Mount Abu is Rajasthan's
only hill station and the Guru Shikhar is the highest
point between the northern Himalayas and southern Nilgiris.
Mount Abu gets its name mythologically and is the site
of sage Vashishtha's yagya to purify the Kshatriyas who
became the mighty Rajput rulers of Rajasthan. Up to the
11th century Mount Abu was an important Vaishnava
and Shaivite pilgrim center but now locates the Excellent
Delwara Jain temples that are masterpieces of stone and
marble. Nakki Lake is a pleasure point for boaters and
honeymooners while walkers get to see Toad's Rock, Sunset
Point, and the sculpted hill temples of Gaumukh and Arbuda.
Ranakpur is a short drive away. Its 15th century
temple of Adinath spreads over 48000 square feet and 29
halls on 1444 differently carved pillars that are relaxing
and soothing when a breeze flows through them. Jalore,
however, is a small town of Rajasthan with a fort, some
temples, and friendly denizens. |
