Trip to Ahmedabad-Udaipur-Mt Abu-22nd Oct-27th Oct Day 5

  Trip to Ahmedabad-Udaipur-Mt Abu-22nd Oct-27th Oct Day 5

Day 5-Mt Abu

On the 5^th day we visited  the Brahmakumari campus. At the base of Mount Abu, just before Abu Road begins its climb up Mount Abu, lies a big complex, the third Brahma Kumaris campus, Shantivan. This sprawling collection of buildings was built in response to University's ever–growing world–transforming activities in the area of spiritual education and training.I had not heard of Brahmakumari till the others in the group updated me. There is a big hall where lectures, seminars, workshops on peace are conducted. Someone who is really into spirituality might be interested to sit and listen. We sat for some 10 minutes and came out as we had other places to visit as well.

Next on the list was the famous Dilwara temple. Dilwara Jain Temples is one of the finest Jain temple known world over for its extraordinary architecture and marvelous marble stone carvings, some experts also consider it architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. It showcases the extraordinary work of human craftsmanship at its best. These temples were built between 11th to 13th century AD.The carvings on the celings and pillars are amazing. Dilwara temples is also a popular Jain pilgrimage attraction. Dilwara Temple complex consist of five major sections or temples devoted to five jain trithankaras(saints):

1.       Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple

2.       Shri AdiNath Temple or Vimal Vasahi Temple

3.       Shri ParshavNath Temple or Khartar Vasahi Temple

4.       Shri Rishabdaoji Temple or Peethalhar Temple

5.      Shri NemiNathJi Temple or Luna Vasahi Temple -

One is not allowed to take cameras and mobiles inside hence could not take any snaps. But I just loved the calm, peaceful, serene  atmosphere in the temple.

After Dilwara, we went on our way towards Guru Shikhar. Guru Shikhar, a peak at an altitude of 5,676 feet is the highest point in Rajasthan. It is located at a distance of 15 km from Mount Abu. One can get a panoramic view of the surroundings. This peak is the home to the temple of Dattatreya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the peak is called Guru Shikhar after him as Guru Dattatreya had dignified this place and his footprints are sanctified here in a rock in a cave. Foot prints of swami Ramanath are also here who enshrined the statue in Raghnathji temple in Abu. The steps are kind of steep to climb. There are arrangements of palkis for those who find it difficult to climb.It took us some 1 hour to climb and come down and we also had to make an alternate arrangements for another vehicle to take us there as our driver was not ready to take his nw vehicle on top. Mentally we made a note of the amount that neess to be deducted from the total payment due for transport. On the way we stopped in between as the driver showed us the spot where the famous movie “ Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak” was shot.We clicked a few pictures there too.

Near to Guru Shikhar is Achalgarh, situated eleven kilometers north of Mount Abu has a beautiful Shiva temple showcasing many striking features. Achalgarh  Shiva Temple at Achalgarh near Mt. Abu in Rajasthan is a very famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The place is also renowned for some other colorful Jain temples offering splendid views. Achalgarh Shiva Temple in Mount Abu boasts a number of appealing features ,including what is said to be a toe of Shiva, as well as a brass Nandi (Shiva's vehicle, a bull) and, where the Siva Lingum would normally be, there is a deep hole that is said to extend all the way down to the underworld. Just outside the Mount Abu Achalgarh Shiva temple adjoining the car park three stone buffaloes stand around a tank, while the shape of a King shoots at them with his bows and arrows. According to the mythological belief, the tank was once filled with ghee, but demons, in the form of buffalos came down and polluted the ghee until the king shot them.

One The way , there is another Brahmakumari  maintained place called  Peace Park .The park is huge and lovely . We need to keep walking from one park  to another park till it leads us to the exit. THE Park is nestled between two famous peaks of the Aravali hills–the well known spiritual pilgrimage destinations of Guru Shikhar and Achal Garh.


 



 

It was already evening and hence we had to cancel our climb to Arbuda Devi temple which has some 365 steps to the cave temple .As it was 4:30 already we decided to go to the Sunset Point famous for the sunset view.  Lying south west of Nakki Lake, Sunset point is one of the most popular tourist point in Mount Abu. This viewpoint gets crowded by tourists at the time of sunset. One can go pony riding to the top, or sit on a wheel trolley type or walk up to the top. One can enjoy the orange-coloured sun setting behind the Aravali Ranges. After enjoying a nice sunset view. One can shop for souvenirs from the shops near the point like trinkets, wooden toys, marble statues, sandalwood idols and customised keychains and name plates etc. I picked up a few stuff from there. It was already late and we came back to our guesthouse that we had booked for the second day.