When we visit any place it is but natural for a traveller to see other important spots nearby.
So, when we camped at Mt Abu, we kept roaming like nomads to many must-see spots.
One such religious place is Ambaji, near Abu, which is at an altitude of 1,600 ft above sea level.
It is one of the 51 Shakti Peetas and the presiding deity is Ambaji Mata. Perched atop the Arasur hills on the Aravalli ranges, the temple is a sprawling area with umpteen shops lined on either side on the temple premises. It reminded me of our very own Srirangam temple in Trichy where shops are clustered in the temple precincts.
The Ambaji temple is a treasurehouse with pristine white marble stones adorning the spiritual edifice majestically.
There is no image of the goddess but a holy Sree Visa Yantra. The goddess is a manifestation of Shiva’s consort Parvathi. Devotees swarm the temple during Navarathri, Full Moon days and Deepavali when the hill is illuminated with lamps.
 We went by a rope car to the temple and as we were floating in the air, we had a glimpse of the dry hills which was bereft of trees and plants. It is rocky and I closed my eyes at intervals in fear. The rocky terrain is frightful and one would find a rocky grave if the rope car is cut off during the ascent.
I bought a couple of sequined (chumkey) pavadais for our very own Durga Mata in Chennai.
We sat at the temple premises in the marble floor which was cold and soothing as it was very hot outside.
After worshipping Ambaji Mata, we drove to a place which can be aptly called the Marble Land.
Dilwara Temples are a cluster of temples in marble built between the 11th and 13th centuries by the Chalukyas. It is a seat of worship for the Jains and the five temples are stunning in their elegance and workmanship.
The temples are some of the most beautiful Jain temples in the world. Nestled in the thick forest, the temples have an attractive entrance with intricately carved images and stucco figures embossed on the walls. The sculptors had an eye for detail which is reflected in their splendid work.
The exquisiteness of the images on the gates, doors, inner walls and pillars are indescribable.
Their opulence and grandiose appearance made us ponder about the delicate handling of the marble construction.
 A temple dedicated to Mahaveer Swami, the 24th Theerthankara of the Jains, built in 1582, stands imposingly, untouched by the vagaries of nature. It is quite a serene place and a haven of peace, a place ideal for penance.
I sat there just for the sheer pleasure of relaxing n the marble floor and absorbing the tranquil atmosphere. It is white everywhere as marbles, chips and stones are strewn around. We loitered around, unruffled by the time.
We packed off to Abu after a hectic day traversing in the enchanting land of marbles.
(To be contd)
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