If you are both a religious and an adventurous kind of person and you love to explore new places to visit, you should not miss any opportunity to visit the Gaumukh Temple, Mount Abu. This mandir is counted as one of the most sacred places in the city. Its geographical position makes it more attractive. Lying surrounded by deep thick green forests, prohibits the tourists to visit this place after dark. Also, its position is quite remote from the normal habitation.
Things to Do:
Every year, many tourists come here to visit this thrilling temple which is away from the locality. Other than the attraction of the temple, the geographical position of the temple makes it a perfect destination for the nature-lovers. You will never forget the experience of standing on the top of the mountain and seeing the lush green valley underlying.
Tourists love to have a walking excursion from their hotels through the road towards the Gaumukh Temple.
You can also trek through the mountains but it is only advised under the proper and safe guidance.
You can also enjoy having picnicked here in the Gaukh temple premises.
Availability:
The Gaumukh Temple, Mount Abu remains open all through the year between 6 AM and 6 PM. It is not advisable to be hereafter dark.
History:
Lord Vashishth is worshipped in the Gaumukh (mouth of a cow) temple. There is a strong historical background for this reason. The ancient myth about the creation of this temple says, at the earlier times, Mount Abu belonged to ‘Arbudaanchal’ and Rishi Vashishth resided here with his wife. He also had a cow Nandini who had the ability to fulfill their mythological wishes. It was mythically believed that Vashishth created the four Rajput Clans.
It is believed that for creating Agnikula, the four Rajput clans of fire, Rishi Vashishth performed a huge and holy yagna. The fire ritual was performed where there was a natural spring. The water of the spring came out flowing out the rock through a cow-head shaped hole.
It is also said that this holy spring is the origin of the three holy rivers of India – the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati.
But why Rishi Vashishth is worshipped here? There is a story behind it too. When he was creating the Agnikula through a yagna, violent earthquakes took place and Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of Mount Abu was formed. Thus, he is considered to be the maker of this hill station and he started worshipped here in the temple.
Architecture:
Holy water keeps flowing from the marble head of a cow present in the Gaumukh Temple. It is, in fact, a large statue. The interior and exterior of the temple are made up of old marble stones and those are designed with lovely carvings, especially the doors and walls. The mandir premises also contain the statues of Lord Krishna and Lord Ram along with Rishi Vashishth, which are all made of marbles.
Best Time to Visit:
As the surrounding of the Gaumukh temple is covered with thick green forest, it is advisable to be here in the rainy season or after dark without having local guidance.
How to Reach?
Mount Abu is well connected with roadways from the nearby cities. You can take a cab or bus to reach the bus station of Mount Abu. The temple is only 4 km away from it. From the bus station, you can hire a local auto or cab to reach the temple. Or, simply enjoy walking through the streets. The trekking option is also available.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About:
There is an interesting story behind the nomenclature of the mountain as ‘Mount Abu’. Rishi Vashish was so powerful that he brought the youngest son of Himalaya, Nandi Vardhan Mountain, to his residing place with the help of Arbud, a snake. The mountain was named with his name as Mount Arbud. But later, during the British rule, mount Arbud became Mount Abu.
Nearby Attractions:
Nearby the Gaumukh Temple, Mount Abu, there is another temple of Hanumanji. The tourists/ devotees need to climb 700 stairs among the lush green forest from the Hanuman temple to reach the Gaumukh temple.
Tips for Visiting:
Never visit the Gaumukh Temple after dark without proper preparations.
You will surely love visiting this temple as here nature is in the upfront being combined with adventure and natural thrill. Hope this blog will help you in preparing your plan to visit the Gaumukh Temple, Mount Abu.