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Beyond the Brahma
Kumaris University, about 3km northeast of Mount Abu, a flight of more than four
hundred steps climbs up to Adhar Devi temple (dedicated to Durga), cut into the
rocky hilltop. The milk-colored water of the Doodh Baori well at the foot of the
steps is considered to be a source of pure milk ( doodh ) for gods and sages.
A further 8km northeast, the temple complex at ACHALGARH is dominated by the
Achaleshwar Mahadeo temple, believed to have been created when Lord Shiva placed
his toe on the spot to still an earthquake. Its sanctuary holds neither an image
of Shiva nor a lingam, only a yoni with a hole in it said to reach into the
netherworld, watched over by figures of Parvati and Ganesh on the walls. Statues
of Parvati flank the entrance, faced by an unusually large metal Nandi bull.
Subsidiary shrines include one dedicated to Vishnu, in which detailed plaques
depict the familiar reclining Vishnu and his nine incarnations. The large tank
lined with stone buffaloes outside the temple, intended to contain purifying
water, is the legendary scene of the slaying of demons disguised as buffaloes
who stole purifying ghee from the tank. Nearby, the Jamadagni Ashram is site of
the Agnikund, where the sage Vashista presided over the fire ritual that
produced the four Rajput clans (the Parmars, Parihars, Solankis and Chauhans).
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The lesser
visited, but more dramatically situated, Gaumukh temple lies 7km south of the
market area. Reached via a steep flight of 750 steps (which you drop down
initially), the small pool inside the shrine is believed to hold water from the
sacred Sarawati Ganga river. Pilgrims come here to perform Gauda puja, to invoke
the blessings of India's two greatest Rishis (sages), Vashista and Vishwamitra,
who are thought to have meditated and conducted a famous metaphysical debate on
the spot.
The last important Hindu pilgrimage site on Mount Abu is the Atri Rishi temple
at Guru Shikar, 15km northeast of town, which at 1772m above sea level marks the
highest point in Rajasthan. Depending on how energetic you're feeling, you can
enjoy superb panoramic vistas either from the temple itself, or from the drinks
stall at the bottom of the steps that lead up to it.
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