Mount Abu

History

The ancient name of Mount Abu is Arbuda. In the Puranas, the region has been referred to as Arbudaranya ("forest of Arbuda") and 'Abu' is a diminutive of this ancient name. It is believed that sage Vashistha retired to the southern spur at Mount Abu following his differences with sage Vishvamitra. There is another history story according to which a serpent named "Arbuda" saved the life of Nandi (Lord Shiva's bull). The incident happened on the mountain that is currently known as Mount Abu and so the mountain is named "Arbudaranya" after that incident which gradually became Abu. According to a legend, the sage Vashistha performed a yajna at the peak of Mount Abu, to seek from the gods a provision for the defense of righteousness on earth. In answer to his prayer, a youth arose from the Agnikunda (fire-altar) — the first Agnivansha. Achalgarh Fort is one of more attractive place which was built by Parmar kings. The Dilwara Jain Temple is a pilgrimage centre for the Jain religion among the lush green hills of Aravali. The Dilwara Jain Temple is located at a distance of 2.5 km from Mount Abu. Vastupala designed the temple. Vimal Shah built it between the 11th century and the 13th century. The complex is sculpted on white marble in every corner of the temple. Rao Lumba of the Deora-Chauhan dynasty conquered Mount Abu in 1311 CE. He shifted the capital to Chandravati in the plains. After the destruction of Chandravati in 1405, Rao Shasmal made Sirohi his headquarters. It was later leased by the British government from the Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarters. The Arbuda Mountains region is said to be original abode of the famous gurus like Atri and Vashishtha. The association of the Gurus with the mountain is noticed in many inscriptions and epigraphs…

Most-observed species

• Red-vented Bulbul

  Pycnonotus cafer (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  3,332
• Jungle Babbler

  Turdoides striata (Dumont, 1823) · Aves
  2,953
• Saxicoloides fulicatus (Linnaeus, 1766)

  Saxicoloides fulicatus (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  2,885
• Rock Pigeon

  Columba livia J.F.Gmelin, 1789 · Aves
  2,844
• Laughing Dove

  Spilopelia senegalensis (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  2,783
• Common Tailorbird

  Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant, 1769) · Aves
  2,728
• House Sparrow

  Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  2,530
• Large-billed Crow

  Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler, 1827 · Aves
  2,512

Most recent

• M 4.4 — 2021-11-19
  20 km SSW of Jalor, India
• M 4 — 2019-06-05
  6 km SSE of ?bu, India