History

Arbuda Mountains is a mountain range described in the epic Mahabharata. It is identified to be the Mount Abu in southern Rajasthan, India. This mountain is mentioned in the travels of Arjuna during his twelve-year pilgrimage. Adhar Devi Temple, also known as Arbuda Devi Temple is a Hindu temple situated on a hill in Mount Abu. It is one of the top places to visit in Maunt Abu. Arbuda Devi is the incarnation of Katyayani Devi. The Adhar Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Legend has it that ‘Adhar’ of the goddess fell and it was found hanging in mid-air.

This cave-temple is located inside a rocky cleave and can be reached through a flight of 365 stairs, which has been carved in the hill. The inner shrine is reached by crawling a narrow cave. The temple is visited by people in large number during the nine days of the famous festival ‘Navratri. The scenic beauty amidst which the temple stands is quite breathtaking. The entire Mount Abu town is visible from the top. Arbuda Devi is considered as the incarnation of Katyayani Devi. Some historians believe that Parmar rulers were originated at Mount Abu from ‘Agnikund’, which is why Arbuda Devi is still the Ancestral Goddess of Parmar Kshatriyas. Dhoodh Baori, a sacred well with milk coloured water near the temple is believed to have heavenly powers. The locals consider the well as a form of Kamadhenu (Holy Cow), the well is also the main source of water for the temple. The temple is constructed out of one huge solid piece of rock and the inner sanctum is reaching by crawling a narrow cave. It is one of the best specimens of rock-cut temples in India.