Achalgarh ( 8 km)
Medieval monument of Mt Abu, is the Achalgadh fort
commissioned by Rana Kumbha, who was responsible for
dozens of gigantic fortresses in southern Rajasthan, with
massive battlemented walls and a situation on a mountain
peak offering great views. A steeply winding path leads up
to the 15th century fortress and the temples within the
fortified walls, great for a view of the countryside.
The carved Jain temples are a 10 minute climb,
worthwhile for the view and the sculpture. Below the path
is the Achleshwar temple, with a Nandi said to be made of
the five metals-gold, silver, copper, brass and zinc,
called Panchadattu, and weigh more than 4 tons. The temple
is believed to have been built in the 9th century around a
toe print of lord Shiva, with a hole claimed to reach the
netherworld, a natural Shivalinga and idols of a crystal
like stone, which looks opaque, but when a candle is
placed behind it sparkles like crystal. Nearby is the
pleasant looking Mandakini lake, enclosed by rocky hills,
with images of a Rajput king and buffaloes. According to
legend, the tank was filled with ghee and the watering
hole of demons disguised as buffaloes until they were shot
by Raja Adi Pal.
