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Attractions in Mount Abu
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Dilwara
Temples - These intricately carved temples,
built between 11th and 13th century A.D., are
pure 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 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 a large courtyard with 52 small shrines,
each housing a beautiful statue of Tirthankaras
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 carved out of a huge rock
reached by a night of 360 stairs. The
Adhar Devi temple is situated at a distance
of 3 km to the north of the city. The
temple is built on a rock cleave and you
will have to bend down under the rock
to enter the temple. There are 365 steps
that take one to the rock on which the
temple is built. This temple dedicated
to Goddess Durga is regarded as one of
the important pilgrimage sites of Mount
Abu. This is also a good site to get a
panoramic view of the valley. |
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Nakki Lake -
Nakki Lake is almost in the heart of Mt
Abu and is a big tourist attraction. The
lake adopts its name from the legend that
it was scooped out by a god, using only
his nails or, nakh. It’s
a pleasant stroll around the lake –
look out for the strange rock formations.
The 14th century Raghunath temple stands
beside the lake.
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Quick
Getaways near Mount Abu
Achalgarh
- The Shiva Temple of Achaleshwar
Mahandeva, in Achalgarh, boasts
a number of interesting features, including
what is said to be a toe of Shiva, as
well as a brass Nandi (Shiva's
vehicle, a bull) and, where the Siva
Lingum would normally be, there
is a deep hole that is believed to extend
all the way down to the underworld.
Just outside the temple three stone
buffaloes stand around a tank, while
the figure of a King shoots at them
with his bows and arrows. A legend states
that the tank was once filled with ghee,
but demons, in the form of buffalos
came down and polluted the
ghee until the king shot them.
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A path leading up to the hillside to
a group of colorful Jain temples provides
a fine view over the plains.
Guru
Shikhar - Guru Shikhar is the
highest point on the mount & commands
a bird’s eye-view of Abu and the
surroundings areas. Temples located
in this area are the Mira Temple, Chamundi
Temple & small Shaivite shrine on
the "Shikhar". |
Events in Mount Abu
Summer Festival: The
Summer Festival is held every year in
the month of Aashadh (June).
The steep rocks, tranquil lakes, picturesque
locations and the pleasant climate of
Mount Abu make it a perfect spot for
the festival.
The three-day festival
is a feast of folk and classical music
and a window of the tribal life and
culture of Rajasthan. The festival begins
with the singing of a ballad, which
is followed by Gair, Ghoomar,
and Dhap folk dances, which
will charm you. Sporting events such
as the boat race on the Nakki Lake add
diversity to the festival.
The Sham-e-Qawwali
is a much-awaited musical extravaganza;
as renowned Qawwals from all over the
country can be heard regaling the audience.
The grand finale of the festival is
display of dazzling fireworks, which
adds to the tourist's delight.
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Getting There & Away to Mount Abu
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Udaipur
is the nearest airport to Mount Abu. Daily
flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur are
available to Udaipur. |
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Abu
Road is the nearest railway station and
is about 22 kms from Mount Abu. It is
well connected to Ahemdabad, Jaipur, Mumbai
and Jodhpur. |
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Rajasthan
Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses
from Jaipur and Abu Road to Mount Abu.
It is also connected by road to Delhi,
Udaipur, Ajmer, Bundi and Udaipur. |
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