Are you looking for a place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature, the serenity of spirituality, and the thrill of adventure? If yes, then you should visit Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of the Aravalli Range in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. Guru Shikhar is a popular tourist attraction that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Mount Abu and the green Aravalli Range.
It is also a sacred place that has a temple of Guru Dattatreya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Guru Shikhar, its history, legend, name origin, temples, observatory, trekking, timings, weather and tips.
Read on to find out why Guru Shikhar is a must-visit place in Mount Abu for tourists, pilgrims and nature lovers.
Guru Shikhar: Location, Height and View
Guru Shikhar is located about 15 kilometres from Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan. You can reach Guru Shikhar by road from Mount Abu Bus Station via Dilwara-Achalgadh road. The road is well-maintained and scenic. You can rent a taxi or a two-wheeler to reach the base of the mountain. From there, you need to climb about 300 steps to reach the top of Guru Shikhar Peak.
Guru Shikhar is the highest point of the Aravalli Range, which is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. It rises to an altitude of 1722 meters (5650 feet) above sea level. From Guru Shikhar, you can enjoy a stunning view of Mount Abu town and the green Aravalli Range. You can also see the plains of Rajasthan and Gujarat on a clear day. The view is especially mesmerizing during sunrise and sunset.
Guru Shikhar provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Mount Abu town and the green Aravalli range.
Guru Shikhar: History, Legend and Name Origin
Guru Shikhar has a rich history and legend associated with it. According to history, Guru Shikhar was once inhabited by the Gurjars, who were the original residents of Mount Abu. The Gurjars were a tribe that migrated from Central Asia and settled in Arbuda Mountain (the ancient name of Mount Abu) and other parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat in the 6th century AD.
According to legend, King Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu ruler of Delhi, travelled along this peak to meet his bride and consummate his marriage with her. The bride was the princess of Prahladanpur (now known as Palanpur), who was also a Gurjar by origin. The king and his bride spent their honeymoon at Guru Shikhar.
Guru Shikhar is also named after Guru Dattatreya, who is believed to have resided on this peak during his days as a monk. Guru Dattatreya is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who was born to the sage couple Atri and Anasuya. The word ‘Datta’ means given and since he was the son of Atri hence named ‘Atreya’. Thus the boy got his name Dattatreya and is believed to be born with divine power.
Guru Dattatreya is considered as the guru of all gurus and the peak of all peaks. Hence, Guru Shikhar means ‘the peak of the guru’. It is believed that Guru Dattatreya actually put his foot on this peak sanctifying the place.
Guru Shikhar is named after Guru Dattatreya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who resided on this peak.
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Guru Shikhar: Temple of Dattatreya, Bell with Inscription, Raghunathji Temple and Mata Anasuya Temple
At the top of Guru Shikhar is an age-old temple dedicated to Guru Dattatreya. The temple is one of the main attractions at Guru Shikhar peak other than scenic views. The temple has a simple structure with a white dome and a red flag on top. Inside the temple, there is an idol of Guru Dattatreya with three heads representing Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer).
The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year who come to seek blessings from Guru Dattatreya. It is said that whoever visits this temple gets their wishes fulfilled by the grace of Guru Dattatreya.
Nearby the temple, there are some rocky caves where you can see the footprint marks of Lord Dattatreya. These footprint marks are considered as sacred and auspicious by the devotees. They also signify the presence of Guru Dattatreya on this peak.
At the entrance of the temple, there is a huge bell suspended from a wooden frame. The bell has an inscription of 1411 AD on it. The bell is believed to be installed by Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar, who was a devotee of Guru Dattatreya. The bell is rung by the visitors after climbing the peak as a mark of their achievement and gratitude.
The temple of Dattatreya at Guru Shikhar is a sacred place that attracts thousands of devotees every year.
Near Guru Shikhar, there are two more temples that are worth visiting. One is the Raghunathji Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple has an idol of Lord Rama along with his consort Sita and his brother Lakshmana. The temple also has the footprints of Swami Ramanath, who was a famous sage of his time.
The other temple is the Mata Anasuya Temple, which is dedicated to Mata Anasuya, the mother of Guru Dattatreya. The temple has an idol of Mata Anasuya along with her husband Sage Atri and her son Guru Dattatreya. The temple is also a popular destination for pilgrims who come to pay their respects to Mata Anasuya.
Raghunathji Temple and Mata Anasuya Temple are two more temples near Guru Shikhar that are important for pilgrims.
Some other places to visit in Mount Abu are:
Nakki Lake:
This is the first ever manmade lake in India, created at a height of more than 1200m from sea level. You can enjoy boating, picnicking and relaxing at this lake, which is surrounded by hills and greenery. Nakki Lake is also associated with many legends and myths, such as the one that says it was dug by the nails (nakh) of a sage.
Dilwara Temples:
These are a group of five Jain temples that are world-famous for their stunning use of marble and intricate architecture. The temples were built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD by Vastupal and Tejpal, two Jain ministers. The temples are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) and have exquisite carvings, sculptures and designs. The temples are considered as architecturally superior to even the Taj Mahal by many visitors.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary:
This is a protected area that covers a part of the Aravalli Range and has a rich variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is home to many endangered and rare species, such as leopards, sloth bears, sambhars, wild boars, porcupines, langurs, peacocks and more. The sanctuary also has many medicinal plants and herbs that are used for Ayurvedic treatments. You can explore the sanctuary by taking a jeep safari or a nature walk.
Mount Abu Sunset Point:
This is a viewpoint that offers a spectacular view of the sunset over the Aravalli Range and the Nakki Lake. The sunset point is located near the Nakki Lake and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. You can enjoy the changing colours of the sky and the landscape as the sun sets behind the hills. The sunset point also has many stalls that sell snacks, souvenirs and handicrafts.
Brahma Kumaris Ashram Mount Abu:
This is the world spiritual headquarters and university of the Brahma Kumaris, a well-known spiritual movement that teaches Raja Yoga meditation and positive thinking. The ashram is located on a hilltop and has a peaceful and serene atmosphere. You can visit the ashram and learn more about their philosophy, activities and services. You can also attend their meditation sessions, workshops and seminars that are open for all.
These are some of the other places to visit in Mount Abu that you can add to your itinerary.
Guru Shikhar: Mount Abu Observatory, Trekking, Timings, Weather and Tips
Adjacent to the temple of Dattatreya, there is the Mount Abu Observatory operated by the Physical Research Laboratory. This observatory hosts a 1.2m infrared telescope and also several astronomy experiments. The observatory is open for visitors on certain days and timings. You can visit the observatory and learn more about the stars and planets from the experts.
Trekking to Guru Shikhar is one of the top things to do in Mount Abu for adventure seekers. The trek is moderate and takes about an hour to reach the peak from the base. The trek offers a splendid view of the surrounding hills and valleys. You can also spot some wildlife such as langurs, peacocks and squirrels on the way.
The timings to visit Guru Shikhar are from 8 AM to 6:30 PM. The best time to visit Guru Shikhar is from October to November when the weather is pleasant and cloudy. You can also witness a beautiful sunrise or sunset from Guru Shikhar during this time.
Some tips to make your visit to Guru Shikhar more enjoyable are:
1. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for trekking
2. Carry water and snacks with you
3. Avoid littering and respect the nature
4. Be careful while climbing the steps as they can be slippery
5. Ring the bell at the entrance of the temple and make a wish
6. Enjoy the scenic views from the peak and take some pictures
7. Visit the temples and observatory nearby
8. Guru Shikhar is a great place for trekking, observing stars and enjoying nature in Mount Abu.
Guru Shikhar is a must-visit place in Mount Abu for tourists, pilgrims and nature lovers. It offers a unique combination of natural beauty, spiritual significance and adventure activities. It is also a place where you can learn about the history, legend and culture of Mount Abu and Rajasthan.
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If you are planning to visit Mount Abu, don’t miss out on Guru Shikhar. It will surely make your trip memorable and rewarding.
