Tourist Reception Centre, Mount Abu – 0, Delwara – 3, Guru Shikhar – 19, Achal Gad – 11, Adhar Devi – 3 Gau Mukh – 4, Om Shanti Bhawan – 2, Nakki Lake – 1, Sunset – 1.1/2, Honeymoon Point – 2.1/2, Raghunath Mandir – 1, Gyan Sarovar – 4, Peace Park – 10, Shankar Math – 1.

(Distance in km)

250 steps to reach Shri Adeshwar Jain Temple and 100 more steps to Gopichand ki Gufa.

Bhabhoot Singh – The guide. He is from Beda gaon, Bali in Pali (Rajasthan), approx. 100 km from Mount Abu. Seventy plus age but the enthuse exists to show devotees Gopichand ki Gufa. I started following him. The path is old surrounded by dilapidated fort walls. To reach a cave is a little brave act because one can watch thousands of feet below the car parking area straight from the stairs. No railing around the stairs. Be cautious. We continue walking and with a few steps, we reach Mahakali temple and the cave.

During Tretayug Gopichand – The King meditated inside the cave. It is also said Pandav brothers visited this cave and meditated. There is a small closed passage inside the cave that reaches Jawai Bandh. Though it is closed now but it is said the Pandav brothers reached Jawai Band via this passage.

Little flow of water via cave walls as we enter the cave while bending our back. The atmosphere is dark, peaceful, and cool. Mahakali Temple is in front and the cave is behind.

In earlier times Mount Abu was the location for meditation. During that time Rakshashas try their best to disrupt sages. Sage Vasistha (Guru of Sage Vishwamitra) performed Yagya (holy fire) and four youths arose from the flames – Chauhan, Parmar, Solanki, Parihar. They killed Rakshasas. Peace restored.

Mount Abu was the capital of the Parmaras dynasty. Currently, Raghuveer ji is the King. Paschimi (west) Banas river was shown by the guide flowing, and he said – Purvi (east) Banas river that falls into the Chambal river is flowing on the other side of the mountains.

It was a useful knowledgeable tour. And then Bhabhoot Singh showed Ram Naam (name) written by him in a copy. Currently, he has written 32 lacs Ram Naam. His target is to write 84 lacs. Each day he writes approx. 6,000-7,000 Ram Naam and a few times 13,000.

I question him why he is writing.

He said – It is better to remember God by writing instead of playing cards and doing useless talks.

I offer donations. He guided me to donate it to another person. I ask – Who is he?

He said – This person cures people from evil spirits. He lives here only.

A few rupees were donated. Thank you said I.

We have to stop at a tax barrier just a few km before Achalgarh. Rs. 3 per passenger is charged as Passenger Tax. After crossing the barrier if you turn left you will reach Peace Park, Guru Shikhar and if you drive straight you will reach Achalgarh. We paid six rupees and a few km straight drives to reach the very first temple on the left-hand side – Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple.

The priest showed us the great toe of Lord Mahadev inside a pit. Amazing. Prayers with folded hands. A candle was placed by the priest behind a few idols, and they started glowing. Amazing again. He said – Maharana Kumbha donated Ganesh Ji and Chamunda Mata idols years ago. Skanda Puran Arbudaachal i.e., Mount Abu is mentioned. Achaleshwar Mahadev is the family deity of Parmar rulers. In earlier times it was the center for metal idols. Once the entire hilly area was shaken with tremors. Sage Vashishta worships Lord Mahadev to save. Lord Mahadev pressed his Great Toe to fix tremors since then there is an impression of the Great Toe and is worshipped.

Thank you said I.

If you are touring Mount Abu, you should visit Achaleshwar Mahadev . 11 km approx. is Achalgarh from Mount Abu.

Save Bear Message – This photo was taken at Wild Life Sanctuary in Mount Abu (Rajasthan).

Mount Abu tour I along with my mother visited Guru Shikhar (Aravalli range) – a height of 5,653 feet approx. from sea level 15 km from Mount Abu. Sixty-plus steps we reached Dattatreya Temple inside a natural cave and had talks with Suraj Prakash Giri Ji. Upon the request, he narrated The History of Dattatreya Temple as follows:

A natural cave where Dattatreya Bhagwan meditated and obtained the seat of Guru during Satya Yuga. Since then it is said guru-shishya (Guru and disciple) tradition started and thus the reason this mountain is known as Guru Shikhar. Dattatreya bhagwan is the first Guru of Sages and Devta.

Inside the natural cave is Akhand Dhuni (eternal holy flame) performed by Dattatreya himself and is burning for 24 hours. Dattatreya Bhagwan took bhasma (sacred ash) from this very eternal flame and Bhashmeshwar Mahadev was installed. Daily early morning hours at 4 am havan (matchstick is never used) is organized to offer 108 ahuti (offerings).

If you climb more steps approx. 165 you will reach another temple to have a glimpse of Dattatreya Bhagwan’s feet. Dattatreya Bhagwan was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the son of Sage Atri and Ansuya mata.

For your information: Aravalli is the youngest son of Himalaya. It is said Aravalli arrived with Arbudanath – a snake which is why Aravalli is also known as Arbuda parvat.

Dattatreya Jayanti each year in the month of November.

There are three buses from Mount Abu Bus Depot reaching Guru Shikhar at 3:00, 4:30, and 5:00 pm

Fifty minutes approx. was our journey time as we reached Guru Shikhar via hired two-wheeler.

I was talking about Achalgarh. Knowledge was enhanced by a makeshift stall owner near Shri Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple. Shri Adeshwar Jain Temple and Gopichand ki Gufa (cave) on top of the mountain a must-visit places. Thank you said I and on the way towards Jain temple as well as Cave.

Here I would like to guide you on the way to the Jain temple as well as the cave is next to Achaleshwar Mahadev temple. If you are having a two-wheeler, you can drive up to the Jain temple especially if you are with older people. A steep slope may be tiring to walk for a few. Once the slope is finished 250 steps to reach the temple.

Shoes were removed hands were washed as we enter the temple area. Temple Office is at the entrance gate if you want to visit. After climbing a few steps, we meet Bhola Ram, Mohanlal, and Moti Singh Ji. Upon query, they in short narrated The History and Festival at Shri Adeshwar Jain temple.

550 years old temple built by Dhanasa Seth mahamantri of Maharana Kumbha. He also built the temple of Ranakpur. In total there are fourteen idols weighing 1444 man (40kg = 1 man) made with Gold and Panch Dhatu. Nine idols on one floor and four idols on another floor. Shri Adeshwar Bhagwan, Shri Shantinath Bhagwan, Shri Parasnath Bhagwan few names of bhagwan.

Fagan (fagun) Sud Dasam 5 days before Holi Festival.

Yes, there is Dharamshala for devotees to stay. Rs. 200 per night the charge – I was told by the office.

As I was hungry, I question whether food is available or not. Yes was the reply. Rs. 35 per thali. Two thali, please. And we walk towards bhojanshala and it is important to mention Food was excellent and if you are visiting Mount Abu if possible visit Achalgarh to visit the Shri Adeshwar Jain temple. Thank you.