Mount Abu

Once the tranquil retreat of meditating rishis, legend has it that it is home to 330 million gods and goddesses. For Rajputs this is the scene of the great Agni Kunda or sacred fire pit, from which 36 warrior clans emerged. By the 11th century, Mount Abu had become an important Jain center of pilgrimage. Over the next two centuries, many spectacular marble temples were built here. In the 15th century Rana Kumbha of Mewar, who built a fortress here, conquered these hills.

Attractions
Dilwara Temples: At a very short distance of 5 km lie the wonderfully carved Jain temples dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries A.D. Rated as among the finest of Indian temples, it is recommended that any visitor to Rajasthan include them on his itinerary. The marble architecture here is comparable with the best.

Vimala - Vasahi Temple: This is the oldest temple in the complex, built in 1030 A.D. by Vimala Shah, a minister in the Government of Gujarat, to atone for his earthly sins. He dedicated it to Adinath, the first of the Jain tirthankaras, and the central shrine has an image of Adinath. The massive work involved in the temple took fourteen years to complete. The temple has been designed in an austere fashion on the outside but the ornate feeling strikes you immediately as you enter through the gateway.

Neminath Temple: two brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal built this temple in 1230 A.D. It is said that gold and silver, equivalent in weight to that of the marble was given to the workers who worked on or sculpted the temple. Built in the Solanki style of architecture, the temple has a wonderful lotus flower piece hanging from the central dome in the porch. Shaped like a collection of half-open lotuses it is so exquisitely carved it has a translucent quality.

Luna Vashi Temple: Built in 1232 A.D., this temple is similar, but smaller than the Vimila -Vashi Temple. Its carved ornamentation is magnificent indeed. The masterpiece of the Dilwara complex is the ranga mandapa of the Luna- Vashi, with its superb ceiling, from the center of which hangs a clustered marble pendant. On a nearby frieze are sixty-eight dancers in different postures. There are two other temples in the complex, dedicated to Parshavantha and Adinatha.

Nakki Lake: The lake derives its name from the belief that it was gouged out of the earth by the fingernails (nakk) of the gods. The lake is the focal point of tourist activity in Mt. Abu. Boats are available for hire at reasonable rates.

Sunset Point: At a short distance from the lake, a spectacular view of the sunset can be witnessed here in quiet contemplation of nature.

Achalgarh Fort: This fort, built by the warrior King Rana Kumbha is now in ruins Five miles from Mount Abu, this is one of thirty-two forts that were constructed all over Mewar in order to secure the kingdom from invaders. Nearby are the remains of several ancient temples. Notable among these is the 15th century temple of Lord Shiva.

Guru Shikar: The peak of Guru Shikhar, at an altitude of 5,676 feet, is about 2 miles beyond Achalgarh and is the highest point in Rajasthan. It has a commanding view of Abu and its surroundings. Notable temples located here are the Mira Temple, Chaumundi Temple and a small Shaivite shrine.