Taking pride of being the only hill station of the Rajasthan, an oasis in desert, Mount Abu is a very beautiful place located in Rajasthan, India. Located on a high rocky plateau, this city experiences colder climates and offers pretty amazing sceneries. Well connected to other parts of the country, this city has been a popular tourist destination for various adventures and sightseeing. Located on the beautiful Aravali Plateau, the city of Mount Abu is adorned by lush green forests and loaded with pristine beauty of lakes, architecture of temples and heritage of ancient forts and havelis. Exhibiting the best royalty of bygone times, this city is home to numerous marvels loaded with artistic features and picture worthy craftsmanship. Amidst this enchanting surroundings, the life here is very calm and the locals are friendly as well.
Nakki lake is also the only Indian artificial lake situated at a height of 1200 Mtr's above sea level. History and Legends - The history of Mount Abu can be traced back to the Puranas. Known as “Arbudaranya” or “the forest of Arbhuda” in the Puranic Age, Mount Abu is described to have served as a retreat for Sage Vashistha, following his spur with Sage Vishwamitra. A popular story associated with Mount Abu mentions a serpent named Arbhuda, who had saved the life of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s mount, here. The name “Mount Abu” is a diminutive of its original name which was kept after Arbuda. Another legend suggests that Sage Vashistha had performed a yajna at the peak of this very mountain range, seeking provision for the defence of righteousness on earth, from the Gods. His prayer was answered by a youth who sprang out of the yajna fire, known to be the first of the Agnivamsha Rajputs.
Famous for its exceptionally striking architecture and marble carving, Delwara temple is one of the most beautiful Jain temples in the world. Delwara Temple located about two and a half kilometer away from the famous Nakki Lake One step in this temple and visitors will be spellbound by its enchanting interiors. A profound example of the Nagara style of architecture, Dilwara temple was built between the 11th and the 13th century by Vastupal Tejpal. Within the temple there are 5 small temples. The Delwara Temple includes five equally beguiling temples namely- Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshavanatha and Mahavir Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabhdeo, Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavir Swami and Lord Parshvanath respectively. Out of these five, Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi are the most famous. Each of these shrines has Rang Mandap, a central hall, Garbhagraha, the innermost sanctum where Lord resides and Navchowki, a group of nine heavily decorated ceilings. Some other spell bounding structures include Kirthi Stumbh and Hathishala. With its simplicity and austerity, Delwara Temple tells you about Jain values and principles.
Situated at a distance of 11 km from Mount Abu, Achalagarh Fort was built under the reign of the Paramara dynasty. Later it was renovated by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 CE. The fort was made with the purpose to keep an eye on enemy movements. There is a famous Shiv temple, Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple and Mandakini Lake within the complex of fort. In the center of Achaleshwar Mahadev there is a sculptured image of Nandi (the white bull on which Lord Shiva rides) which is made of 5 meats (bronze, gold, zinc, copper & brass).
