MT. ABU
Orientation:
Mt. Abu a plateau with an area of around 140 sq.km. is 27 km from
the nearest railway station viz., Abu Road.
This is the only hill station in Rajasthan and spreads out along a
1200 metre high plateau in the south of the state. Apart from its
cool climate Mt.Abu has a number of important temples. It is 22 km
along and six km wide.
The
Dilwara temples which are five km away from Mt.Abu are
its main attractions
and one of the finest examples of Jain
architecture in India. The complex includes two temples where the
art of carving marble has been carried to unsurpassed heights. The
older of these temples is the Vimal Vasahi, dedicated to the first
Tirthankar, Adinath, and built in 1030 AD. The central shrine has an
image of Adinath while around the courtyard are 52 identical cells
each with a Buddha-like cross-legged image.
The Tejpal temple dedicated to Neminath the 22nd Tirthankar was
built in 1230 AD by the brothers Tejpal and Vastupal. Though a good
example of a Jain temple in all respects its most notable feature is
the fantastic intricacy and delicacy of the marble carving. In some
parts the carving is so fine that the marble becomes almost
transparent. The lotus flower which hangs from the centre of the
dome is an incredible piece of work. It is difficult to believe that
this huge lace-like structure is actually carved on a block of
marble. There are several full-time sculptors employed here to
maintain and restore the work.
“
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever” indeed as a great
English Poet has said.
Mount Abu is also the head-quarter of internationally known Brahma
Kumari Eswariya Vidyalaya.
