Do you know Mount Abu is the only hill station of desert state, Rajasthan? Standing at a height of 1722 metres above sea level, this hill station is embraced by lush green hills of the Aravalli range.
Connected with many ancient myths and legends, this town founds mentioning in Puranas too!
Here we bring out a few facts to explore why history buffs and architecture enthusiasts from different corners of the world are visiting this place:
Know its background: Myths and Legends
The history of Mount Abu can be traced back to the Puranas. Known as “Arbudaranya” or “the forest of Arbhuda” in the Puranic Age, Mount Abu is described to have served as a retreat for Sage Vashistha, following his spur with Sage Vishwamitra.
A popular mythology story associated with Mount Abu mentions a serpent named Arbhuda, who had saved the life of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s mount, here. The name “Mount Abu” is a diminutive of its original name which was kept after Arbhuda.
Another legend suggests that Sage Vashistha had performed a yajna at the peak of this very mountain range, seeking provision for the defence of righteousness on earth, from the Gods. His prayer was answered by a youth who sprang out of the yajna fire, known to be the first of the Agnivamsha Rajputs.
History of Mount Abu
Arbhuda Mountains or Mount Abu is also popular for having been the home of Gurjaras. Multiple inscriptions including Dhanpala’s “Tilakmanajari” lay stress on the association of this place with that of Gurjaras.
Top places to visit:
Toad Rock View Point: Known for being surrounded by a number of strangely shaped rocks, Nakki Lake offers numerous photo ops to visitors. One of the most popular destinations near Nakki Lake however, has to be the Toad Rock View Point
Dilwara Temple: Established some time in between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Dilwara Jain temples are considered to be among the best specimens of architectural perfection in the country. A complex of five temple structures, the Dilwara Jain temples are located at a distance of about 2.5 kilometres from Mount Abu.
Nikki Lake, the first manmade lake in India: Recognized as the first ever manmade lake in India, Nakki Lake is also a preferred place to see in Mount Abu. You can choose to take a boat ride at the lake and watch the sun set past the beautiful hills surrounding this place. Nakki Lake is also popular for being the place where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi had been immersed.
How to reach here
Mount Abu does not have an airport of its own and the closest airport is the Maharana Pratap Airport in Dabok, Udaipur, located at a distance of 176 kilometres from Mount Abu.
The railway station at Mount Abu is located at a distance of 28 kilometres from the city. This railway station lies on the connecting rail line between Delhi and Mumbai.