Mount Abu

 In the recent years, the spiritual activities of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University {BKWSU} have given a unique identity to Mount Abu in the whole world. It is a spiritual and educational organization, which propagates ethical and human values. This organization was established in 1936 A.D. in Hyderabad (Sind, in Pakistan) by Incorporeal God Shiva through his corporeal medium— Prajapita Brahma (original name – Dada Lekh Raj). Originally known as Om Mandali, this organisation was shifted to Mount Abu in 1950.

   The international headquarters of this organization are in Pandav Bhavan, situated here at Mount Abu. It is lovingly called ‘Madhuban’ {the forest of honey}, which serves as a meeting place for spiritual students from around the world. The visitors get immense peace and receive blessings by visiting Brahma Baba’s Room, Baba’s Hut and the Tower of Peace, which stands a memorial to Brahma Baba’s great spiritual penance and untiring service unto mankind. And in front of Pandav Bhavan, there is ‘Om Shanti Bhavan’, which is a beautiful piece of architecture and a centre of tourist attraction. At a distance of 5 kilometers from Pandav Bhavan, is situated “Gyan Sarovar” which is also known as Academy for a Better World. It is also an associate organization of the BKWSU and advanced training on subjects like human values, stress-free management, self-development and positive thinking etc. is given in this Academy. The aspirants visit ‘Gyan Sarovar’ round the year. The art-gallery here presents the human history by beautiful pictures and models.

  Near the Pandav Bhavan is located J.Watumull Global Hospital & Research Centre, popularly known as Global Hospital, which is equipped with ultramodern facilities and is ever ready to serve the humanity. It is established and managed by the Brahmakumaris and most of the qualified doctors and staff are dedicated BKs. On account of the research carried out in the Global Hospital, many Coronary Artery Disease (C.A.D.) patients heave a sigh of relief. The Heart patients here have benefited a lot by a proper co-ordination of Medicine, Meditation and low-fat, high-fiber diet. His Excellency the President of India Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam has appreciated the services of this hospital and BKWSU in his book ‘Ignited Minds’.

Adjacent to Nakki Lake, situated on the road encircling it, is renowned Raghunath Temple and Ashram. Shri Ramanand, a 14th Century saint had established the idol of the presiding deity, Shri Ram in it. Here is also Ram Kund (The pond of Ram) and 2-3 caves. It is believed that Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj movement, practised penance in one of these caves.

Another famous tourist spot is Arbuda Devi Temple. It is situated in the north of Abu city. The temple is built under a big hill. The idol of the presiding deity is just above the ground level and hence the temple is also known as Adhar Devi Temple. The entrance to the gate is quite narrow and one has to stoop to enter it. The other tourist spots worth seeing are Shankar Math, Hanuman Temple, Lakh Chaurasi and Shri Bihariji Temple.

As already mentioned, the nearest Railway station to reach Mount Abu is Abu Road. It is about 27 Kms. away from Abu Road. Those travelling by air can reach the nearest airport at Udaipur, about 150 Kms. from Abu. They can further travel by rail or road. The journey by road takes about five hours, being a hilly area.

In Brahma Kumaris organization, ‘Rajayoga’ is practised and taught. ‘Rajayoga’ means to concentrate on the self and connect with the Supreme Soul or Shiv Baba who is a point of divine light. Because all the virtues like peace, love, bliss, purity, knowledge etc. are the original nature of the soul and God Shiva is the main source of these virtues, by ‘Rajyoga’ the soul gets filled and charged with these virtues.

By visiting BKWSU we come to know many secrets of spirituality. We get amazed with happiness when we know that this world was ‘Satyuga’ in the beginning; and the virtuous gods and goddesses, who are revered today, were our ancestors. This is the firm belief of this organization that the present world of ignorance and vices will be transformed into ‘Satyuga’ again. For transforming humans into divine beings, purification of sanskars is a must, the practical knowledge of which is taught here.

There are more than  8000 centres of BKWSU in over 100 countries of the world. The people from all regions, religions and races visit these centres and get benefited from its teachings. This organization is affiliated to the United Nations (UN) as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and it also holds consultative status with UNICEF and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It has been conferred a “Peace Medal” by the United Nations and also one international and five national-level ‘Peace-Messenger’ awards. This organization is determined to bring ‘Satyuga’ by spiritual empowerment and is busy in bringing spiritual consciousness among the people and transforming humans into divine beings; it is also resolute to bring peace in all sections of the society, creating harmony, conserving the environment and eradicating violence.

Eight kilometers from Abu, is situated Achalgarh fort. Here is one old Shiva temple which is known as Achaleshwer Mahadev. Here the old palace of Maharana Kumbha, King of Mewar, ponds, Kali temple and Bhrigu Ashram etc. are worth seeing. Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of Aravali Mountain Ranges, is at a height of 5653 feet above sea level. There are also marvellous temples of Guru Dattatreya and Lord Shiva.

When you move ahead towards ‘Guru Shikhar’ from Dilwara Temple, about 8 kilometers on the right side, you will see a wonderful garden. Located in the lush green valleys of Abu, this garden is a superb piece of attraction for the tourists. Established by Brahma Kumaris organisation, this garden is named ‘Peace Park’. It is designed in approximately 12 acres of land. In this park, there are variety of plants and trees from India and foreign countries. The fragrant flowers here please the mind and visitors get spellbound with the beauty of nature. The ethical quotations written here and there teach ‘the art of living’. Playgrounds and merry-go-rounds specially attract the children .You can practise ‘Rajayoga’ in the auditorium built here to realize the joy of mental peace and also feel self-realization through video-film.

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