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Mount
Abu is the Rajasthan's only hill station that is a 1200m high
flat terrain located in the south of state, close to the Gujrat
border. It is a popular hot season draw back from the plains of
Rajasthan and Gujrat. This place has also got a famous
university known as the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual
University. A generally Indian visitor includes newly wedded
couples who come for their honeymoons to enjoy the pleasant
weather and easy going place. Although this place is not as cool
as it used to be, due to increased developments, creation of
hotels. But this place has still retained its green charm. Mount
Abu also has a number of significant temples, mainly, the
Dilwara group of Jain temples, 5 km. away. This is a very
essential pilgrimage centre for Janis. This temple has got
excellent marble carvings, which are best among those found in
Rajasthan. Also, like many hill stations Mount Abu has its own
lake known as Nakki Lake. According to the mythology,
Mount Abut is as old as the Himalayas. Mt. Abu is a good place
to simply walk around at free time. It is a hilly plateau about
22 km long and 6 km. wide.
Mt. Abu, also said to be 'the glory of Rajasthan' is one of the
popular Jain pilgrimage sites. This beautiful and charming city
is famous for its Dilwara Caves and its natural beauty.
Named after the Arbuda Devi, the city is also
known for being the head office of the Brahmakumaris
religious faction. Mount Abu, the only hill station in
Rajasthan, is also said to be the God's residence. There are
many temples in this region and the place is said to be an
important place of forfeit for the sages in ancient times.
Most Popular Tourist Attractions of
Mount Abu:
Gaumukh Temple:
A natural mechanism flowing through a sculpted cow's head gives
the shrine its name. The famous 'Yagna' of wise
Vashishtha was performed here. A beautifully sculpted hill
temple of Arbuada the strong serpent stands against the
beautiful background. Nearby is the wonderful marble image of
Nandi, the celestial bull rescued by Arbuada.
Dilwara Jain Temple:
These amazing Jain temples are Mount 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 supreme heights.
The older of the temples is the Vimal Vasahi,
built and dedicated to the first tirthankar, Adinath.
The central holy place has an image of Adinath, each with
a Buddha like cross-legged image. Forty eight stylishly carved
pillars form the entrance to the courtyard. In front of the
temple stands the House of Elephants, with figures of elephants
marching in parade to the temple entrance.
The later Tejpal Temple is devoted to Neminath,
the 22nd tirthankar, and was built in 1230 by the
brothers Tejpal and Vastupal. While the Tejpal
Temple is important as an very old and complete example of a
Jain temple, its most notable feature is the brilliant
complexity 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 arena, is an
astonishing piece of work. The temple employs several full-time
stone carvers to keep and restore the work.
Nakki Lake:
Nakki Lake is almost in the heart of Mount Abu and is a big
attraction with tourist. The lake takes its name from the myth
that it was scooped out by a god, using only his nails or nakh.
It's a enjoyable 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 requires more imagination. The
14th century Raghunath temple stands beside the lake. You
can hire your own boat.
How to Reach:
By Air:
Udaipur is the adjacent airport. Daily flight form Delhi,
Mumbai and Jaipur are available to Udaipur.
By Road:
Rajasthan Roadways run very relaxed deluxe buses from Jaipur and
Abu Road to Mount Abu. It is also linked by road to Delhi,
Udaipur, Ajmer, Bundi and Udaipur.
By Train:
Abu Road is the adjacent railway station and is about 22 kms
from Mount Abu. And well linked by Ahmedabad, Jaipur,
Mumbai and Jodhpur.
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