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{{Short description|Hill station in Rajasthan, India}}
'''Mount Abu''' is the highest peak in the ] of ] state, in western ]. It is located in ] District. The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is ], at 1722 meters above sea level. It is referred to as 'an oasis in the desert', as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. The town of Mount Abu, the only ] in Rajasthan, is located at 1220 meters elevation.
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2019}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Mount Abu
| other_name = Abu Parvat
| settlement_type = ]
| image_skyline = Mount Abu.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| image_map =
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Rajasthan#India
| pushpin_relief = 1
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption =
| coordinates = {{coord|24.5925|N|72.7083|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = ]
| subdivision_name = ]
| subdivision_type1 = ]
| subdivision_name1 = ]
| subdivision_type2 = ]
| subdivision_name2 = ]
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 1220
| population_total = 22943
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = 50
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2011 census data">{{cite web|title=Census of India: Search Details|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=101584|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034537/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=101584|publisher=]|archive-date=September 24, 2015|access-date=10 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = ]
| timezone1 = ]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = ]
| postal_code = 307501
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = +02974
| registration_plate = RJ 38
| nickname =
| blank1_name_sec1 = Nearest city
| blank1_info_sec1 = ], ], ], ], ],
| iso_code = ]
| footnotes =
}}
'''Mount Abu''' ({{audio|Mount_Abu.ogg|pronunciation}}) is a ] in the ] in the ] of the state of ] in western ]. The mountain forms a rocky plateau 22&nbsp;km long by 9&nbsp;km wide. It is referred to as 'an oasis in the desert' as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. It is also home to numerous ] and ] temples.


==History==
Mount Abu is the highest peak in the vicinity, and is a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and nearby ] for centuries. ] was established in ], and covers 290 km&sup2; of the mountain.
The ancient name of Mount Abu is Arbuda.<ref>{{cite book |editor=Ganga Ram Garg |title=Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World (Ar-Az) |volume=3 |year=1992 |publisher=Concept |page=587 |isbn=9788170223733 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0U2QRpDv2KMC }}</ref> In the ], the region has been referred to as ''Arbudaranya'' ("forest of ''Arbuda''") and 'Abu' is a diminutive of this ancient name. It is believed that sage ] retired to the southern spur at Mount Abu following his differences with sage ]. There is another history story according to which a serpent named "Arbuda" saved the life of Nandi (Lord Shiva's bull). The incident happened on the mountain that is currently known as Mount Abu and so the mountain is named "Arbudaranya" after that incident which gradually became Abu.


According to a legend, the sage ] performed a ] at the peak of Mount Abu, to seek from the gods a provision for the defense of righteousness on earth. In answer to his prayer, a youth arose from the Agnikunda (fire-altar) — the first ].<ref name="Barua24">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FIIQhuAOGaIC&pg=PA24 |page=24 |title=The State at War in South Asia
Mount Abu is home to a number of ] temples. The ] are a complex of temples, carved of white ], that were built between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. The Vimal Vasahi temple is the oldest, built in ] by Vimal Shah, and dedicated to the first of the Jain ]s. The Lun Vasahi Temple, built in 1231 by the brothers Vastupal and Tejpal, who were ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a local ruler of Gujarat who belonged to the Porwal Jain community. Nearby ] is a fort, built in the fourteenth century by ] of ], which encloses several beautiful Jain temples, including the Achaleswar Mahadev Temple (1412) and the Kantinath Temple (1513).
|publisher=] |year=2005 |isbn=9780803213449}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Series-16 Indian History–Medieval India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K7ZZzk8cXh8C&pg=PA6|publisher=Upkar Prakashan|page=6}}</ref> Achalgarh Fort is one of more attractive place which was built by Parmar kings.<ref>{{cite book|last=Naravane|first=M. S.|title=The Gurjar & Gujjar: A Glimpse of Medieval Rajasthan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lF0FvjG3GWEC|year=1999|publisher=APH Publishing|isbn=978-81-7648-118-2}}</ref> The Dilwara Jain Temple is a pilgrimage centre for the Jain religion among the lush green hills of Aravali. The Dilwara Jain Temple is located at a distance of 2.5&nbsp;km from Mount Abu. Vastupala designed the temple. Vimal Shah built it between the 11th century and the 13th century. The complex is sculpted on white marble in every corner of the temple.


The conquest of Mount Abu in 1311 CE by Rao Lumba of the Deora-Chauhan dynasty.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Jaipur Junction |url=https://www.jaipurjunction.in/tourism/#:~:text=The%20conquest%20of%20Mount%20Abu,Shasmal%20made%20Sirohi%20his%20headquarters. |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=www.jaipurjunction.in}}</ref> He shifted the capital city to Chandravati in the plains. After the destruction of Chandravati in 1405, Rao Shasmal made Sirohi his headquarters. Later it was leased by the British government from the Maharaja of ] for use as the headquarters.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}}{{Clarify|reason=Headquarters for what?|date=May 2022}}
The mountain is also home to several ] temples, including the Adhar Devi Temple, carved out of solid rock, the Shri Raghunathji Temple, and a ] shrine and temple to Dattatreya atop ]. A footprint of ] is on top of Mount Abu.


The Arbuda Mountains region is said to be original abode of the famous gurus like ] and ]. The association of the Gurus with the mountain is noticed in many inscriptions and epigraphs including ''Tilakamanjari'' of Dhanpala.<ref>{{cite book|title=Tilakamañjarī of Dhanapāla: a critical and cultural study|author=Sudarśana Śarmā|publisher=Parimal Publications|year=2002|page=214}}</ref> According to one theory, this Gurdhara or land of the gurus got corrupted with time and became Gurjara.<ref>{{cite book|title=The History and Culture of the Indian People: The classical age|author1=Ramesh Chandra Majumdar|author2=Achut Dattatrya Pusalker|author3=A. K. Majumdar|author4=Dilip Kumar Ghose|author5=Vishvanath Govind Dighe|author6=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan|publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan|year=1977|page=153}}</ref>{{qn|date=December 2022}}
The town of Mount Abu is the world headquarters of , a Hindu breakoff group that has been labeled by critics as a cult.


A municipality was established at Abu in 1864; it had six members nominated by the ] (AGG).<ref>{{cite book |author=Rima Hooja |title=A History of Rajasthan |year=2006 |publisher=Rupa |isbn=9788129108906 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tosMAQAAMAAJ |page=1166}}</ref>
The nearest railway station is at ], in the lowlands southeast of the mountain. The station is on the main ] line between ] and ].
]


==Tourism==
{{Rajasthan}}
] ]]
]
]
]
]
]
Mount Abu town, the only ] in ], is at an elevation of {{convert|1220|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}. It has been a popular retreat from the heat of ] and neighboring ] for centuries.
]
]


The mountain is home to several ]s, including the Adhar Devi Temple (also known as Arbuda Devi Temple), carved out of the solid rock; the Shri Raghunathji Temple; and a shrine and temple to ] built atop the ] peak; and the ] (1412).
]

The ], built in the 14th century by ], is nearby and at its center is the popular visitor attraction of the ]. The Toad Rock is on a hill near the lake. Close to the fort is the ], a popular ] temple. Also, Achal Fort Jain Temple, Shantinath Jain Temple (1513) is equally famous.

The ] Ambika Mata Temple lies in a cleft of rock in Jagat, just outside Mount Abu town.

The mountain is also the home to a number of ]s including ], a complex of temples carved out of white ]. The Dilwara Temples or Delvada Temples are located about 2½ kilometers from the Mount Abu town. These ]s were built by Vimal Shah and designed by ], ] ministers of Dholka,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://philae.sas.upenn.edu/Hindi/hindipix.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410073055/http://philae.sas.upenn.edu/Hindi/hindipix.html|title=IMAGES OF NORTHERN INDIA|archive-date=2009-04-10|access-date=2009-03-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> between the 11th and 16th centuries and are famous for their use of white ] and intricate marble carvings.{{Sfn|Shah|1995|p=17}} They are a pilgrimage place of the Jains, and a popular general tourist attraction. The temples have an opulent entranceway, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality.{{sfn|Kumar|2001|p=9}} Minutely-carved ornamental detail covers the ceilings, doorways, pillars, and panels.{{Sfn|Jain|2009|p=271}}
The temple complex is in the midst of a range of forested hills. There are five temples in all, each with its own unique identity.{{Sfn|Coolidge|1880|p=149}} All five temples are enclosed within a single high walled compound. The group is named after the small village of Dilwara or Delvara in which they are located. The five temples are:
*Vimal Vasahi, dedicated to the first Jain ], Shri ]dev.
*Luna Vasahi, dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankara, ].
*Pittalhar, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar, Shri Rishabhadev.
*Parshvanath, dedicated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Shri ].
*Mahavir Swami, dedicated to the last Jain Tirthankara, Shri ]swami.

Among all the five legendary marble temples of Dilwara, the most famous of those are the Vimal Vasahi and the Luna Vasahi temples.{{Sfn|Balfour|1885|p=948}}{{Sfn|Kumar|2001|p=67}}

In Mount Abu, the faith community of ] has its spiritual headquarters, which are represented by its own account in 110 countries.<ref name="Brahma Kumaris">{{cite web | url=http://www.brahmakumaris.org/whoweare/headquarters | title=Brahma Kumaris - Introduction | access-date =2013-11-20 |website=brahmakumaris.org}}</ref> Every year about 2.5 million visitors are supposed to visit the sprawling campus of that spiritual movement.<ref name="Brahma Kumaris" /> The ] ashram has a museum that displays the knowledge that Lord Shiva gave to the Prajapita Brahma. The 50-acre land also provides ample space for meditation and spiritual learning as well as to connect yourself to the stunning, undisturbed natural surroundings.

The ] was established in 1960 and covers 290&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> of the mountain. The sanctuary encircles the town, and sloth bears from the sanctuary have habitually been seen inside the city throughout the year foraging on hotel waste in open rubbish bins.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Prajapati|first1=Utkarsh|last2=Koli|first2=Vijay Kumar|last3=Sundar|first3=K.S. Gopi|date=2021|title=Vulnerable sloth bears are attracted to human food waste: a novel situation in Mount Abu town, India|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/oryx/article/vulnerable-sloth-bears-are-attracted-to-human-food-waste-a-novel-situation-in-mount-abu-town-india/BFE58C39E33FD05AFE5BBC36F36CEA1D|journal=Oryx|volume=Online first|publisher=]}}</ref>

==In literature==
''Arbuda Mountains'' is a mountain range described in the epic '']''. It is identified to be Mount Abu. This mountain is mentioned in the travels of ] during his twelve-year pilgrimage.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dmOUq73LZLgC&dq=arbuda+mountains&pg=PA299 |page=299 |title=Epic India: India as Described in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana |first=Chintaman Vinayak |last=Vaidya |publisher=] |year=1907 |isbn=9788120615649}}</ref>

]'s poem ''Hindoo Temples on the Mountain-Lake of Aboo'', published in ''Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book'', 1839, is a reflection on this mountain fastness.<ref> {{cite book|last =Landon|first=Letitia Elizabeth|title=Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1839|url=https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=ufpcAAAAcAAJ&pg=GBS.PA10-IA44|section=picture|year=1838|publisher=Fisher, Son & Co.}}{{cite book|last =Landon|first=Letitia Elizabeth|title=Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1839|url=https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=ufpcAAAAcAAJ&pg=GBS.PA10-IA49|section=poetical illustration|year=1838|publisher=Fisher, Son & Co.}}</ref>
{{wikisource|Letitia Elizabeth Landon (L. E. L.) in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1839/Hindoo Temples on the Mountain-Lake of Aboo|'Hindoo Temples on the Mountain-Lake of Aboo', a poem by L. E. L.}}

==Climate==
The average annual precipitation of Mount Abu is 1554&nbsp;mm.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/how-have-the-floods-affected-mount-abu/article19386496.ece|title=floodsHow have the floods affected Mount Abu?|newspaper=]|date=29 July 2022}}</ref>

===Monsoon===
Due to its altitude, Mount Abu gets more rain compared to most of Rajasthan, with over 500 mm of rain falling in July and August. While it still has hot summers, the summers aren't quite as hot as well due to the altitude, and the monsoon actually sees relatively comfortable temperatures (24-30 C).

===Winter===
Winters are cool in Mount Abu, with the mercury hovering around 13&nbsp;°C to 22&nbsp;°C. Nights are chilly, and the average night temperature is around 3 to 12&nbsp;°C. The temperature has dipped to as low as −7.4&nbsp;°C.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/jaipur/news/hands-numb-from-cold-tap-water-frozen-record-breaking-cold-in-abu-and-fatehpur-130800971.html|title=राजस्थान में पारा माइनस 7 डिग्री पर पहुंचा:नल का पानी जमा; लद्दाख से भी ठंडा माउंट आबू, 28 साल का रिकॉर्ड टूटा|date=Jan 15, 2023|work=]}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes/> Heavy winter clothing is preferable. In the daytime, light pullovers are sufficient.

{{Weather box
| location = Mount Abu (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2020)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 29.0
| Feb record high C = 30.6
| Mar record high C = 39.6
| Apr record high C = 38.8
| May record high C = 40.4
| Jun record high C = 38.4
| Jul record high C = 35.0
| Aug record high C = 31.1
| Sep record high C = 33.0
| Oct record high C = 33.6
| Nov record high C = 30.4
| Dec record high C = 34.2
| year record high C = 40.6
| Jan high C = 19.6
| Feb high C = 22.6
| Mar high C = 26.9
| Apr high C = 30.9
| May high C = 32.5
| Jun high C = 30.3
| Jul high C = 25.0
| Aug high C = 23.6
| Sep high C = 25.5
| Oct high C = 27.5
| Nov high C = 24.4
| Dec high C = 21.8
| year high C = 25.9
| Jan low C = 2.9
| Feb low C = 5.5
| Mar low C = 10.4
| Apr low C = 15.3
| May low C = 18.3
| Jun low C = 18.2
| Jul low C = 17.1
| Aug low C = 16.2
| Sep low C = 15.5
| Oct low C = 11.9
| Nov low C = 7.1
| Dec low C = 3.8
| year low C = 11.9
| Jan record low C = -7.0
| Feb record low C = -5.8
| Mar record low C = 0.4
| Apr record low C = 4.4
| May record low C = 10.0
| Jun record low C = 13.0
| Jul record low C = 10.0
| Aug record low C = 10.6
| Sep record low C = 6.4
| Oct record low C = 3.4
| Nov record low C = -0.4
| Dec record low C = -7.4
| year record low C = -7.4
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 1.9
| Feb rain mm = 1.2
| Mar rain mm = 2.2
| Apr rain mm = 4.0
| May rain mm = 3.7
| Jun rain mm = 65.3
| Jul rain mm = 601.9
| Aug rain mm = 463.1
| Sep rain mm = 220.0
| Oct rain mm = 23.0
| Nov rain mm = 1.4
| Dec rain mm = 1.6
| year rain mm = 1389.3
| Jan rain days = 0.3
| Feb rain days = 0.1
| Mar rain days = 0.1
| Apr rain days = 0.3
| May rain days = 0.3
| Jun rain days = 3.3
| Jul rain days = 14.6
| Aug rain days = 14.5
| Sep rain days = 6.6
| Oct rain days = 0.8
| Nov rain days = 0.2
| Dec rain days = 0.2
| year rain days = 41.3
|time day = 17:30 ]
| Jan humidity = 49
| Feb humidity = 42
| Mar humidity = 37
| Apr humidity = 37
| May humidity = 41
| Jun humidity = 56
| Jul humidity = 86
| Aug humidity = 91
| Sep humidity = 78
| Oct humidity = 56
| Nov humidity = 52
| Dec humidity = 50
|year humidity = 55
|source 1 = ]<ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| title = Station: Abu Climatological Table 1981–2010
| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010
| publisher = ]
| date = January 2015
| pages = 1–2
| access-date = 18 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = ]
| date = December 2016
| page = M173
| access-date = 18 February 2020}}</ref>
}}

==Culture==
*]

==Demographics==
According to the ], Mount Abu has a population of 22,943, out of which 54.7% are males and 45.3% are females. It has an average literacy rate of 81.15%, higher than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 90.12%, and female literacy is 70.23%. In Mount Abu, 12.34% of the population is under 6 years of age.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/800557-mount-abu-rajasthan.html|title=Mount Abu City Population Census 2011 - Rajasthan|website=www.census2011.co.in|access-date=2017-06-22}}</ref>

Of the people, 89.31% are Hindu, 7.69% are Muslim, and 1.45% are Christian.<ref name=":0" />

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Dilwara Prashvantha Temple.jpg|Parshvanatha Temple at Dilwara group of temples
File:Jain temple Mt.Abu.jpg|Marble sculpture of ]
File:Kalpavruksha page.jpg|] or Kalpavruksha page in Dilwada Jain Temple
File:Nakki Lake.jpg|Nakki Lake after sunset
File:Brahma Kumari foundation Head Quarter at Mount Abu.jpg|Brahma Kumari foundation headquarters at Mount Abu
File:Nakki Lake from Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary.JPG|] covers 290&nbsp;km² of mountains, forests and lake.
File:Turtle Shape Rock.jpg| Turtle-shaped rock near Nakki Lake.
File:Toad rock (Mount Abu).jpg|Toad rock on a hill near Nakki Lake.
File:Monkeys near Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India.jpg|Monkeys near Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India
File:Mount Abu in Monsoon.jpg|Mount Abu in Monsoon
File:Jaipur House at Mount Abu, Rajasthan.jpg|Former royal residence of the royal family of Jaipur. Now, a five-star hotel.
</gallery>

== See also ==
* ]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Sources==
* {{Citation | last=Adams | first=W. J. | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N30DAAAAQAAJ | publisher=] | date=1864 | title=Bradshaw's hand-book to the Bombay presidency and North-western provinces of India }}
* {{citation | last=Balfour | first=Edward | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XCE_AQAAMAAJ | volume=1 | title=The Cyclopædia of India and of Eastern and Southern Asia | publisher=B. Quartitc | date=1885 }}
* {{Citation | last=Coolidge | first=Archibald Cary | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yqYIAAAAQAAJ | title=The Rajputana Gazetteer | volume=3 | date=1880 | publisher=Government Central Branch Press. }}
* {{Citation |last=Jain|first=Arun Kumar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y4aVRLGhf-8C|title=Faith & Philosophy of Jainism|publisher=Gyan Publishing House|date=2009|isbn=9788178357232}}
* {{Citation | last=Kumar | first=Sehdev | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nSDACkmA_ukC | title=A Thousand Petalled Lotus: Jain Temples of Rajasthan : Architecture & Iconography | publisher=Abhinav Publications | date=2001 | isbn=9788170173489 }}
* {{citation |last=Shah |first=Umakant Premanand | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fETebHcHKogC | title=Studies in Jaina Art and Iconography and Allied Subjects |date=1995 |publisher=Abhinav Publications | isbn=9788170173168 }}
* {{Citation|last=White|first=David Gordon|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QDASOTmCxqQC|title=The Alchemical Body: Siddha Traditions in Medieval India |publisher=]|date=1996|isbn=9780226894973}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{EB1911 poster|Abu}}
*
*
*
*
*
* {{Cite Collier's|wstitle=Abu |short=x}}

{{Sirohi district}}

{{Authority control}}

]
]
]
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Latest revision as of 01:27, 2 January 2025

Hill station in Rajasthan, India

Hill station in Rajasthan, India
Mount Abu Abu Parvat
Hill station
Mount Abu is located in RajasthanMount AbuMount AbuShow map of RajasthanMount Abu is located in IndiaMount AbuMount AbuShow map of India
Coordinates: 24°35′33″N 72°42′30″E / 24.5925°N 72.7083°E / 24.5925; 72.7083
CountryIndia
StateRajasthan
DistrictSirohi
Elevation1,220 m (4,000 ft)
Population
 • Total22,943
 • Density50/km (100/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN307501
Telephone code+02974
ISO 3166 codeRJ-IN
Vehicle registrationRJ 38
Nearest cityAbu Road, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Patan, Gandhinagar,

Mount Abu (pronunciation) is a hill station in the Aravalli Range in the Sirohi district of the state of Rajasthan in western India. The mountain forms a rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. It is referred to as 'an oasis in the desert' as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. It is also home to numerous Hindu and Jain temples.

History

The ancient name of Mount Abu is Arbuda. In the Puranas, the region has been referred to as Arbudaranya ("forest of Arbuda") and 'Abu' is a diminutive of this ancient name. It is believed that sage Vashistha retired to the southern spur at Mount Abu following his differences with sage Vishvamitra. There is another history story according to which a serpent named "Arbuda" saved the life of Nandi (Lord Shiva's bull). The incident happened on the mountain that is currently known as Mount Abu and so the mountain is named "Arbudaranya" after that incident which gradually became Abu.

According to a legend, the sage Vashistha performed a yajna at the peak of Mount Abu, to seek from the gods a provision for the defense of righteousness on earth. In answer to his prayer, a youth arose from the Agnikunda (fire-altar) — the first Agnivansha. Achalgarh Fort is one of more attractive place which was built by Parmar kings. The Dilwara Jain Temple is a pilgrimage centre for the Jain religion among the lush green hills of Aravali. The Dilwara Jain Temple is located at a distance of 2.5 km from Mount Abu. Vastupala designed the temple. Vimal Shah built it between the 11th century and the 13th century. The complex is sculpted on white marble in every corner of the temple.

The conquest of Mount Abu in 1311 CE by Rao Lumba of the Deora-Chauhan dynasty. He shifted the capital city to Chandravati in the plains. After the destruction of Chandravati in 1405, Rao Shasmal made Sirohi his headquarters. Later it was leased by the British government from the Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarters.

The Arbuda Mountains region is said to be original abode of the famous gurus like Atri and Vashishtha. The association of the Gurus with the mountain is noticed in many inscriptions and epigraphs including Tilakamanjari of Dhanpala. According to one theory, this Gurdhara or land of the gurus got corrupted with time and became Gurjara.

A municipality was established at Abu in 1864; it had six members nominated by the Agent to the Governor General (AGG).

Tourism

Adishwara temple, Dilwara Temples
Sunset at Mount Abu
View from shooting Point, Mount Abu

Mount Abu town, the only hill station in Rajasthan, is at an elevation of 1,220 m (4,003 ft). It has been a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and neighboring Gujarat for centuries.

The mountain is home to several Hindu temples, including the Adhar Devi Temple (also known as Arbuda Devi Temple), carved out of the solid rock; the Shri Raghunathji Temple; and a shrine and temple to Dattatreya built atop the Guru Shikhar peak; and the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple (1412).

The Achalgarh Fort, built in the 14th century by Kumbha of Mewar, is nearby and at its center is the popular visitor attraction of the Nakki Lake. The Toad Rock is on a hill near the lake. Close to the fort is the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, a popular Shiva temple. Also, Achal Fort Jain Temple, Shantinath Jain Temple (1513) is equally famous.

The Durga Ambika Mata Temple lies in a cleft of rock in Jagat, just outside Mount Abu town.

The mountain is also the home to a number of Jain temples including Dilwara Temples, a complex of temples carved out of white marble. The Dilwara Temples or Delvada Temples are located about 2½ kilometers from the Mount Abu town. These Jain temples were built by Vimal Shah and designed by Vastupala, Jain ministers of Dholka, between the 11th and 16th centuries and are famous for their use of white marble and intricate marble carvings. They are a pilgrimage place of the Jains, and a popular general tourist attraction. The temples have an opulent entranceway, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality. Minutely-carved ornamental detail covers the ceilings, doorways, pillars, and panels. The temple complex is in the midst of a range of forested hills. There are five temples in all, each with its own unique identity. All five temples are enclosed within a single high walled compound. The group is named after the small village of Dilwara or Delvara in which they are located. The five temples are:

  • Vimal Vasahi, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Shri Rishabhadev.
  • Luna Vasahi, dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankara, Shri Neminatha.
  • Pittalhar, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar, Shri Rishabhadev.
  • Parshvanath, dedicated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Shri Parshvanatha.
  • Mahavir Swami, dedicated to the last Jain Tirthankara, Shri Mahaviraswami.

Among all the five legendary marble temples of Dilwara, the most famous of those are the Vimal Vasahi and the Luna Vasahi temples.

In Mount Abu, the faith community of Brahma Kumaris has its spiritual headquarters, which are represented by its own account in 110 countries. Every year about 2.5 million visitors are supposed to visit the sprawling campus of that spiritual movement. The Brahma Kumaris ashram has a museum that displays the knowledge that Lord Shiva gave to the Prajapita Brahma. The 50-acre land also provides ample space for meditation and spiritual learning as well as to connect yourself to the stunning, undisturbed natural surroundings.

The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1960 and covers 290 km of the mountain. The sanctuary encircles the town, and sloth bears from the sanctuary have habitually been seen inside the city throughout the year foraging on hotel waste in open rubbish bins.

In literature

Arbuda Mountains is a mountain range described in the epic Mahabharata. It is identified to be Mount Abu. This mountain is mentioned in the travels of Arjuna during his twelve-year pilgrimage.

Letitia Elizabeth Landon's poem Hindoo Temples on the Mountain-Lake of Aboo, published in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1839, is a reflection on this mountain fastness.

Climate

The average annual precipitation of Mount Abu is 1554 mm.

Monsoon

Due to its altitude, Mount Abu gets more rain compared to most of Rajasthan, with over 500 mm of rain falling in July and August. While it still has hot summers, the summers aren't quite as hot as well due to the altitude, and the monsoon actually sees relatively comfortable temperatures (24-30 C).

Winter

Winters are cool in Mount Abu, with the mercury hovering around 13 °C to 22 °C. Nights are chilly, and the average night temperature is around 3 to 12 °C. The temperature has dipped to as low as −7.4 °C. Heavy winter clothing is preferable. In the daytime, light pullovers are sufficient.

Climate data for Mount Abu (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 29.0
(84.2) 		30.6
(87.1) 		39.6
(103.3) 		38.8
(101.8) 		40.4
(104.7) 		38.4
(101.1) 		35.0
(95.0) 		31.1
(88.0) 		33.0
(91.4) 		33.6
(92.5) 		30.4
(86.7) 		34.2
(93.6) 		40.6
(105.1)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 19.6
(67.3) 		22.6
(72.7) 		26.9
(80.4) 		30.9
(87.6) 		32.5
(90.5) 		30.3
(86.5) 		25.0
(77.0) 		23.6
(74.5) 		25.5
(77.9) 		27.5
(81.5) 		24.4
(75.9) 		21.8
(71.2) 		25.9
(78.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 2.9
(37.2) 		5.5
(41.9) 		10.4
(50.7) 		15.3
(59.5) 		18.3
(64.9) 		18.2
(64.8) 		17.1
(62.8) 		16.2
(61.2) 		15.5
(59.9) 		11.9
(53.4) 		7.1
(44.8) 		3.8
(38.8) 		11.9
(53.4)
Record low °C (°F) −7.0
(19.4) 		−5.8
(21.6) 		0.4
(32.7) 		4.4
(39.9) 		10.0
(50.0) 		13.0
(55.4) 		10.0
(50.0) 		10.6
(51.1) 		6.4
(43.5) 		3.4
(38.1) 		−0.4
(31.3) 		−7.4
(18.7) 		−7.4
(18.7)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 1.9
(0.07) 		1.2
(0.05) 		2.2
(0.09) 		4.0
(0.16) 		3.7
(0.15) 		65.3
(2.57) 		601.9
(23.70) 		463.1
(18.23) 		220.0
(8.66) 		23.0
(0.91) 		1.4
(0.06) 		1.6
(0.06) 		1,389.3
(54.70)
Average rainy days 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 3.3 14.6 14.5 6.6 0.8 0.2 0.2 41.3
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) 49 42 37 37 41 56 86 91 78 56 52 50 55
Source: India Meteorological Department

Culture

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census of India, Mount Abu has a population of 22,943, out of which 54.7% are males and 45.3% are females. It has an average literacy rate of 81.15%, higher than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 90.12%, and female literacy is 70.23%. In Mount Abu, 12.34% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Of the people, 89.31% are Hindu, 7.69% are Muslim, and 1.45% are Christian.

Gallery

  • Parshvanatha Temple at Dilwara group of temples Parshvanatha Temple at Dilwara group of temples
  • Marble sculpture of Dilwara Temples Marble sculpture of Dilwara Temples
  • Kalpavriksha or Kalpavruksha page in Dilwada Jain Temple Kalpavriksha or Kalpavruksha page in Dilwada Jain Temple
  • Nakki Lake after sunset Nakki Lake after sunset
  • Brahma Kumari foundation headquarters at Mount Abu Brahma Kumari foundation headquarters at Mount Abu
  • Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary covers 290 km² of mountains, forests and lake. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary covers 290 km² of mountains, forests and lake.
  • Turtle-shaped rock near Nakki Lake. Turtle-shaped rock near Nakki Lake.
  • Toad rock on a hill near Nakki Lake. Toad rock on a hill near Nakki Lake.
  • Monkeys near Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India Monkeys near Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India
  • Mount Abu in Monsoon Mount Abu in Monsoon
  • Former royal residence of the royal family of Jaipur. Now, a five-star hotel. Former royal residence of the royal family of Jaipur. Now, a five-star hotel.

See also

References

  1. "Census of India: Search Details". censusindia.gov.in. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  2. Ganga Ram Garg, ed. (1992). Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World (Ar-Az). Vol. 3. Concept. p. 587. ISBN 9788170223733.
  3. The State at War in South Asia. University of Nebraska Press. 2005. p. 24. ISBN 9780803213449.
  4. Series-16 Indian History–Medieval India. Upkar Prakashan. p. 6.
  5. Naravane, M. S. (1999). The Gurjar & Gujjar: A Glimpse of Medieval Rajasthan. APH Publishing. ISBN 978-81-7648-118-2.
  6. "Welcome to Jaipur Junction". www.jaipurjunction.in. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  7. Sudarśana Śarmā (2002). Tilakamañjarī of Dhanapāla: a critical and cultural study. Parimal Publications. p. 214.
  8. Ramesh Chandra Majumdar; Achut Dattatrya Pusalker; A. K. Majumdar; Dilip Kumar Ghose; Vishvanath Govind Dighe; Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (1977). The History and Culture of the Indian People: The classical age. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. p. 153.
  9. Rima Hooja (2006). A History of Rajasthan. Rupa. p. 1166. ISBN 9788129108906.
  10. "IMAGES OF NORTHERN INDIA". Archived from the original on 10 April 2009. Retrieved 13 March 2009.
  11. Shah 1995, p. 17.
  12. Kumar 2001, p. 9.
  13. Jain 2009, p. 271.
  14. Coolidge 1880, p. 149.
  15. Balfour 1885, p. 948.
  16. Kumar 2001, p. 67.
  17. ^ "Brahma Kumaris - Introduction". brahmakumaris.org. Retrieved 20 November 2013.
  18. Prajapati, Utkarsh; Koli, Vijay Kumar; Sundar, K.S. Gopi (2021). "Vulnerable sloth bears are attracted to human food waste: a novel situation in Mount Abu town, India". Oryx. Online first. Cambridge University Press.
  19. Vaidya, Chintaman Vinayak (1907). Epic India: India as Described in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Asian Educational Services. p. 299. ISBN 9788120615649.
  20. Landon, Letitia Elizabeth (1838). "picture". Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1839. Fisher, Son & Co.Landon, Letitia Elizabeth (1838). "poetical illustration". Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1839. Fisher, Son & Co.
  21. "floodsHow have the floods affected Mount Abu?". The Hindu. 29 July 2022.
  22. "राजस्थान में पारा माइनस 7 डिग्री पर पहुंचा:नल का पानी जमा; लद्दाख से भी ठंडा माउंट आबू, 28 साल का रिकॉर्ड टूटा". Dainik Bhaskar. 15 January 2023.
  23. ^ "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M173. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2020.
  24. "Station: Abu Climatological Table 1981–2010" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1981–2010. India Meteorological Department. January 2015. pp. 1–2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2020.
  25. ^ "Mount Abu City Population Census 2011 - Rajasthan". www.census2011.co.in. Retrieved 22 June 2017.

Sources

External links

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