Temples in Mount Abu

Guru Shikhar is the highest crest in Mount Abu, soaring at 1722 meters above sea level. It dispenses a vivid vision of the backdrop of Mount Abu. Shikhar means the crest of a hill. Standing atop this hill is a shrine dedicated to Lord Dattatrey.

Another temple worth visiting is the Gaumukh temple which was built in honor of Arbhu the serpent. Adjacent to a lovely setting, this hill temple has some intricate sculpture of the mighty serpent. A superb figurine of Nandi too stands close to it. A cow’s head has been carved out of stone and a natural spring pours out from its mouth. Sage Vashistha is believed to have performed a yagya (sacred prayer) over here.

You can also visit the Adhar Devi temple. Be prepared to climb up the 360 steps to get a glance at Durga temple built in a natural cleft in the rock.

A distinguished Hindu preacher by the name of Ramanand mounted the idol of Sri Raghunathji here in 14^th century AD. This temple called Sri Raghunathji temple is on the periphery of the lake.

The Dilwara temple is distinguished for having the most exquisite and detailed carvings. The Dilwara temple isn’t just one temple. It is an assembly of temples in one complex. You wouldn’t want to miss seeing these temples if you ever had the opportunity to go to Mount Abu. This temple is sheer poetry carved out of pristine marble. The oldest one of these is a temple called Vimal Vasahi, which was constructed as far back as 1031. This temple is devoted to the first Tirthankar, Adinath. Forty-eight gracefully carved pillars line the path to the courtyard. Around the courtyard are 52 identical cells. Each one of them has an image of cross legged Buddha. In the center of the temple stands the idol of Rishabhdev. The Lun Vasahi temple was constructed in 1231 AD by two brothers called Tejpal and Vastupal to commemorate the 22^nd Tirhankara called Neminath. An outstanding illustration of fine craftsmanship is seen even on the pillars, doorways, and door casings.

There are some more temples you could visit within the confines of a fort called Achalgadh, which is at a distance of 8 kilometers. This fort was erected by Rana Kumbha of Mewar in the 14^th century AD. There is the Kantinath Jain temple which has some beautiful gold plated icons. Then there is the Achaleswar Mahadev temple with the Mandakini Kund and a figure of Parmar Dharavarsh nearby.

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