Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple

History

According to local legend recorded by Rajasthan Tourism, the temple is built around a toe print of Lord Shiva. Shiva is worshipped here as a linga, but unusually the linga is a naturally occurring formation.

The temple is known for its filigree work and its many bull statues representing Nandi, Shiva’s mount. A pit inside the temple is said to be the entrance to naraka, the netherworld.

Achalgarh Fort beside it was first built by the Paramara dynasty and was renovated and renamed Achalgarh by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 CE.

Stories

The temple built around a toe print

Local tradition says the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple was raised around the toe print of Shiva. The name comes from Sanskrit words meaning 'immovable lord', and a popular belief links it to Shiva steadying the Abu mountain. Here Shiva is worshipped as a linga, which is said to be a naturally formed stone.

Locals also speak of a pit in the temple as a doorway to Naraka, the netherworld. Another story says that Nandi, Shiva's bull, saved the shrine from attackers by releasing swarms of bees on them.

Metal bull, restored marble and a fort renamed

The temple is believed to date from around the 9th century and is linked to the Paramara dynasty, who also built the first Achalgarh Fort beside it. Maharana Kumbha rebuilt and renamed the fort Achalgarh in 1452. In the temple enclosure stands a large Nandi of five metals, weighing about four tonnes, with an inscription dated 1407.

Later repairs hid the marble carving under a thick layer of lime. In 1979 the crown prince of Sirohi noticed marble showing through it, and careful restoration began. Workers found that the sanctum was built of large marble blocks, not of brick as had been assumed.

Three stone buffaloes by the pond

Close to the temple is a pond with three large stone buffaloes. Local tradition says they stand for demons who rushed to the pond when it was filled with ghee, and who were shot down by a king named Adi Pal.

The temple also has idols carved from sphatik, a quartz stone that looks opaque in daylight but turns translucent when a light is held behind it. A brass image of the 16th-century Charan poet Dursa Arha stands near the great Nandi.

Good to know

Built around a toe print of Shiva

Naturally formed Shiva linga and many Nandi statues

Next to Achalgarh Fort, renamed by Maharana Kumbha in 1452

Getting there

Nearest airport: Udaipur — road to Mount Abu hill station. Abu Road railway station — taxi to Achalgarh fort and temple.