Mount Abu is a popular holiday destination situated on a rocky plateau high up in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan in Western India. It is a green, lush, and cool place frequented by local and international tourists. Near Mount Abu, a particular cave on top of a cliff calls to the religious. Adhar Devi Temple is also known as Arbuda Devi Temple. It is a holy place of worship that can be reached only by climbing 365 steps. It is a steep ascent and a strenuous one. Nevertheless, many who are religious make the journey. The 5,500-year-old Adhar Devi Temple is dedicated to the almighty goddess Durga - the protective mother goddess and a goddess of war. This guide to Adhar Devi Temple, Mount Abu will prepare you for a pilgrimage to this temple dedicated to the divine feminine.
Things to do / highlights
Visit the inner sanctum
Adhar Devi holy sanctuary is a rock-cut temple, and one of the best examples of this type of structure in India. The temple is nestled on a natural cleft on the rock. The only way to reach the inner sanctum of Adhar Devi Temple is to crawl through a narrow space. Pilgrims make the sacrifice because they believe their devotion will be rewarded by the goddess. Pilgrims believe that going to the temple is an auspicious act that will bring happiness and prosperity to their lives.
Admire the exquisite architecture and the idols
Pilgrims who are devoted to the goddess pay tribute to the many idols in the temple who bestow blessings upon the faithful. While putting into perspective the religious context of the sculptures and idols, one cannot help but admire their exquisite forms.
Take in the breathtaking view
Before exploring the temple itself, you’ll find the need to catch your breath after the steep climb up. Sit down for a few minutes and look outward. An astounding view of mountains and forests will take your breath away. You will also see the entirety of the town below from the cliffside, which in itself is an unforgettable sight.
Check out the sacred well Doodh Baori
A well nearby contains milk-colored water that serves as the main source of water for the temple. The well is also a sacred site. Worshippers believe that the water in the well has heavenly powers. Ask for directions to the Doodh Baori sacred well, which is considered by local Hindus as Kamadhenu or a symbolism of the cow, which is a sacred symbol of life in Hinduism. Adhar Devi Temple is visible from the well. You can sit down on the stones for a while to admire the scenery before you.
Travelers Tips
Posted by Chittaranjan Das on Friday, 14 February 2020
Be respectful
Some people make the trip to Mount Abu to satiate their curiosity and see the sights. But for most visitors, the journey is an important annual pilgrimage. Adhar Devi Temple is a holy place where people come to worship the goddess. Tourists must always respect the beliefs of those who worship in the temple and remember they are standing in a place that is sacred.
Take note of the date for Navratri Festival
Goddess worship is much more central to the practice of Hinduism than in any other major religion in the world. The nine-day post-monsoon autumnal Hindu festival of Navratri brings thousands of people to Adhar Devi Temple. Navratri is Sanskrit for “nine nights”. The power of the goddess (Devi) or divine feminine - the feminine nature of God, is the main object of Navratri rituals and celebrations. This year, the festival starts on October 17 (Saturday) and ends on October 26 (Monday). If you want to visit the temple at its busiest and witness the various activities, then you can book your trip to Mount Abu during the Navratri Festival season.
Prepare for the climb
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that will make it easy and safe for you to climb more than 300 steps to reach the temple. You must also bring water with you and perhaps something to eat quickly to boost your energy. If you are not physically fit to tackle 365 steps carved on a cliffside, then it’s best not to attempt it at all.
How to get there
Adhar Devi Temple is located in Mount Abu, Sirohi District, Rajasthan. The climb up the cliff to the temple itself may be a difficult one, but reaching Mount Abu should be easy. The popular hill station in the Sirohi district is located near Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur. Once you reach the town center of Mount Abu, you have to travel three kilometers (1.86 miles) to get to the temple.
Public transportation
Mount Abu is serviced by buses and trains because it is a holiday destination for local and international tourists. You can take the bus to Mount Abu from other cities in Rajasthan. If you are coming from Mumbai or New Delhi, you may take the train. Abu Road is the nearest railway station to Mount Abu. From Abu Road, you can take a 30-minute taxi ride to Adhar Devi Temple.
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Adhar Devi Temple information
Adhar Devi Temple
Address: Mount Abu, Sirohi District, Rajasthan, 307501, India
Deparment of tourism: Mount Abu
7-Day Rajasthan tour with Mt Abu, Kumbhalgarh, Dungarpur, and Chittorgarh, from Udaipur
Duration: 7 days
History
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