Adhar Devi Temple Mount Abu is located among beautiful caves on the mountains of Aravalli hills. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple was named after the 'Adhar' of the Goddess Durga, which fell at the site and was found hanging in mid-air. The temple has full of exquisite idols and sculptures, which make it worth visiting.
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.
Doodh Baori, a sacred well having milk coloured water, is situated near the Adhar Devi Temple. This well is the main source of water for the temple and it is commonly believed that the water has some heavenly powers. Local inhabitants consider this well as a form of Kamadhenu, which symbolizes a cow.
History
The temple of goddess Durga is wrapped in a mythological tale narrating that it is 5500 years old. The holy “Granths”also mention that it is a place where the Adhar of Maa Durga fell and hence it has derived its present name Ahar devi. When the 52 pieces of the goddess fell on the ground the lips of the goddess fell here and so the Shaktipeeth was formed making the place holy and sacred. People also believe that the image of holy goddess is hanging in “mid air”. The blessings make the people feel alive and redefine their lives.
Legends
Arbuda Devi is the incarnation of Katyayani Devi, the 6th Goddess out of the nine Goddesses. A snake named "Arbud" brought Nandivardhan on its back to this mountain, and he was booned by Muni Vashishtas that 33 crores of gods and goddess will reside upon you, and thats why it was established here. It is also said that Muni Vashishta worshipped Lord Shiva and in view of the Kashivishvanath. The historians believe that Parmar rulers were originated at Mount Abu from "Agnikund". Thats why this Arbuda Devi is also the Ancestroal Goddess (Kuldevi) of Parmar Kshatriyas.
Description
Adhar Devi Temple is situated atop a cliff and you have to climb a flight of 365 steep stairs to reach this place. The journey though strenuous is rewarding in ways more than one. You get a bird's eye view of the city from above the temple. It is situated 3 kilometers from the main town of Mount Abu. The inner shrine is reached by crawling a narrow cave. The whole temple is constructed of one huge solid piece of rock and is one of the best specimens of rock cut temples in India.
How to reach
The temple is located uphill in the caves of Mount Abu, and reaching this beautiful and only hill station of Rajasthan is not an issue! The destination attracts myriad tourists and devotees from all over as Mout Abu enjoys great connectivity with nearby cities such as Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Jaipur. Those planning a trip to this gorgeous hill station can book their train tickets for Abu Road railway station, which is about 28 km from the main town. Serving Mount Abu with regular flights is the Dabok Airport in Udaipur. Apart from this, the destination also enjoys great connectivity via state/government buses that pocket-friendly, comfortable and easily available from places such as Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur.
