Mount Abu Adhar Devi Temple, Rajasthan

Address

Mount Abu Adhar Devi Temple, Rajasthan

Subhash Rd, Arbuda Devi,

Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501

Amman

Mount Abu Adhar Devi (Durga)

Introduction

• Location: The Arbuda Devi Temple, also known as the Adhar Devi Temple, is located about three kilometers north of Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
• Significance: This ancient and sacred temple is dedicated to Arbuda Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Katyayani, one of the forms of Goddess Durga. It is a revered pilgrimage site, known for its architectural beauty, spiritual significance, and the unique physical journey required to reach the temple.
• Access: Devotees must climb 365 steps carved into the mountain to reach the temple, making it a challenging yet rewarding ascent. The temple is accessed through a narrow cave opening, enhancing its mystical and sacred atmosphere.

Puranic Significance

• Legend of Adhar Devi:
  • The name “Adhar” means “support” or “hanging,” which refers to the legend that the Goddess’s ‘Adhar’ (or “support”) once hung in mid-air at this location. This unique myth contributes to the temple’s name and its spiritual importance.
  • Arbuda Devi is believed to be an incarnation of Katyayani Devi, a fierce form of Durga. This temple is especially significant during the Navratri festival, during which thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers and seek blessings.
• Historical Connection with the Parmar Rulers:
  • The Parmar dynasty, which ruled the region, is believed to have originated from Mount Abu through a fire pit called Agnikund. According to local belief, Arbuda Devi is the ancestral goddess of the Parmar Kshatriyas, linking the temple to their heritage.
• Sacred Well – Dhoodh Baori:
  • Near the temple is the sacred well known as Dhoodh Baori, which contains water that appears milky. Locals believe this well to be a manifestation of the celestial cow, Kamadhenu, endowed with divine powers. The well also serves as the primary water source for the temple, enhancing its mystical significance.

Special Features

• Ancient Rock-Cut Architecture:
  • The Arbuda Devi Temple is over 1000 years old and is carved from a single massive rock, showcasing the rock-cut architectural style typical of ancient Indian temples. This makes it one of the finest examples of rock-cut temples in the country.
• Narrow Cave Entrance:
  • The temple’s sanctum is reached through a narrow cave, where devotees must crawl to enter, adding a unique and spiritual element to the experience. This makes the visit not just a physical journey but also a symbolic one, representing a deeper connection with the divine.
• Navratri Celebrations:
  • The temple is particularly vibrant during the 9 days of Navratri, when it becomes a major center for worship and devotion. Pilgrims from all over the country flock to the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from Goddess Durga, making it one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations during this period.

Festivals

Navratri

Century/Period

1000 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Mount Abu 

Nearest Railway Station

Abu Road Railway Station (ABR)

Nearest Airport

Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR), Udaipur

Location on Map

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