Gaumukh Temple (Vashistha Ashram)
My
sages and sheers had their retreats on Mt. Abu, the most famous being sage Vashistha.
To regenerate the human race, he performed a yagya or magic fire from which
were born the agnikula clans of Chauhan, Solankis, Pannars and Pratihars. A
natural spring that flows that through a sculpted cow's head, gives the shrine
its name. Nearby is the marble image of Nandi who was rescued by the mighty
serpent 'Arbuda'. Carved out of a rock, the hill temple of Arbuda lies against
a picturesque back drop. It is accessible by car or jeep up to 3 km, from where
a descent of 750 steps has to be covered on foot.
Dilwara Temples
Mount Abu was an important Vaishnava and Shaivite pilgrim center up to the 11th
century. Today, it is recognized the world over for it's magnificent Jain temples.
No visit to Abu can be complete without a trip to the famed Dilwara temples.
These temples are the greatest draw of Abu, apart from its salubrious clime.
Half hidden by mango groves their sober exterior belies the wealth of their
interior ornamentation. Wondrously carved in marble, the Dilwara temples enshrine
various Jain tirthankaras, saints. Built between the 11th and 13th century,
are famous for their superb carvings in marble. more details