Mount Abu Tour
Mt. Abu is the Rajasthan’s only hill station that is a
1200m high plateau situated in the south of state, close to the
Gujrat border. It is a popular hot season retreat from the plains
of Rajasthan and Gujrat. This place has also got a famous
university known as the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University. A
mostly Indian visitor includes newly wedded couples who come for
their honeymoons to enjoy the pleasant climate and easy going
pace. Although this place is not as cool as it used to be, due to
increased developments, construction of hotels. But this place
has still retained its green charm. Mt. Abu also has a number of
noteworthy temples, particularly, the Dilwara group of Jain
temples, 5 km. away. This is a very important pilgrimage centre
for Janis. This temple has got excellent marble carvings, which
are best among those found in Rajasthan. Also, like many hill
stations Mts. Abu has its own lake known as Nakki Lake. According
to the legends, Mt. Abut is as old as the Himalayas. Mt. Abu is a
good place to simply wander around at leisure. It is a hilly
plateau about 22 km long and 6 km. wide.
Prime Sites :
- 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.
- Dilwara Jain Temple -
These remarkable Jain temples
are Mt Abu's main attraction and among the finest examples of
Jain architecture in India. The Complex includes two temples in
which the art of carving marble reached unsurpassed heights.
The older of the temples is the Vimal Vasahi, built and dedicated
to the first tirthankar, Adinath. The central shrine has an image
of Adinath, each with a Buddha-like cross-legged image. Forty
eight elegantly carved pillars form the entrance to the
courtyard. In front of the temple stands the House of Elephants,
with figures of elephants marching in procession to the temple
entrance.
The later Tejpal Temple is dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd
tirthankar, and was built in 1230 by the brothers Tejpal and
Vastupal. Although the Tejpal Temple is important as an extremely
old and complete example of a Jain temple, its most notable
feature is the brilliant intricacy and delicacy of the marble
carving is so fine that in places the marble becomes almost
transparent. In particular, the lotus flower which hangs from the
center of the dome, is an astonishing piece of work. The temple
employs several full-time stone carvers to maintain and restore
the work.
- Nakki
lake -
Nakki lake is virtually in
the heart of Mt Abu and is a big attraction with tourist. The
lake takes 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 for the strange rock formations. The best known,
Toad Rock looks just like Nun Rock, Nandi rock or Camel Rock
require more imagination. The 14th century Raghunath temple
stands beside the lake. You can hire your own boat.
On the lake is a dilapidated concrete boat-shaped snack bar (only
serving tea and coffee).
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