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Tantalized by cool fresh air,
Mount Abu, with
its salubrious climate is a seat of natural beauty. The hill
station is situated in south-east of Rajasthan at a comfortable
altitude of 1219 meters above sea level with its highest peak
Guru Shikhar, at 1722 meters.
Mount Abu
popularly known as the /Paradise of Rajasthan/, has been place
of /Rishis and Munis/(sages). It attracts people towards its
natural splendour and promises sound health. The hill station is
a delight of honeymooners and attracts foreign as well as
domestic tourists in large number.
 The Solanki dynasty whose territory extended up to some parts
of Rajasthan, build the superb marble Dilwara Temples. The Jain
temples of Dilwara are reflection of spiritual devotion of
Solanki dynasty translated into exquisite architectural work and
intricate marble carving. Located just 5 kms from
Mount Abu, Dilwara
Temples are composite cluster of temples and are the finest
examples of religious sculpture seen anywhere in the world. The
exterior of the temple complex is not monumental or impressive
but the outer simplicity of the temple unfolds the splendour of
intricate marble artwork as one steps into the Dilwara Temples.
The finest marble artwork is seen to be believed. One wonders if
this could be the work of human hands.
The interior of the temple is a profusion of carving that
spell - bounds the visitors with its intricacy. Vimal Vasahi has
an elaborate architectural compactness with a sanctum and 52
cells around the courtyard, screened with a double arcade of
carved pillars with amazing ceiling depicting scenes from Jain
scriptures.
 The
/Rang Mandap/ is a beautiful piece of architecture. The central
dome is built of eleven concentric rings five depicting patterns
of figures and animals, while the rest are flower friezes or
abstract designs. Female figures of Vidyadevis or the /Goddesses
of Knowledge/ are superimposed on the rings of the carving.
Hathishala ( Place for elephant) in front of the porch is an
addition to the temple by later day rulers probably due to their
reverence for the elephants, which transported the huge marble
for the construction of the temples.
For the tourists visiting
Mount Abu, it
is a delightful place to visit in summer as well as in winters.
Mount Abu is a rare piece of nature, which offers year round
sylvan charm not even the monsoons wash off it/s glittering
serenity with dampness and humidity. There are often times when
through the thick monsoon clouds the sun breaks out to disclose
most delightful scenes to the visitors with surroundings garbed
in green robe and bejewelled with tinkling water falls.
Basking in the natural beauty,
Mt. Abu has
many places of interest to offer to visitors. Some of them are:-
NAKKI LAKE:  This
small but magnificent lake, surrounded by the green hills is a
pleasant and unique centre of attraction. It is said that a Sage
named Balam Rasiya dug it out with his nails and in the
beginning was known as /Nakki Lake/. Overlooking the lake are
some summer palaces of Maharajas of Rajasthan. The lake offers
picturesque environs with rows of tall, beautiful trees and
hills surrounding it. Boating in this lake is an experience to
be remembered. The visitors who wish to limber up their legs can
have 4-km walk around the lake. Sheer existence of a lake at a
hill station is an experience for any keen tourist.
ACHALGARH FORT:
The fort of Achalgarh is mostly in ruins. The Achalgarh fort
is reached through the steep steps on the mountain flank. One
can have the spectacular view of the area around Achalgarh.
Close to it is Mandakini water tank where there three life size
granite images of buffaloes and carved image of an archer are
still intact. The
temple of
Achaleshwar Maharaj or /SHIVA/ is a most worshipped temple. It
is believed that the deep hole those worshippers pay obeisance
to leads down to the very centre of the earth and was made by
Shiva to make a mark on the face of earth. Just in front of the
temples is brass Nandi, the celestial bull.
GURU SHIKHAR:
Guru Shikhar is situated at 1722 metres above the sea level
just 15 kms from
Mount
Abu,
allows a birds eye view of sylvan surroundings of
Mount
Abu.
A small Shairete Sharim and a temple of Dattatriya standing on
Shikhar are worth visit.
SUN-SET POINT:
Mount Abu is
famous for it/s natural beauty and when the sun sets, in the
evening and reaches the horizon, that particular time is beyond
human imagination. It presents a pleasant spectacle when the
hills are covered in golden glow of the setting sun. From this
point, thousands of feet down in the plains the charming sight
of distant villages and beautiful green valleys present a
panoramic view. Seats and platforms for visitors have been
provided here. Honeymoon Point is another place that offers
enchanting view of the verdant plain and valley. The place is
most beautiful during dusk.
OM SHANTI
BHAWAN:
The universal peace hall also known as /Om Shanti Bhawan/ is
the world headquarters of Brahma Kumaris. The spiritual teaching
tell that there is only one god who is incorporeal and eternal.
The awareness of relationship with and love for God is /Yoga/
Raj-Yoga meditation enables one to have spiritual
transformation. The meditation give mental relaxation eliminates
stress and negative thoughts. The institution is recognised by
UN. /Om Shanti Bhawan/ is the main hall on Vishwa-Vidyalaya
Campus, an attractive free-spanning structure having the seating
capacity of about 3000 people. |
