famous Dilwara temples and many more
archaeological remains. There are interesting treks and picnic spots, romantic
royal retreats of the various erstwhile families of bygone Rajputana and
some relics of the Raj period. The scenic landscapes include gigantic blocks
of rocks in weird shapes, an array of coniferous trees, flowering shrubs,
lovely lakes and the cool climate much in contrast to the arid environs
of the state.
Dilwara Temples: T
his
complex consisting of five marble Jain temples is one of the finest in Rajasthan,
worth braving the queues and ferocious guards. These beautifully carved
temples built between 11th & 13th century AD 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 AD (by Vimal
Shah- a merchant and representative of the then Gujarat ruler), it is a
superb example of temple architecture.
Gaumukh Temple: Dedicated to Rama, this small temple (the cow’s mouth)
is centred on a spring gushing from the mouth of a marble cow. In the Hindu
creation myth, the world is formed by a cow, licking salt; the source of
the Ganges has the same name. This is said to be the site of the ancient
'agnikund' fire rituals. It is 4 kms south of Mount Abu. Open, free access,
down 700 very steep steps.
Nakki Talav: This holiday centre of Mount Abu, is virtually in the
heart of the town. This sparkling blue artificial lake is said to have been
gauged from the earth by the gods, using their fingernails ('nakh' means
nail). Nearby is the 14th century Raghunath Temple.On the western edge of
the town centre, Nakki Lake Road circles the entire lake. Rowing boats are
available for hire from the jetty by Gandhi Park
View Points: Several
points around the edge of the plateau offer spectacular views across the
plains. The best are Honeymoon Point (Anadra Point) and Sunset Point, where
hundred of people gather to watch the sunset every evening in a carnival
atmosphere of pony rides and souvenir sellers. Baylay’s Walk is a pleasant
5 km route from Nakki Lake to Sunset Point. Honeymoon Point, 2.5 kms northwest
on Ganesh Road; Sunset Point, 2 km southwest on Sunset Point Road. Open,
free access.
Achalgarh (8-km): An impressive fort with some beautiful Jain temples
enclosed within. Among the noteworthy temples are Achaleswar Mahadev temple
(1412 AD) and Kantinath Jain temple (1513 AD). The latter has a gold plated
image. The fort was built in the 14th century AD by Rana Kumbha and is approachable
by a motorable road.
