Mount Abu is located in the south western corner
of Rajasthan and is Rajasthan's only hill station.
It is also a major pilgrim centre. The Aravalli
range that cuts across Rajasthan reaches its
greatest height at the Guru Shikhar. Interestingly
not many people are aware that this is also
the highest point between the Nilgiris in the
south and the Himalaya range up North. The origin
of Mount abu goes back several centuries.The
Padam Puran relates the story of how this holy
ciry came into existence. once Nandini, the
cow belonging to the venerabel sage Vashishtha,
was trapped in adeep chasm and could not get
herself free.
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When
all efforts failed, the sage appealed to Lord Shiva
For assistance. Saraswati the divine stream, flooded
the pit and the cow floated up. Once his cow was free,
Vashishtha approached the great Himalaya and asked
him to fill the gorge permanetly to avoid further
mishaps. The youngest son of Himalaya, with the assistance
of Arbud, the mighty snake filled the For those keen
to learn more about the history of Rajasthan it will
be interesting to note that this place
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Child
Marriage Ceremony
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was
also the site for one of the most sacred rites -a yagya.
This was performed by the same sage Vashishtha for the purification
of the ancient fighting caste, the Kshatriyas. From this
mystical fire rose the mighty Rajputs who later dominated
the history of Rajasthan.
Nakki Lake
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Due
to the presence of Sages and Sheers this place became a
holy retreat. But for most visitors today. Mount Abu is
a hill station with all the deligthful spots necessary to
make their trip interesting.
Delwara
Jain Temples
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The
Nakki Lake is picturesquely set amidst hills and is
believed to have been carced out by the gods with
their nails. It is a popular spot for boating and
the only artificial lake in India that is 1200 mts
above sea level. The surrounding hills have several
areas of interest. Be prepared to go for long walks
and treks as you visit the spectacular Sunset Point,
Toad's Rock and the beautifully sculpted hill temple
of Gaumukh and Arbuda.
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Mount Abu was also an important Vaishnava and Shaivite pilgrim
centre up to the 11th century. Today it is recognised the
world over for its magnificent Jain temples. No visit to Mount
Abu can be complete without a trip to the Famed Delwara Temples.
Let your mind be dazzled by the exquisite carvings on stone.
When
you look at these temples you find yourself
at a loss for words to describe this sheer poetry
in stone, this elegance in marble as no description
can really do justice to this beauty. These
are better seen than described. The most important
temple is dedicated to Rishabhji and spraw is
to some 48,000 sq.ft. and has 29 halls and 1444
pillars, all distinctively carved. It is four
faced and houses an idol of Adinath. Feel free
to explore its various mandaps and study the
intricate carving your guide will point out
the fact that no two pillars are alike the carved
design is different on each one. Lush green
hills with a wealth of flora and fauna, quiet
surroundings and very little traffic makes the
drive to Ranakpura very pleasant one.
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It is a peaceful area where you need not rush through the
sight seeing. When you move towards Jalore you are in fact
moving to altogether different landscape. It is a typical
small town of Rajasthan where the hustle and bustle of the
bigger cities is missing. Take time to get a taste of the
countryside, explore the fort and the temples and see how
the simple, unspoilt and friendly rural olk, live.