Guru Shikhar, Mount Abu | The Highest Point in Mount Abu

Guru Shikhar, Mount Abu Overview

Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range and lies about 15 kilometres from Mount Abu. The height of the peak is 1722 meters from sea level thereby promising a breathtaking view of the Aravalli range and the hill station of Mount Abu. Guru Shikhar translates to 'the peak of the guru' and was named after Guru Dattatreya who is believed to have resided on the peak during his days as a monk. The cave atop the peak has been converted to a temple in his remembrance. Guru Shikhar is also home to the Mount Abu Observatory.

After a 15 kilometre drive, you would need to climb a few steps to reach the top of Guru Shikhar Peak. When visited during October and November, the weather gets more cloudy and misty. At the top of Guru Shikhar is an age-old bell with the words '1411 AD' inscribed on it. Ringing that bell after hiking all the way to the peak is like announcing your achievement to the valley of Mount Abu. The sound of the bell chimes long and far.

Legend of Guru Shikhar

According to the local legend, goddess Anusuya was strictly determined to have a son like Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh which led to tension among Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati - the wives of the three Gods and they told their husbands to go to the people and take Anusuya's examination. The people of earth then took a test of Goddess Anusuya, post which she obtained the infant form of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and took them back home to his husband Atri, who had already envisioned the same.

While Atri embraced the three children, their power converted the three into one child with three heads and six hands. Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati, worried about their husbands’ return visited Goddess Anusuya and urged the couple to return them their husbands after which Tridev came to their real form. Impressed by Anusuya and Atri's kind nature, Tridev blessed them with a son, named as Dattatreya, an embodiment of the three Gods. The child had one body but three heads and six arms.

Dattatreya is considered to be an incarnation of the trinity - Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Guru Dattatreya is an archaic temple on the peak. The temple is said to house the footprints of Lord Dattatreya. To the northwest of Guru Shikhar peak is a temple dedicated to Ahilya, Dattatreya's mother.

Things To Do at Guru Shikhar

The mornings draw hikers for two reasons, the breathtaking sunrise and the breakfast served by the shops. The shops along the route of the hike sell absolutely delicious breakfast and are well known for their tea too. You can get good food at any time of the day and binge on your regular packaged chips and chocolates if you're craving them. There are also shops that sell beautiful souvenirs. If you're going with your family, you can plan for a picnic at the top. The view gives plenty of photograph opportunities for everyone. This can be clubbed with a visit to the temple of Dattatreya which will add a pious touch to the whole experience.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Guru Shikhar is during the months of October to March.

Tips

1. After the road ends the steps towards the peak are very uneven, thereby you need to be cautious while bringing elderly and children along.
2. Comfortable footwear which holds to the ground is suggested as the hike can get a little steep at places, but it's not difficult at all.

How To Reach Guru Shikhar

The Guru Shikhar Peak is 15 kilometres away from Mount Abu, a cab can be hired very easily. After that, it is a short hike on 300 steps to reach the topmost point. Two wheelers are also available for rent.