Sights
Brahma
Kumaris Spritual University & Museum
Adhar
Devi Temple
Nakki Lake
Dilwara
Temples
Brahma
Kumaris Spritual University & Museum
The
Brahma Kumaris teach that all religions lead to god
and so are equally valid, and the principles of each
should be studied. The university’s stated aim is the
establishment of universal peace through ‘the impartation
of spritual knowledge and training of easy raja yoga
meditation’. There are over branches in around the world
to do a residential course at the university you need
to contact your local branch. You can, however, attend
an introductory course (seven lessons) while you’re
in Mt Abu; this would take a minimum of three days.
There’s no charge – the organization is entirely supported
by donations.
There’s
a museum(free) in the town outlining the university’
teaching and offering meditation session.
Adhar
Devi Temple
Three
kilometers north of town, some steps lead to this Durga
temple built in a natural cleft in the rock. You have
to stoop to get through the low entrance to the temple.
There are fine views over Mt Abu from up here.
Dilwara
Temples
These
remarkable Jain temples are Mt Abu’s main attraction
and among the finest examples of Jain architecture in
India. The Complex includes two temples in which the
art of caving marble reached unsurpassed heights.
The
older of the temples is the Vimal Vasahi, built and
dedicated to the first tirthankar, Adinath. The central
shrine has an image of Adinath, each with a Budha-like
cross-leged image. Forty eight elegantly carved pillars
form the enrance to the courtyard . In front of the
temple stands the House Of Elephants, with figures of
elephants marching in procession to the temple entrance.
The
later Tejpal Temple is dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd
tirthankar, and was built in 1230 by the brothers Tejpal
and Vastupal. Like Vimal, they were ministers in the
government of the ruler of Gujarat Although the Tejpal
Temple is important as as extremely old and complete
example of a Jain temple, its most notable feature is
the brilliant intricacy and delicacy of the marble carving
is so fine that, in places, the marble becomes almost
transparent. In particular, the lotus flower which hangs
from the center of the dome is an astonishing piece
of work. It’s difficult to believe that this huge lace-
like filigree actually started as a solid block of marble.
The temple employs several full-time stone carvers to
maintain and restore the work. There are three other
temples in the enclosure, but they all pele besides
the Tejpal and Vimal Vasahi. There’s a festival here
in June (dates vary according to the lunar calendar).
The
complex is open from noon to 6pm (Jains can visit from
sunrise to sunset).Photography is not allowed. As at
other Jain temples, all articles of leather (belts as
well as shoes) have to be left at the entrance. You
can stroll out to Dilwara from the town in less than
an hour, or take a share taxi from opposite the Madras
Café in the center of town.
Nakki
Lake
Nakki
lake is virtually in the heart of Mt Abu and is a big
attraction with tourist. The lake takes its name from
the legend that it was scooped out by a god, using only
his nails or, nakh. It’s a pleasant stroll around the
lake – look for the strange rock formations. The best
Known, Toad Rock looks just like Nun Rock, Nandi rock
or Camel Rock, require more imagination. The 14th
century Raghunath temple stands beside the lake. You
can hire your own boat .
On
the lake is a dilapidated concrete boat-shaped snack
bar (only serving tea and coffee).
