Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Mount Abu, Sirohi district, Rajasthan state, India. The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 19th century, by the Paramara dynasty, and got renovated in 1452 by Maharana Kumbha .
‘Achaleshwar’ means ‘immovable God’ (Achal – Immovable, Ishwar – God); ‘Mahadev’ means ‘Shiva’.
Story of Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple
We have seen temples in which photos of God or idols of God are kept and worshiped. But here in Achaleshwar temple, the ‘left toe’ of Lord Shiva is worshiped. How did Lord Shiva’s toe come here in the story. Lord Shiva’s Nandi had gone to see Kamadhenu’s daughter Nandini who had fallen in a Brahmakai Gadda (hole) which was very deep. So 33 crore God and Goddesses had come to help her except Lord Shiva. This hill started to shake losing its balance. At that point of time, Guru Gautam Rishi and Guru Vashishtha requested Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva sitting at Kashi stretched his left leg and put his toe on the tip of the mountain to balance and keep it stable. Hence Lord Shiva’s toe is worshiped here.
Nandi at the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple
The Nandi (Bull) is 4320 kg, made of five metals (gold, silver, copper, bronze and zinc – ‘panchaloha’), which has 950 kgs of gold. There are only 2 panchaloha Nandi statues in the world, Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal and the other one is here. According to the popular local legend, this statue of Nandi is protecting the temple.
When Muhammad Ghazni attacked this temple, he went inside but did not find anything, so the army started hitting this Nandi on the legs thinking they could find treasures of gold and precious gems hidden inside. A swarm of bees attacked the army who had to run for their lives, but Muhammad Ghazni did not run and he asked forgiveness to lord Shiva, after which he donated a ‘Trishul’ to the temple. People come here and worship the Trishul by going around it for four times and tying a red cloth requesting the God to grant their wishes.
Even today we see a hole under the toe of Lord Shiva. The exact depth of this hole is unknown that how much ever water is put no body knows where it goes.
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple Entry Fees
No Entry fees
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple Timings
Monday to Sunday – 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Best time to visit Achaleshwar Temple
October to March
Summers are cool
Rainy season is Green
Visit Duration
30 minutes – 1 hour
Guide charges
₹100
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple Website
No Official Website
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple Email
No Official Email Address
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple Phone Number
No Contact Number
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple Address
Mahadev Temple
Achal Gadh,
Rajasthan, 307501
Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple Accommodation
There is no accommodation inside or near the temple, there are a few Boarding & Lodging options at Mt Abu.
However if you are looking for Royal Accomodation (Heritage Properties) you can check – Heritage
Places to Visit Near the Temple
Dilwara temples
Mount Abu wildlife santuary
Brahma Kumaris
Nakki Lake
Trevors Tank
How to reach Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple
JCTSL (Bus)
Direct buses to Mt Abu are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Sirohi.
From Mt Abu you can hire a taxi, as it would be one of the easiest way to cover all the places in a single day.
There are direct buses available from the Mt Abu city to the temple.
ISRTC(Train)
The city is well connected from all sides, you can take a bus or taxi from Abu Road railway station to the temple which is approximately 35 kilometres.
Air
Nearest Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur (International / Domestic Airport) is 184 kilometres from the Temple. Drive-time approximately 03 Hours 30 Min.
Bike / Car
Mount Abu – Goa Gaon – Oriya Road – Achalgadh Road – Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple
NOTE – Information mentioned above is completely based the information that i received from the tourist guide