CITIES IN RAJASTHAN - MOUNT ABU

Mount Abu is Rajasthan's only hill station, sprawling along a 200m high plateau in the south of the State. It is a pleasant retreat set amidst lush forested hills. 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. Like some other hill stations of India, Mount Abu has its own lake, which is the centre of activity.

But Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array of exquisite Jain Temples dating back to the 11th- and 13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage centre as well. 'Abu' according to a legend stands for the son of Himalaya, 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 agni-kula Rajput clans from a fire-pit by performing a yagna (fire sacrifice), to protect the earth from demons.

PLACES TO SEE

Nakki Lake -is located virtually in the heart of the town and is a popular attraction. The lake derives 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, where one can see the strange rock formations such as the Toad Rock that looks just like a toad about to hop into the lake. Beside the lake stands the 14th century Raghunath Temple dedicated to Lord Rama. Boating facilities are available.

Adhar Devi Temple -located 3km north of the town centre, is this temple built in a natural cleft in the rock. Reached by some 365 steps, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. There are fine views over the countryside from here.

Dilwara Temples -these beautifully carved Jain temples are Mount Abu's main attraction and among the finest examples of Jain architecture in India. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD, these temples are sheer elegance in marble. Dedicated to the Jain tirthankars (apostles), the complex has two main temples in which the art of carving marble reached unsurpassed heights. The older of the temples is the Vimal Vasahi built in 1031 AD and is dedicated to the first tirthankar, Adinath. In front of the temple stands the House of Elephants, with figures of elephants matching in procession to the temple entrance. The central shrine has an image of Adinath, while around the courtyard are 52 identical shrines. The later Tejpal Temple is dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd tirthankar and was built in 1230 and was built by the brothers Tejpal and Vastupal. Like Vimal, they were ministers in the government of the ruler of Gujarat. The notable feature of the Tejpal Temple is the brilliant intricacy and delicacy of the marble carving. The carving is so fine that in places the marble becomes almost transparent. There are three other temples in the complex, but they all pale beside the Vimal and Tejpal temples. As in other Jain temples, all articles of leather (belts, shoes) have to be left at the entrance.

View Points -there are several viewpoints around the town. The most popular is Sunset Point. From where the spectacular sight of the sun setting over the hills can be viewed. Other points are the Honeymoon Point, which also offers a view of the sunset, Shanti Shikhar, The Crags and the Robert's Spur.

Gaumukh Temple -located down the Abu Road is a natural spring flowing through a marble sculpted cow's head that gives the shrine its name. There is also a marble figure of Nandi (Bull), Shiva's vehicle. The Agni Kund tank here is said to be the site of the yagna (fire sacrifice) performed by Sage Vashishtha, from which four of the great Rajput clans were born. There is an image of the Sage flanked by Krishna and Rama.

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary -located about 8km northeast of the town, this 290 sq. km sanctuary is home to panthers, sambar, foxes, wild boar and bears.

Achalgarh -located about 11km north of the town is the site of the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a number of interesting features, including a toe of Shiva, a brass Nandi and where the Shiva lingam would normally be, is a deep hole said to extend all thee way to the underworld. Up the hillside lies a group of colourful Jain temples with fine views over the plains.

Guru Shikhar - located 15km from the town at the end of the plateau, this is the highest point of Rajasthan at 17221m. At the top is the Atri Rishi Temple dedicated to Sage Atri. There are fine views all around.

Suggested Itinerary: DELHI / MANDAWA / BIKANER / JAISALMER / JODHPUR / KUMBALGARH / MT ABU / UDAIPUR / AJMER / JAIPUR / DELHI