About Mount Abu
Mount Abu was the home of many saints and sages in the old days. Legend has it that all the 330 million gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon used to visit this holy mountain. It is also the place where the great saint Vashishth lived and performed a yagna (sacrificial worship on a fire pit) to create four Agnikula (four clans of fire) to protect the earth from demons. The yagna was supposed to have been performed near a natural spring, which emerged from a rock shaped like a cow’s head.
Mount Abu
According to another legend, once sage Vashishth’s cow Nandini was trapped in a deep gorge and could not free herself. The sage appealed to Lord Shiva for assistance. The Lord sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the cow could float up. Vashishth then decided to ensure that such mishaps did not occur in future. He asked the youngest son of Himalaya, the king of mountains to fill the chasm permanently. This he did with the assistance of Arbud, the mighty snake. This spot came to be known as Mount Arbud and was later changed to its present form – Mount Abu.
This place is held in reverence by Jains as well since Jain scriptures record that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar (spiritual leader), also visited Mount Abu and blessed the city.
Mount Abu situated on an isolated plateau of Aravali range of hills about 4000 ft.(1219 Meters)above sea level is perhaphs one of the prettiest hill stations in INDIA.
Places worth visiting in Mount Abu
Nakki Lake
Toad Roak
Om Shanti Bhawan Or Universal Peace Hall
Dilwara Jain Temples
Adhar Devi Or Arbuda Devi Temple
Mount Abu Sanctuary
Achal Garh Temple and Fort
Guru Shigarh
Gaumukh Temple
Peace Park
Sunset Point
Nakki Lake
Nakhi is a very ancient sacred Lake, according to the Hindu legend. It was so called because, it was dug out from Nails (Nakh) of Gods to live in, for protection against the oppressions of Bash kali-a wicked demon. It is an Artificial Lake surrounded by hill of aravali range. The Lake is about a half mile long and quarter of mile broad and 20 to 30 ft. deep towards the dam on the west. The green hills near the lake, date-palms and Gandi Ghat garden enhance its beauty. The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi wre immersed in this Holly Lake on 12th February, 1948 and Gandhi Ghat was constructed, with green lawns, colourful flower beds and gushing fountains, in his memory. In the heart of the Lake, a Jet fountain was installed in the year 1972 A.D., from which the coloured water, gushes out very high in the Sky.
Near by this lake shopping area is there. We can buy dress materials, antiques, show peices etc.,
Toad Rock
Abu abounds in grotesquely shaped rocks which often resemble animals and even on occassion human beings. As such protrusion, overhanging the south of Nakki Lake is the famous Toad Rock. Its shape resembles a gaint toad over looking the lake. Naturally, most tourists pose before it.
From here the beutiful and fine view of the whole valley looks very fine. Beside Toad Rock, there are also Nun Rock, Nandi Rock and Camel Rock because of their resemblance to these figures.
Om Shanti Bhawan or the Universal Peace Hall
It is the main Hall of the Brahma Kumari`s World Spirituality University. It has a big hall without any pillars and can accommodate up to 3500 people and has a daily visitor tally of over 8,000. It also offers translation facilities for sixteen languages. This hall has been the venue for several international conferences.
History of Brahma Kumaris
In the year 1936 Brahma Baba, as Dada Lekhraj had become, started this Institution under the name ‘Om Mandali’ in sindh Hyderabad (now part of Pakistan, but at that time part of colonial India). A year after Om Mandali’s establishment, the organisation moved from Hyderabad to Karachi. After separation of India and Pakistan, in the year 1950, the Brahma Kumaris moved to Mount Abu, a quiet place reputed for its ancient heritage and regarded as a sacred destination by many in search of spiritual rejuvenation and empowerment. Nestled high in the Aravali Mountains of Rajasthan, it provided an ideal location for reflection and contemplation. After a few years in a rented building, the community moved to the site which remains the University’s world headquarters: Madhuban (meaning ‘Forest of Honey’).
In 1952, Brahma Baba being aware of the devastating scars the troubled independence process and partition had left on people’s lives felt that it was time to share with the rest of India the knowledge that he had received. He therefore sent a few young women members to Bombay and Delhi ‘on service’. Their task was to establish study centres where the knowledge of Raja Yoga could be taught. Today there is scarcely a town in India without a Brahma Kumaris (BK) study centre.
Since the fifties, the organisation has progressed in leaps and bounds. In 1971, permanent centres were established in the UK and Hong Kong, which soon led to worldwide expansion and consistent, progressive growth, both geographically and in overall membership.
Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University teaches the equality amongst all religions. These teachings strengthen the fact that whatever be your form of respect, each path would lead you to the supreme power and not elsewhere. The University preaches peace using spiritual knowledge, yoga and meditation as its tool. Having more than 8500 branches, this University has its headquarters at Mount Abu. You would find the Brahma Kumaris, clad in white, at this place.
There are many branches of the Brahma Kumaris in and around the world. If you wish to do a residential course at this university, you should contact this university’s local branch that’s closest to you. You can, however, even attend an introductory course (that comprise of seven lessons) during your Mount Abu Tour. You would need to spend just three days at the minimum. There’s no charge for this course. There is a museum too in Mount Abu that offers meditation session, thereby outlining the university’s teachings. The entry to this museum is free for all.
Today there are hundreds of thousands of students attending thousands (around 8500) of meditation centres in nearly 129 countries. While Madhuban itself serves as the nucleus of these BK centres, the Madhuban complex currently includes two other campuses, The Academy for a Better World, also known as Gyan Sarovar (Lake of Knowledge) located elsewhere on the mountain, and Shantivan (Forest of Peace) located at the mountain’s base. Altogether every year the three campuses attract over 2.5 million individuals (students and visitors) from all ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The Brahma Kumaris Philosophy and Education
Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, (Brahma Kumaris in short) is a unique Vishwa Vidyalaya (university) and a well known spiritual value based educational institution. Through it’s teachings, the institution has gained global acceptance and unique international recognition. The institution believes in the parenthood of God and the brotherhood of man and is open to the people of the entire globe irrespective of their caste, creed, age and social, economic or political status.
Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya and the two other institutions created by it, namely Raj Yoga Education and Research Foundation and Brahma Kumaris Academy for a Better World are dedicated to the goal of establishing a Value-based society. The main focus is the development of human potential. They aim at bringing harmony in human relations and changing the attitudes and outlook of man so that there is the spirit of brotherhood, love and co-operation.
In order to achieve this goal of establishing a new world order in which there is honesty, sincerity, goodwill and high civic sense, these institutions facilitate people to have a clear vision of their goal and also respective role in the world drama. They give them a clear world view and also knowledge of their own identity. They also teach theory and practice of Rajyoga Meditation so that man’s mind becomes free from tension, bias, prejudices, hypocrisy, jealousy, hatred, greed, ego and such other negative tendencies that cause conflict in the society and degrade the person himself. It gives special guidance for the effort of inculcating moral values and divine virtues in the self and enables a person to experience deep peace and bliss through Meditation and Spiritual Wisdom.
The emphasis of Brahma Kumaris is on promoting the qualities of humanism, tolerance and never-ending enthusiasm for spreading the knowledge of truth in every sphere of life. The institution recognises the intrinsic spirituality and goodness of every human being and helps people rediscover that goodness themselves within, encouraging and facilitating the development of spiritual awareness, attitudes, behavior and skills through a process of lifelong learning. The institution’s purpose is to share the vision of a world where people live in harmony with others and to strengthen individual awareness of the dignity and inherent worth of every human being.
The institution imparts knowledge and experience that enable a person to face the problems of life in a calm, composed and confident manner and to stand like a rock in the midst of strong storms of circumstances. Only such a person can lead a life of inner satisfaction and kindle in others stable faith in goodness and only such a person brings honour to his nation. It firmly believes that education should be for practical life and not merely for a vocation or a profession or job. The education imparted here, though visibly spiritual in content, is a happy blend of ethics, practical psychology, metaphysics or philosophy, the gist of world history and culture, sociology, political science and, in fact, many other subjects.
As an international institution, the Brahma Kumaris offers people of all backgrounds an opportunity to learn meditation and deepen their understanding of universal principles and innate values through a variety of educational programmes, courses and learning resources. As a worldwide family of individuals from all walks of life, the institution provides a caring, co-operative and supportive environment, which encourages individuals to bring out the best in themselves. As a global organization, the institution has created opportunities for people across the world to participate in a variety of initiatives aimed at creating a better world where people live in peace and harmony.
The institution believes that all the problems plaguing the society and the world today – social, economical, political, religious etc., can be eradicated only by building character in all human beings. There is a well-known saying that if character is lost, everything is lost. Hence the institution gives utmost importance to character-formation and to maintaining peace. It believes that if peace is lost, everything is meaningless and purposeless. The inculcation of moral and spiritual values is not a luxury or burden but an absolute necessity.
Brahma Kumaris is an institution with a difference. It is run mostly by women with a spirit of dedication, devotion, renunciation and sacrifice for the welfare of the society as a whole, without any distinction on the basis of race, religion, nationality, caste or creed and without charging any fees. It is supported by voluntary contributions of its students.
Recognitions and Awards
The Brahma Kumaris are associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI) as a non-governmental organization, since 1980. They also have a consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as well as with UNICEF.
The organization has participated in various UN meets and conferences in places like Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, Istanbul, Copenhagen etc.
The United Nations ‘University for Peace’ in Costa Rica receives it’s co-operation in the field of peace education by means of an official agreement.
The Government of Mauritius has recognized it as a University by an Act of Parliament.
The Government of Guyana has adopted the principle of starting the proceedings of their Parliament with three minutes Rajayoga Meditation as suggested by the institution.
The Brahma Kumaris has been awarded UN Peace Medals for 1981 and 1986 and Chief of Brahma Kumaris, Dadi Prakashmani, was awarded International Peace Messenger Award from Secretary General of UN in 1987. Five more National Peace Messenger Awards have also been received by Brahma Kumaris centres in Australia, Kenya etc.
Dilwara Jain Temple
Dilwara Jain Temples is one of the finest Jain temple known world over for its extraordinary architecture and marvelous marble stone carvings, some experts also consider it architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. It seems fairly basic temple from outside but every cloud has a silver lining, the temple interior showcases the extraordinary work of human craftsmanship at its best. These temples were built between 11th to 13th century AD, The beautiful lush green hills surrounding the temple gives a very pleasant feeling. The ornamental details of marble stone carvings is phenomenal and unmatched, The minutely carved ceilings and the pillars are just amazing. All this was done at a time when no transport or roads were available at a height of 1200+ Mtrs in Mount Abu, Huge blocks of marble stones were transported on elephant backs from the Arasoori Hills at Ambaji to this remote hilly region of Mount Abu. Dilwara temples is also a popular Jain pilgrimage attraction.
Dilwara Temple complex consist of five major sections or temples devoted to five jain trithankaras(saints):
1. Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple – This temple was constructed in 1582 and is devoted to Lord Mahaveer the 24th Tirthankara of Jain’s, this temple is relatively small the temple’s upper walls have pictures of the porch painted by craftsmen of sirohi in year 1764.
2. Shri AdiNath Temple or Vimal Vasahi Temple – This temple is build by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanika ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D., this temple is the oldest of all and dedicated to Shri Adinath Ji – The first jain trithankar, the temple has an open courtyard surrounded by corridors all beautifully decorated with marble carved stones. Cells inside this temple are contain tiny images of Jain saints artistically carved on marble stone minutely. The internal dome is aesthetically decorated with design’s of flowers and petals, the huge hall of the temple pillars decorated with the carving work of female figures playing musical instruments. The temple also have the “Guda Mandapa” – A simple hall decorated with the images of Shri Adi Nath.
3. Shri ParshavNath Temple or Khartar Vasahi Temple – This temple was built by Mandika clan between 1458-59 A.D., this temple has the tallest shrine along with four big Mandapa’s amongst all dilwara temples. The carving on the pillars of this temple is yet another example of these jain temples architectural superiority.
4. Shri Rishabdaoji Temple or Peethalhar Temple – This temple is known as Pittalhari/Peethalhar temple because in this temple most of the statues are built using ‘Pittala’ (Brass Metal). This temple was built by Bhima Shah, a minister from Gujarat dynasty, like other temples of Dilwara this temple is also having Gudu Mandapa and Navchowki.
5. Shri NemiNathJi Temple or Luna Vasahi Temple – This temple was built in 1230 A.D. by two brothers known as Tejpal and Vastupal, they dedicated this temple to the 22nd saint of Jainism – Shri Nemi Nathji. This temple has one hall named Rag Mandapa which has three hundred and sixty (360) tiny idols of Jain trithankar all minutely crafted on marble proving once again why these jain marble temples of Dilwara are superior to Taj Mahal, Among all these white marble idols the idol of Shri Neminath Ji is made up of black marble.The pillars of this temple were built by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar.
The Dilwara Jain Temples are open from 12 P.M. to 3 P.M. for tourist’s for free and No photography is allowed inside the temple complex.
Adhar Devi Temple
Situated in a cave, The Adhar Devi Temple is one of the popular religious themed tourist destinations in the Mount Abu region. It is situated three kilometers north of the main town of Mount Abu. The Adhar Devi Temple is reached by climbing up 365 stairs carved into the mountain. The temple itself is located inside a rocky cleave and is reached by crawling through a small opening into the cave.
The Adhar Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. It got its name because the legend has it that “Adhar” of the Mataji (Goddess deity) fell here also it was believed that the image of the goddess could be found there hanging in mid air. As well as being a popular tourist destination, the Adhar Devi Temple is also a common destination for many religion pilgrimages The Adhar Devi temple receives most pilgrims during the 9 days of the holy Navratri season.
The Adhar Devi temple contains many beautiful statues, and those that make the effort to climb the stairs are rewarded with many picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The climb up to the Adhar Devi temple can be a difficult one so it is recommended that you wear appropriate clothing and footwear. You should not be turned off by this walk as the scenic views surrounding the temple and the wondrous beauty inside make this climb worth the effort.
Achalgarh Fort
AchalGarh, sometimes spelt Achalgadh, is one of the many beautiful medieval monuments that can be found in the picturesque Mount Abu, located in the desert in the state of Rajasthan, India. It was commissioned by Rana Kumbha, the esteemed designer who was responsible for many huge fortresses in Southern Rajasthan. Achalgarh is just 8 Kilometers from the main Mount Abu town and is well connected by road.
The fortress AchalGarh is surrounded by massive battlement walls. It is situated at the top of a mountain peak and offers picturesque views all year round. AchalGarh is found at the top of a steep winding path, whereby the 15th century fortresses and the temples are enclosed within the fortified walls. These fortified walls provide scenic lookouts onto the countryside.
A 10 minute climb from AchalGarh brings you to the beautiful and historic Jain Temples. These temples are a must visit for more great views and the beautiful sculpture.
Another must visit temple can be found below the path. The Achleshwar temple is famous for containing a Nandi which is said to be made of 5 metals, gold, silver, copper, brass and zinc. The Nandi is made up of Panchadhattu and weighs more than 4 tonnes.
It is believed that the Achleshwar temple was built in the 9th century and legend has it that it was built around a toe print of Lord Shiva. There is also a pit that is said to reach to the netherworld. Achleshwar also contains a natural Shivalinga. (A Shivalinga is phallus-shaped and fixed on a base, which is shaped like a yoni. The structure symbolises the supreme creative energy. It is usually made of stone but can also be of wood, metal, crystal, and soapstone.) There are also many other sculpted idols which are made of a crystal like stone. In natural light, this stone looks opaque, but if you place a candle behind the idols they take on a beautiful crystal-like sparkle, the stone is called the crystal stone or sfatik in hindi. nearby the temple, we find the scenic looking Mandakini Lake. This lake is surrounded by rocky hills, and rock walls covered with images of a Rajput king and buffaloes. These pictures are said to represent the legend that says the lake was filled with ghee and the watering hole of demons disguised as buffaloes. This was until they were shot by Raja Adi Pal.
GurushikharGurushikhar holds the honor of being not only the highest peak of Mount Abu but the whole of Aravali mountain range, Situated at a height of 1722 meters(5650 Feet) from the sea-level, Gurushikar provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Mount Abu town and green aravali range.
If you are traveling through the beautiful Mount Abu region in Rajasthan, you should ensure that you pay a visit to Guru Shikhar for postcard picture quality views of the town of Mount Abu and the Aravali Range, Guru Shikhar is also home to many beautiful and historic temples.
Coming to the peak of Guru Shikhar, you must make sure that you visit the temple of Guru Dattatreya. Many Hindus in the Western Indian regions believed that Dattatreya is a God. They believe that Dattatreya is an incarnation of the Divine Trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. The word Datta means “Given,” Datta is called so because the divine trinity have “given” themselves in the form of a son to the sage couple Atri and Anasuya. He is the son of Atri, hence the name “Atreya.” Nearby is an historic bell which was inscribed with 1488 V.S (1411AD.) Unfortunately the old bell has disintegrated and had to be replaced by a new one.
If you go to the peak just a little to the north-west of Guru Shikhar, you can visit the shrine dedicated to Ahilya, the mother of Dattatreya. Like those from the taller Guru Shikhar peak, the views are simply enchanting.
To get to the peak of Guru Shikhar, you need to travel the approximately 7km long Delwara AchalGarh road. If you are already traveling through the Mount Abu region, this is a very short trip to see the panoramic views offered of both the town and the lush green Aravali Range. A visit to Guru Shikhar also gives you the ability to enjoy a visit to the historic temples and shrines.
Gaumukh Temple
The Mount Abu region of Rajasthan contains many beautiful and popular tourist destinations. If you are visiting there you must visit the Gaumukh Temple. If you do take the opportunity to visit the Gaumukh Temple and its beautiful surrounds, you can enjoy walking excursions, picnics as well as viewing the beautiful temple and its statues. The Gaumukh Temple is also popular for religious pilgrimages and meditation.
The Gaumukh Temple was built in its location as a dedication to Saint Vashishth. It is believed that Saint Vashishth performed a yagna there that created the four major Rajput clans. There is also a tank that you should visit- the Agni Kund. The Agni Kund is believed to be the site of a sacrificial fire which Saint Vashishth used to perform the yagni from which the four clans were born.
The cow is considered a sacred animal by those who make religious pilgrimages to the Gaumukh Temple and nearby the temple you will find a spring that is believed to have emerged from the mouth of a rock that is shaped similar to a cows head. A large marble statue of a cow has been built on the site. The bull is representative of Nandi, who was Shiva’s vehicle. There is a stream of water that flows from the mouth of the marble bull. Nearby you will find statues of Nandi, Saint Vashishth, Lord Ram and Lord Krishna.
If you are a visitor to the Mount Abu region and you wish to experience some of the local religious culture, you must visit the Gaumukh Temple. Once only popular for Ancient sages and saints to meditate at, the Gaumukh Temple is now a popular tourist destination. The Gaumukh Temple is located around 5 kilometers from the Hanuman Temple situated in a wild valley that is reached by climbing down over 700 steps. The area is covered with very think forest cover and visiting the place after dark & rainy season is not recommended without proper information and local guidance, you should plan for a full day trip to Gaumukh if you want to enjoy the beauty and nature of this place.
Peace Park
The Brahma Kumaris Peace Park is both lovely and serene, It is the realisation of a dream, a natural environment where silence and recreation co-exist, The Peace Park is nestled between two famous peaks of the Aravall hills – the well known spiritual pilgrimage destinations of Guru Shikhar and Achal Garh. The Park Is an oasis of natural beauty found only 8 kms from the Brahma Kumaris Headquarters in Mount Abu. The boundary walls surrounding an area of eight acres are covered with a variety of flowering plants. Its unique rock garden has a variety of succulent plants. The park features playing fields, picnic areas, swings and nature walks. Part of the charm of the park is that it is lovingly cared for by dedicated Brahma Kumars and Kumaris who delight in welcoming thousands of tourists to the park every day. In addition to offering guided tours to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the environs, visitors are also introduced to the innate beauty of the Human soul.
A short video presentation is available for visitors, which highlights concepts of interest within the teachings of Rajyoga. After the video, visitors are invited to experience the practical effects of Rajyoga Meditation in a choice of venues the open air grass hut, the stone cave, the bamboo meditation hut or if they choose they may simply find a quiet place in the naturally peaceful atmosphere of the park’s gardens. The park offers a perfect recreation retreat, with playing fields, picnic areas, swings, and nature walks, When you enter the park grounds, you find the unique Rock Gardens which play host to a wide variety of Succulents, The Park is landscaped to house an orchard area and citrus corner as well as floral displays which include ornamental shrubs, coleus, geraniums, hibiscus, climbers and creepers with the speciality of the park being an exquisite rose garden. The boundary walls surrounding an area of eight acre are a work of art in their own right being decorated with Rose Climbers, Honey, Oleanders and Night queens for fragrance and Bougainvillea to add the vibrancy of colour, while the shady branches of the Silver Oaks offer travelers some respite from the hot Indian sun.
The park invokes serenity and calmness of the body and the soul.
Sunset Point
Returning from Nakhi Lake, by the same road and turning to south-west, from near the Polo-Ground or Trevor Oval also known as Barrakutulla Stadium, the sun-set point is about a mile. There are many rocky seats on the hills, from which calm and charming scene of the setting sun could be conveniently seen, on the plains beyond horizon. Sun Set can also be seen from the Guru Shikhar – the highest point at Mount Abu. From this place, thousands of feet down in the plains the charming sight of distant places, villages and beutiful green valleys represents very attractive atmosphere.
Sunset Point provides you a scenic view of the setting sun. Hundreds of people swarm this area in the evening amidst a carnival atmosphere. The scenic hills, tranquil surrounding, and the pleasant climate makes it a favorite spot of the tourists. The Honeymoon Point located close by is another attraction of Mount Abu. Baylay”s Walk, another Viewers spot lies just 5 kilometers from Sunset Point.
How to get there
By Air: Udaipur (185km) is the nearest airport.
By Train:
Mount Abu railway station is about 28 km from the city. Regular trains connect Mount Abu with cities such as Ahmadabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur.
By Road:
Taxis, jeeps and excellent bus services connect the mountainous town with the rest of the state and cities in Gujarat.
My Visit to Mount Abu
I visited Mount Abu 9 times (every year from 1999). I used to go by Train From Chennai- Ahmedabad Navajeevan Express (Starting from Chennai Daily 9.35 am) and reach Ahmedabad by next day night 20.30pm(35 Hours journey). From Ahmedabad to Abu road we have to catch another Train named Ashram express (Daily 23.30 pm from Ahmedabad) and it will reach Abu road by 3.15 am(4 Hours journey). From Ahmedabad there are number of Trains are passing through Abu road Station daily. Chenai to Ahemedabad 2084 Kms, So it takes 2 days and 2 nights time to reach Abu road.(39 Hours journey). Jodhpur Express is a Direct Train from Chennai, starting Chennai Egmore every Saturday 15.15 pm and reach Aburoad by Monday morning 6.30 am.
Return Journey : Direct Train Jodhpur-chennai Express departing from Aburoad every Monday Night 1.30 am(Tuesday early Morning 1.30am) and reach chennai Egmore by Wednesday evening 16.30 pm. Otherwise you can catch Suryanagari express from Abu road by 23.30 pm and reach Ahmedabad 03.30 am. From Ahmedabad Navajeevan express starting Daily 6.30 am and reach Chennai Central by next day evening 16.15 pm.
If you want to see all places in Mount Abu leisurely you have to stay one week in Mount Abu, If you dont have one week time you can spend atleast 2-3 days to visit all places quickly. Jeeps and Taxis are there for visit these places. Per day up to 10 hour they charges Rs.100-150 per person depending on the places they cover. There are lots of Hotels are there in Mount abu for staying at reasonable rates. The best season to visit Mount abu is from February to June and from October to December.
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