Guru Shikhar Peak is one of the peaks of Rajasthan state of India. It is the highest peak in Rajasthan. This peak is home to many beautiful and historic temples. It also provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Mount Abu town and green Aravali range. Guru Shikhar is quite popular among the mountaineers, photographers and nature lovers.
Location of Guru Shikhar Peak
It is situated at a distance of fifteen kilometres from Mount Abu in Sirohi district. The peak is perched at a height of 1,722 meters (5676 feet) above mean sea level.
Attractions of Guru Shikhar Peak
The peak is enveloped with natural beauty and forests. One can get a complete view of Mount Abu and its serene surroundings from this peak. On the top of the peak there is a temple of Dattatreya. As per Hindu mythology, Dattatreya is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The peak is called Guru Shikhar after him as Guru Dattatreya had dignified this place. His footprints are sanctified here in a rock in a cave. Few steps towards the north-west of Guru Shikhar, one can visit the shrine dedicated to Ahilya, the mother of Dattatreya.
Other temples situated nearby are Mira Temple, Chamundi Temple and a small Shaivite shrine on the "Shikhar". The temple is also famous for the foot prints of swami Ramanath who enshrined the statue in Raghnathji temple in Abu.
Another attraction of the peak is a huge and giant bell which suspends from a wooden frame with an inscription dated 1411 in the Dattatrya temple. This historic bell"s toll is heard up to a long distances from the temple. However, this bell is the replaced version. The old bell has disintegrated and had to be replaced by a new one.
Around half a kilometre from the peak there is Gurushikhar visible-Infrared Observatory which in-houses a 1.2 m infrared telescope. Here astronomical experiments take place on a regular basis. People can also have a glimpse of this place.
Connectivity of Guru Shikhar Peak
The peak can be well assessed by roadways. One can hire a taxi from Mt Abu and go to Guru Shikhar Peak.
