Luna Vasahi (Shri
Nemi Nathji temple) : Dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara, Shri
Nemi Nathji, it is is situated a little above the Vimal Shah Temple. Built
in 1230 AD by two brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal, ministers of a local
ruler, the temple constructed in memory of their late brother Luna. It's
architecture is similar to Vimal Shah Temple.
The main hall of the temple, Rang mandap, features a
central dome from which hangs a big ornamental pendent with elaborate
carvings. Inside the temple, there are 72 figures of Tirthankars in sitting
posture and just below this are 360 small figures of Jain monks, arranged
in circular group. The temple has 39 cells, each of which contains one
or more images. The elephant cell or hathishala features 10 beautiful
marble elephants, is the centre attraction. Another attraction of this
temple is Kirthi Stambha - a big black stone pillar that stands on the
left side of the temple.
Pithalhar (Shri Rishabh Devji temple)
Also known as Shri Rishabh Deoji temple, the temple was built
by Bhima Shah, a minister of Sultan Begada of Ahmedabad. The temple has
a metal statue of the Rishab Dev Adinath. The main metal used in this
statue is Pital (brass), so the name was given Pittalhar. The temple
consist of a Garbhagriha, Gudh mandap and Navchowki.
Khartar Vasahi (Shri Parshav Nathji temple)
Dedicated to Lord Parshavnath 23rd Jain Tirthankar lord Parshva,
it is the tallest of all the shrines at Dilwara. The temple was built
by Mandlik and his family in 1458-59 AD. It is a three storied building,
and on all the four faces of the sanctum on the ground floor are four
big mandaps. The outer walls of the sanctum comprises of beautiful sculptures
comparable to the ones in Khajuraho and Konarak.
Mahaveer Swami Temple
It is a small temple built in 1582 AD. Dedicated to the 24th Jain
Tirthankara Lord Mahaveer, it houses pictures on the upper walls of the
porch.
Gaumukh Temple
It is a popular pilgrimage and meditation center in Mount Abu. Located
around 5 kilometers from the Hanuman Temple, it can be reached by climbing
down over 700 steps. It is said that the temple was built on the spot
where saint Vashishth performed the great fire sacrifice. It is also known
as Vashistha Ashram. The temple also houses statues of Nandi, saint Vashishth,
Lord Ram, and Lord Krishna. The famous holy river Saraswati flows from
the mouth of a marble cow, hence the name of temple as Gaumukh Temple.
The water is considered as very sacred among Hindus. Since, the place
is located amidst in think forest, visiting the place in late evening
and rainy season is not recommended without proper information and local
guidance. Few metres from here are, the Jamadaghni Ashram, Vyas Ashram
and Nagtirth Ashram.
Adhar Devi Temple
It is 3 km from the town. It is a 15th century temple dedicated
to the serpent goddess Arbuada. The temple is carved out of a rock and
can be approached by a flight of 220 steep steps. One can get the good
views over Mt. Abu from up here.
Honeymoon Point
Also known as Andra Point, Honeymoon point give superb views
across the lush green valley and plains. Surrounded by thick vegetation,
it can be reached by a pleasant walk from the bus stand. On account of
its charming and romantic atmosphere, this area is very popular among
honeymooners and they spend their time at Honeymoon Point for sunset
view. One can find many artistically curved marble statues at this place.
Sunset Point
Like honeymoon point, this area is also give superb views. Situated
approximately 1.5 km southwest of Nakki Lake, it is also popular among
honeymooners which offers romantic vista of Sunset. There are also many
stalls in this Point which sell foods and the souvenir items. One can
see hawkers selling sweets, fired groundnuts, pop corns, chat items etc.
There are horses for hire near to this point.
Bramha Kumaris Spiritual University and Museum
Run by Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, it is an
institution with a difference. Run mostly by women, this is located in
the backdrop of picturesque scenic hilly regions and dense greenish forests.
Founded in 1936 by a religious leader named Brahma Baba in Hyderabad,
the university is aimed at encouraging and facilitating the qualities
of humanism, tolerance and never-ending enthusiasm for spreading the knowledge
of truth in every sphere of life. The university also houses a museum
which promotes the spiritual life. Opens from 8 am to 8 pm.
Contact Address:
Brahma Kumaris,
Shantivan Complex, Post box No-1, Abu Road (Raj.)- 307510
Phone: 09251643310
Museum and Art Gallery
Established in 1962, it is located at the Raj Bhavan Rod. The museum exhibits
weapons, musical instruments, ornaments, local textiles, paintings,
shields, a small canon, carvings on local wood, stone sculptures which
date back to 8th to 12 the centuries etc. The museum is open daily from
10 am to 4.30 PM. Closed on Fridays. Entry is free.
Trevor’s Tank
Named after the British engineer who constructed it, Trevor’s
Tank is 50 m beyond the Dilwara Jain temples. It is a small nature reserve
based around Trevor's Tank. It has a watch tower, which can be accessed
by a flight of rocky stairs. One can see many species of birds like pigeons,
peacocks and partridges also.
Achalgarh
It is a village, situated 8 kms from Mount Abu. The village is
famous for Achalgarh fort and the temple situated inside the fort. The
fort was built in 14th century AD by Rana Kumbha. It was originally built
as a watch tower to keep an eye on the enemies and the surrounding places.
The fort has some beautiful Jain temples enclosed within. The famous among
them are, the 15th century Achaleswar Mahadev Temple and 16th century
Kantinath temple.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Achaleshwar Mahadeo temple is believed to
have Shiva's foot print. The temple houses a beautiful brass Nandi and
also three large stone buffalos pierced with arrows. The Kantinath Jain
temple has gold plated images which are worth a see.
Nearby is the pleasant Mandakini Lake, enclosed by rocky hills, with
images of a Rajput king and buffaloes.
Guru Shikhar
It is 15 km from Mt Abu. The highest point in Rajasthan situated
1721 meters above the sea level, it is the best place to admire the beauty
of Mount Abu. There is a road almost to the top.
At the top is the Aarti Rishi Temple, complete with a priest and good
views all around. Below the temple is a cafe selling soft drinks and snacks.
A small Shaivite shrine and the Guru Dattatreya temple are worth a visit.
To get to this Vishnu temple one need to climb 300 steps or hire a palanquin.
Near to the Guru Dattatreya temple, there was an old bell with inscription
of 1468 V.S. (1411 A.D.) which has been replaced by a new one.
The Ahilya Devi temple is located on its north west has been dedicated
to Ahilya, the mother of Dattatreya. Mira Temple and Chamundi Temple also
located on the mountain.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated 8 km from the town, the sanctuary spreads over an area
of 288 sq.km. Situated at north eastern side of Mount Abu, the sanctuary
houses more that 250 species of animals includes leopard, chinkara, sloth
bear, wild boar, langurs, numerous eye-catching bird setc. Trevor’s
Tank and the highest peak Guru Shikhar are forms a part of this Wild life
sanctuary.
The sanctuary is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm . Eentry fee: Indians Rs.
10, foreigners Rs. 80. Jeep/ car fee: Rs 65/-.
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