Mt. Abu is the Rajasthan’s only hill station that is a 1200m high plateau
situated in the south of state, close to the Gujrat border. It is a popular hot
season retreat from the plains of Rajasthan and Gujrat. This place has also got
a famous university known as the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University. A mostly
Indian visitor includes newly wedded couples who come for their honeymoons to
enjoy the pleasant climate and easy going pace. Although this place is not as
cool as it used to be, due to increased developments, construction of hotels.
But this place has still retained its green charm. Mt. Abu also has a number of
noteworthy temples, particularly, the Dilwara group of Jain temples, 5 km. away.
This is a very important pilgrimage centre for Janis. This temple has got
excellent marble carvings, which are best among those found in Rajasthan. Also,
like many hill stations Mts. Abu has its own lake known as Nakki Lake. According
to the legends, Mt. Abut is as old as the Himalayas. Mt. Abu is a good place to
simply wander around at leisure. It is a hilly plateau about 22 km long and 6
km. wide.
Prime Sites :
-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.
-Dilwara Jain Temple -
These remarkable Jain temples are Mt 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 unsurpassed heights.
The older of the temples is the Vimal Vasahi, built and dedicated to the first
tirthankar, Adinath. The central shrine has an image of Adinath, each with a
Buddha-like cross-legged image. Forty eight elegantly carved pillars form the
entrance to the courtyard. In front of the temple stands the House of Elephants,
with figures of elephants marching in procession to the temple entrance.

The later Tejpal Temple is dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd tirthankar, and was
built in 1230 by the brothers Tejpal and Vastupal. Although the Tejpal Temple is
important as an extremely old and complete example of a Jain temple, its most
notable feature is the brilliant intricacy 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 dome, is an astonishing piece of
work. The temple employs several full-time stone carvers to maintain and restore
the work.
-Nakki lake -
Nakki lake is virtually in the heart of Mt Abu and is a big attraction with
tourist. The lake takes its name from the legend that it was scooped out by a
god, using only his nails or nakh. It's a pleasant 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 require more imagination. The 14th century
Raghunath temple stands beside the lake. You can hire your own boat.
On the lake is a dilapidated concrete boat-shaped snack bar (only serving tea
and coffee).
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