Adhar Devi Temple

History

Incredible India describes Adhar Devi as a shrine hidden inside a natural cave high on a rocky hill at Mount Abu, reached by 365 steep stone steps that symbolise the days of the year.

The last stretch is a narrow rock crevice through which visitors have to bend or crawl before the cave opens into a lamp-lit sanctum of Goddess Durga. The temple keeps its natural cave walls rather than marble finishes, and the terrace outside looks over Mount Abu’s valleys and forests.

During both Navratris (March–April and September–October) devotees from Rajasthan and Gujarat gather here in large numbers, and the cave fills with hymns and devotional music.

Stories

Why it is called Adhar Devi

Adhar means lips, and the name comes from a belief that the lips of the Goddess fell at this spot. Another belief, repeated in local accounts, says her image could once be seen hanging in mid-air here. The shrine is dedicated to Durga and is also known as Arbuda Devi, after the Arbuda hills of Mount Abu.

Some people count it among the Shakti Peethas, the places linked to the story of Sati's body, though such listings differ from one account to another.

A climb of 365 steps and a crawl into the cave

The temple lies about three kilometres north of Mount Abu town and is reached by climbing 365 steps cut into the mountain. The last stretch is a narrow opening in the rock, through which visitors must bend or crawl to enter the cave shrine.

The temple sees its largest crowds during the nine days of Navratri, when pilgrims from Rajasthan and Gujarat come to worship the goddess in the cave.

Good to know

Rajasthan Tourism cave Devi temple above Mount Abu town

Steep stepped climb with valley views

Often paired with Guru Shikhar or Nakki Lake day plans

Getting there

Nearest railhead: Abu Road — road to Mount Abu. The temple climb starts from a point above the hill town; confirm parking locally.