Achalgarh Fort and Temple
Achalgarh is a fort located northeast of Mount Abu, in Rajasthan, India. The fort was originally built by the Paramara dynasty and was renovated and named Achalgarh by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 CE. Currently, the fort is in a dilapidated condition. There are two major entrance gates to the fort, namely Hanumanpol and Champapol. Inside the fort, there are several historical and religious structures that have deep historical significance, including two ancient temples – one dedicated to Shiva and other to Vishnu, as well as a small shrine dedicated to Dattatreya.
Furthermore, ruins of palaces can be found at various sites around the fort which still retain glimpses of its rich past heritage. The Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is situated just outside the fort, featuring an impressive brass Nandi as well as a place of worship to the toe of Shiva. Nearby an intriguing sight awaits; three stone buffaloes stand around a calming pond. Also located within the walls of the Fort are Jain temples said to have been constructed in 1513, creating a long-standing architectural influence that continues to be admired and appreciated today.
Bheru Tarak Dham
The Bheru Tarak Dham, located in the Nandgiri valley, is fascinating due to its representation of ancient Indian literature. This valley is home to many Ashramas of rishi munis and was the main source of supply for Mount Abu and various Rajputana states. It featured prominently when Colonel Tod, a British army officer and the first European to ever visit Mount Abu, made his momentous journey in 1823. Moreover, Anadara was another important municipality connected to this trail which housed circuit houses from all of Rajputana’s states. Established in 1868, it remains an integral part of this historic track even today.
The temple dedicated to Sahastra Fana of Parshavnath has a captivating structure, built of white marble and situated on an expansive and lush campus. Not only does the temple provide spiritual guidance, it also offers great convenience and comfort to its visitors by way of Dharmshala, BhojanShala, and all necessary pilgrim services. In addition to these impressive amenities, a bus operated from the temple transports visitors to Nakoda Tirth in Barmer district. All together, these outstanding features have made this temple one of the most sought after sacred sites in the region.
Pavapuri Temple
The Pavapuri Tirtha Dham temple is a wonder of modern construction, built by the K.P.Sanghavi Charitable Trust of Sanghavi Poonam Chand Dhanaji Bafana’s family. The beautiful tirth dham is composed of two blocks: Sumati Jeevandaya Dhaam (also known as Gou-Shala) and Pavapuri Dhaam. The latter consists of the temple, a dining hall for devotees, lodging facilities, a garden, a lake and more – all sitting on a sprawling grounds measuring 150 bhiga! Inside the temple lies a majestic idol of Shree Shankheshwar Parshvanath – the 23rd Lord of Jaina’s – standing 69 inches tall. The development process has now been completed and visitors can visit and marvel at features such as the main pavilion and its ornamental Toran Gate which encapsulate the beauty of this wonderful place. Lovers of nature can appreciate the lush gardens that give an extra vibrancy to this already marvellous temple.
The trust provides an exemplary sanctuary for the cows at their Gaushala site. An impressive main idol, decorated with Asht Pratihariya and Panch Tirthi, sits atop a pedestal carved with elephants, Yakshas, and Goddesses. For a safe and hygienic environment for the more than 4500 cows being housed there, the trust offers three 45 RCC shelter houses and 54 tin shade cow shelters. To ensure these animals are taken care of properly, they have recruited a medical team and shepherds to oversee their well-being. In addition to providing food and necessary provisions for each cow, they also provide rich fodder so that their nutrition needs are met. With all these facilities in place, it is no wonder why this trust has been successful in providing comfort and security to so many deserving animals in need.
Sarneshwar Ji Temple
Sarneshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiv and situated on the western slope of Siranwa Hill, is an impressive example of Parmar Dynasty construction and is currently managed by Sirohi Devasthanam. It is known that a major renovation took place in the 16th century, when Queen Apurva Devi of Maharao Lakha had a Hanuman Idol established outside of the main gate. Later, in 1685 V.S., Maharaja Akheyraj gave the temple further decorations. Also within its complex lie impressive idols of Lord Vishnu and a plate with 108 Shiv Lingas. These features highlight the religious significance and beauty of Sarneshwar Temple, which is said to be Kuldev of Deora Clan of Chauhans from Sirohi district.
The temple fort is a majestic sight. Maintaining its regal presence, the two courtyards connected to the main temple are set with Burj and Chaukis encompassing it and three large elephants made of lime and bricks in gorgeous colors at its main gate. A mandakini Kund lies just outside the primary entrance, where many come to take a sacred bath on the holy days of Kartik Purnima, Chaitra Purnima and Vaisakh Purnima. Once a year in Bhadrapadh month (Vikram Samvat), Devuthni Ekadashi is celebrated by ardent devotees with vigor – followed by a fair held especially for rabbaries with strict entrance rules for all others. All these observing features give insight into the importance of this historic temple fort in our culture.
The Sarneshwar Temple also carries a powerful aura of honor and respect to the royal family. The cenotaphs of the previous rulers located within the beautiful settings of this temple offer an incredible view. These cenotaphs built in ancient times are still kept with utmost upkeep, depicting their grandeur. It is believed that those who visit these cenotaphs will be blessed with peace of mind, prosperity and good luck. The royal feeling and glory indulged in the premises makes it more captivating than many other temples.
Guru Shikhar
Guru Shikhar is a breathtaking sight to behold if you’re visiting Mount Abu. It is known as the highest point of the mountain range and offers some of the most picturesque scenes you have ever seen in your life. The trek leading up to it also adds an adventurous touch, being composed of 300 steps. At the summit awaits the temple of Guru Dattatreya, an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. People make pilgrimage to this temple but even those who don’t come for spiritual reasons are constantly awed by the beauty of their surroundings, making Guru Shikhar a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Mount Abu.
Dilwara Jain Temple
The Dilwara Jain temples are a testament to architecture’s long-standing admiration of beauty and craftsmanship. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, these five whit marble temples are located in the vicinity of Mount Abu and have captivated both locals and tourists alike with their intricate designs on doorways, ceilings with exquisitely detailed carvings. While all the temples at Dilwara hold their own charm, it is advisable to visit the whole complex for a complete cultural experience. Thus, Dilwara Jain temples are not just a must-visit place in Mount Abu but also an unforgettable experience that should be enjoyed by everyone visiting India.
Lal Mandir Mount Abu
The Lal Mandir, located on Delwara Road near the Delwara Jain Temple, is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and popular among tourists for its peaceful ambiance. It has been painting red, adding vibrancy to its beautiful structure. The temple is considered one of the oldest and most holy places in Mount Abu and should be visited by every visitor who comes here. It is also known for being a Swayambhu ‘Shiva Temple’, as the Shiva idol inside the temple wears a ‘jenau’. A visit to this ancient religious temple is an integral part of a trip to Mount Abu, providing spiritual enrichment and tranquillity to the visitors.