Adhar Devi Temple

The Adhar Devi temple is located among beautiful caves on the mountains of Aravalli hills. The temple is located at much height but still is worth visiting as the sight from the temple gives many breathtaking views that will linger in your memory always.The Adhar Dev temple is also known as Arbuda Devi temple. It is the most popular tourist destination in Mount Abu as it is considered one of the Shaktipeeth but it is not included in the list of 51 Shaktipeeth.

History
Arbuda Mountains is a mountain range described in the epic Mahabharata. It is identified to be the Mount Abu in southern Rajasthan, India. This mountain is mentioned in the travels of Arjuna during his twelve-year pilgrimage. Adhar Devi Temple, also known as Arbuda Devi Temple is a Hindu temple situated on a hill in Mount Abu. It is one of the top places to visit in Maunt Abu. Arbuda Devi is the incarnation of Katyayani Devi. The Adhar Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Legend has it that ‘Adhar’ of the goddess fell and it was found hanging in mid-air.

This cave-temple is located inside a rocky cleave and can be reached through a flight of 365 stairs, which has been carved in the hill. The inner shrine is reached by crawling a narrow cave. The temple is visited by people in large number during the nine days of the famous festival ‘Navratri. The scenic beauty amidst which the temple stands is quite breathtaking. The entire Mount Abu town is visible from the top. Arbuda Devi is considered as the incarnation of Katyayani Devi. Some historians believe that Parmar rulers were originated at Mount Abu from ‘Agnikund’, which is why Arbuda Devi is still the Ancestral Goddess of Parmar Kshatriyas. Dhoodh Baori, a sacred well with milk coloured water near the temple is believed to have heavenly powers. The locals consider the well as a form of Kamadhenu (Holy Cow), the well is also the main source of water for the temple. The temple is constructed out of one huge solid piece of rock and the inner sanctum is reaching by crawling a narrow cave. It is one of the best specimens of rock-cut temples in India.

Best Time To Visit:-
Adhar Devi Temple is a prominent temple cum tourist site. On an average, it draws nearly one thousand visitors annually. The footfall increases on the auspicious occasions like Navaratri and other Hindu festivals. Although no entry fee is charged from the devotees, people make donations according to their potential for the welfare of the shrine and the needy.