|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home » Hill
Stations in India » Hill Stations in West India »
Mount Abu
|
|
|
|
Mount Abu
|
|
|
 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 beautifully carved temples built between 11th and 13th century A.D. 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 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 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 chiseled out of a huge rock reached by a flight of 360 stairs. A favourite tourist spot.
Nakki Lake
Legend has that this small lake, was scooped out by a god using only his nails(or nakh).The lake is surrounded by hills , parks and strange rock formations. The 14th Century Raghunaht temple stands beside the lake. Several Maharajas built lavish summer houses around the Nakki lake,a nd the maharaja of Jaipur's former summer palace is perched on a hill onlooking the water.
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,brass works etc. for viewing.
Viewpoints
There are many view points around the town. Most famous among them is the Sunset point which provides a spectacular sight of the setting sun when the hills are covered in the golden glow can be viewed from here. Other popular spots include Honeymoon point, which also offers a view of sunset, the Crags and the Shanti Shikhar.
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.
Trevor’s Tank (5 km)
Named after the British engineer who constructed it, Trevor’s Tank is a delight for bird-watchers 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 (1513A.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 motor able 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
