| A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape that's Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range the hill retreat owes its
cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. The road leading to Mount Abu is a curved one characterized by arid region dotted
with huge rocks in weird shapes and high velocity winds. The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples,
dating back 11th- 13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage centre. 'Abu' according to a legend, stands for the son of Himalaya, deriving its name from Arbuada, the powerful serpent who
rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm. Mount Abu has been home to many sages and saints. Most famous of them was Sage Vashishtha who is believed to have created four Agnikula
Rajput clans from a fire-pit by performing a 'yagna' or fire sacrifice, to protect the earth from the demons. The Yagna was performed besides a natural spring situated below Abu, emerging
from a rock shaped like a cow's head and hence the site was called Gaumukh. |
