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Nakki Lake, Mount Abu |
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Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu |
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Picturesque Mount Abu |
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Guru Shikhar, Mount Abu |
A pleasant
retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green
oasis in the barren desertscape that's Rajasthan. Situated at the
southern tip of the Aravali range the hill retreat owes its cool
climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that
includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. 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. The only
hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than just a summer
retreat. Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples,
dating back 11th- 13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage
centre. '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 Agnikula
Rajput clans from a fire-pit by performing a 'yagna' or fire
sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons. The Yagna was
performed besides a natural spring situated below Abu, emerging
from a rock shaped like a cow's head and hence the site was called
Gaumukh.
PLACES OF INTEREST ARE:
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.
Nakki Lake:
To pass and energetic evening rowing or simply to drift along,
enjoying nature's beauty, be at the focal point of the town, Nakki
Lake. This lovely artificial lake is ringed by hills and overhung
by the enormous Tod Rock. Exploring the lake's little islets is a
pleasant recreation. It is said to have been dug by the gods
themselves with their nails, hence its name "Nakki". The summer
villas of many Rajput rulers have been converted into hotels
overlooking the lake.
Dilwara Jain
Temples: Built between 11th and 13th century A.D, these
temples are famous for their superb carvings in marble.
Vimal Vasahi, the
oldest temple, was built by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanki ruler
of Gujarat in 1031 AD. It is dedicated to Adinath, the first of
the Jain Trithankaras. Made of white marble, it is an outstanding
example of Jain temple architecture.
It has a central
shrine, a room with a transept, a large colonnaded area and an
aisle consisting of 52 niches with statues of the Tirthankaras in
each one. The inner sanctum contains the figure of Adinath in a
mediating posture. The door jambs and lintel are encrusted with
carvings. The Neminath Temple was built 1231 AD by the two
brothers, Vastupal and Tajpal of the Porwarl Jain Community. A
fine specimen of workmanship, as seen it its carvings, friezes,
pillars and sculpted porticos, this temple is dedicated to
Neminath, the twenty second Jain Trithankara. A lot of inspiration
and encouragement went into the construction of this temple and
rewards of gold and silver, equivalent to the weight of marble
covered, were offered to the labourers. The scroll arches are
profusely sculpted and so are the pillars, no two of which are
alike. Built in the Solanki style of architecture, this temple has
a breathtaking marble pendant hanging liked a crystal chandelier
form the central dome of the porch. It descends from the ceiling
like an exotic bunch of half-open lotuses, with such intricately
carved cups, that they appear to be transparent.
Adhar Devi
Temple: Chiseled out of a huge rock, this temple is one of the
favourite tourist spots of Mt. Abu. A climb of 360 stairs leads to
the hill, on which this beautiful marble temple is situated. It it
believed that he image of the goddess was originally hanging in
mid-air, hence the name Adhar Devi.
Sunset Point:
The best Mountain View can be savoured form Sunset Point, south
west of Nakki Lake, where the sun gradually drowns itself in the
azure sky between two mountain peaks. Steps lead up to a high
terrace which offers an awe-inspiring view of the setting sun.
Honeymoon
Point: A rather secluded spot, which looks beautiful at sunset
hour. It also presents a pleasant view of the Abu Valley and the
green fields on the other side of the mountains. Its older name
was Anadra Point.
Shri
Raghunathji Temple: Situated near the 'Nakki' lake is the
temple dedicated to Shri Raghunathji with a beautiful image of the
deity that was placed here in 14th century A.D. by Shri Ramanand
the famous Hindu preacher.
Gardens &
Parks: Beautifully laid parks and gardens are interspersed
throughout the hilly paradise. Ashok Vatika, Gandhi Park,
Municipal Park, Shaitan Singh Park and Terrace Garden are some of
the noteworthy gardens.
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MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES:
Government Museum: The only hill station in western and
central India Mount Abu has been a center of cultural activity
since the pre-historic period. It was the capital of the Parmars
in 13th century AD and later on came under the Chauhans. The
museum was set up in 1962 within the premises of Raj Bhawan to
preserve the archeological wealth of the region. The first section
has been adorned by a diorama of local tribal hut with their usual
living style by adding a gallery of weapons, musical instruments,
ladies ornaments like barly, damani, karna, guthma toda, gaga
walal thoomar, kanksi berla, various type of earrings and garments
etc belonging to hill dwellers. The second section has a series of
miniature paintings based on raga-ragnis, Jain images from Sirohi,
medium sized shields, a small canon called "Topdi" and some pieces
of the carvings on local wood. The notable collection of this
museum is the finely carved out statues of Devdasi or Nartakis
(Dancer) ranging from 6th - 1 2 century AD procured from an
ancient township called Chandravati, 7 kms away from Abu. There is
an image of Chakrabau Shiva having a Trishul in one hand and a
Khadag in the other and sitting on Nandi, the bull. On each side
of Shiva are dancing girls. In the Abu collection consisting of
404 sculptures, the most distinctive exhibit is the Vish Kanya
(snack goddess) which is 3 feet high. The Sculpture Gallery has
some memorial inscriptions collected from nearby areas e.g.
Chapa's inscription (local heroine of Achalgarh).
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EXCURSIONS:
Trevor's Tank (5 km): A part of the forest around Mt. Abu
has been turned into a wildlife sanctuary. The road runs through
thickly wooded hills alive with peasants, peacocks and partridges.
The hills open out to a clearing which contains a deep pool built
by a British engineer, after whom the tank is named. A small
forest lodge overlooks the pool. Trevor's Tank is a bird-watcher's
paradise.
Achalgarh:
A fort, just a little away from Abu, along a motorable road upto
Uria. The ascent has to ber made on food through steeply rising
woods. Only the ramparts and broken walls remain, of the original
fort built by Rana Kumbha in the 14th century. Palanquins are
available on hire for those not in a position to walk. Among the
beautiful temples to be seen in the fort are Achaliswar Mahadev
Temple or Lord Shiva Temple (1412 AD), and the Shantinath Jain
Temple (1513 AD) which has gold-plated image.
Guru Shikhar:
Guru Shikhar is the highest point on the mount & commands a birds
eye-view of Abu and the surroundings areas. Temples located in
this area are the Mira Temple, Chaumundi Temple & small Shaivite
shrine on the "Shikhar".
FAIRS & FESTIVALS:
Summer Festival: The Summer Festival is held every year in
the month of Aashadh (June). The steep rocks, tranquil lakes,
picturesque locations and the pleasant climate of Mount Abu make
it an ideal location for the festival.
The three-day festival is a feast of folk and classical music and
a window of the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan. The festival
begins with the singing of a ballad which is followed by Gair,
Ghoomar and Dhap folk dances which enthrall the spectators.
Sporting events such as the boat race on the Nakki Lake add
variety to the festival.
The Sham-e-Qawwali is a much-awaited musical extravaganza; as
renowned Qawwals from all over the country can be hear regaling
the audience. The grand finale of the festival is display of
dazzling fireworks which adds to the tourist's delight. |
