The Adhar Devi Temple is one of the popular religious destinations, Located in the Mount Abu region of Royal state Rajasthan. The temple is situated in a cave with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The Adhar Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga, another world famous temple in Rajasthan is Karni Mata Temple.

Situated in a cave, The Adhar Devi Temple is one of the popular religious themed tourist destinations in the Mount Abu region. It is situated three kilometers north of the main town of Mount Abu. The Adhar Devi Temple can be reached by climbing up 365 stairs carved into the mountain. The temple itself is located inside a rocky cleave and is reached by crawling through a small opening into the cave. The Adhar Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. It got its name because the legend has it that "Adhar" of the Mataji (Goddess deity) fell here, also it was believed that the image of the goddess could be found there hanging in mid air. As well as being a popular tourist destination, the Adhar Devi Temple is also a common destination for many religion pilgrimages. The Adhar Devi temple receives most pilgrims during the 9 days of the holy Navratri season.

The Adhar Devi temple contains many beautiful statues, and those that make the effort to climb the stairs are rewarded with many picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The climb up to the Adhar Devi temple can be a difficult one so it is recommended that you wear appropriate clothing and footwear. You should not be turned off by this walk as the scenic views surrounding the temple and the wondrous beauty inside make this climb worth the effort.

History

Adhar Devi Temple also known as the temple of goddess Arbuda has an interesting story behind it. Supposedly the "adhar" of the goddess fell here and hence it has been named so. It is said that the image of the goddess Durga can be found hanging here in mid air. This temple is a favorite spot of Hindu pilgrims and one can see it swarming with devotees especially during the Navratri period.

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 of Parmar Kshatriyas.

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

By Air The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Maharana Pratap Udaipur Airport, Dabok (Udaipur) 207-km. One can hire a taxi to get to Mount Abu.

By Train The nearest railway station is Abu Road (29-km) situated on Mumbai-Ahmedabad -Ajmer-Jaipur-Delhi route. From Abu Road one can take a taxi, jeep or bus to Mount Abu.

By Road Ahmedabad is 222-km via Palanpur. Jodhpur is 235-km via Sirohi and Pali. Udaipur is 156-km via Pindwara. (Journey on this route is advisable only during the day). Jaipur is 509-km via Pali-Ajmer. It is connected to all the major towns in northern and western India.