Adhar Devi Temple

India is a country of umpteen gods and goddesses, and everywhere you go, one gets to see temples, churches, mosques, and countless other small places of worship along highways, pathways, and pilgrim routes. As one moves around this diverse country, they remind one of the omnipotent presence in all shapes and sizes. No wonder it lands where empires (now governments) crumble, but the omnipotent rules.

India is a country of temples, and the state of Rajasthan is no exception. Here, one is intrigued by the temple architecture. All over the state, one gets to see temples and monuments built by former rulers and patrons of art and architecture. Abu is also a huge pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Jains. The Jain Delaware temple which is world-renowned is also situated here.

The Athar Devi Temple

This temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is seen as one of the important pilgrimage sites of Mount Abu. The sanctum of the temple is reached after one has climbed 365 steps, one step per day for one year. To enter any hallowed place the ancients believed that one had to bow one's head, Adar Devi Temple is no exception here one has to crawl through a small opening to enter the main temple built in a cave. Even if one is sceptical of receiving any blessings from this goddess, one leaves this place with the thrill of watching nature and Mount Abu from this vantage point. There are many beautiful sculptured statues found here where one could feast one’s eye.

Overweight Abuites. A friend of mine tells me if you want to lose your extra bulk make a daily trip up these steps and pay homage to this deity and rest assured she will grant you your wish. In a short time, you will feel the thrill of youth returning and your bulk shedding with the passage of time. No dietician can guarantee the results like this Devi, don’t believe me give it a try! And see for yourself.

Gaumukh Temple