Mount Abu

ount Abu (pronunciation (help·info)) is a hill station in the Aravalli Range in Sirohi district of the state of Rajasthan in western India.The mountain forms a rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 m (5,650 ft) 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 nearest train station is Abu Road railway station 28 km away.[2]

History

The ancient name of Mount Abu is Arbudaanchal.[citation needed] In the Puranas, the region has been referred to as Arbudaranya (“forest of Arbhuda”) 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.

The conquest of Mount Abu in 1311 CE by Rao Lumba of the Deora-Chauhan dynasty brought to an end the reign of the Parmars and marked the decline of Mount Abu.[citation needed] 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
y the British government from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarters.[

Mount Abu and Gurdhara
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.[3] This Gurdhara or land of the gurus got corrupted with time and became Gurjara.[4

Mount Abu and Parmars
According to a legend, sage Vashistha performed a great 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.[5][6] Achalgarh Fort is one of more attractive place which was built by Parmar kings.[7] Dilwara temple built by mahipala Soalanki (Chalukyu).[8