The Indian subcontinent is known as a region of polytheistic faith, always ready to accommodate any of the alternative views; one of the reasons that multiple faith systems originated and peacefully coexisted at this place from thousands of years. The Indian society has been known for its diversity at multiple levels, including the faith. That’s why we see unlimited number deities in this region of the globe. Mythologically, Mount Abu has always been seen as a holy place which, according to locals, is considered to be the residence of 330 million Gods and Goddesses. And after seeing so many famous shrines like Arbuda Devi temple, Shiva and Jain temples of Achalgarh, Dattatreya temple at Gurushikhar, Delwara jain temples, Vastan ji temple and Vishwamitra temple etc. in this very small and perhaps only hill station of Rajasthan, this claim appears to be somewhat true. Besides all these frequently visited places, off road walks in any of the directions could guide us to many less visited mystical places. Interestingly I saw many such isolated and solitary small temples, dedicated to various and some never heard deities, at many places which are visited by only local villagers on some selective occasions. Although these holy places are not big and famous, faith touches an entirely different dimension there. I feel that the real diversity in faith could be observed at such isolated places which are the abode of many deities, including the unknown and local ones. In this photo essay, Secluded Faith, I describe the experiences of my off road journey to such local temples at unconventional locations of Mount Abu.
Uttraj and Shergaon are two small villages on the other side of mountain, isolated from the rest of the settlements due to lack of motorable road. Road ends at the highest point of the mount, Gurushikhar. This temple was encountered while trekking on the way from Gurushikhar to Utraj.
Somewhere on the way from Uttraj to Shergaon, Mount Abu.
This temple is a true symbolization of divinity of nature.
Those evening colors were enough to transcend into a heavenly experience
Standing in abundance. Somewhere on the way from Uttraj to Shergaon . A bhairo baba temple in the background.
A blessed place somewhere in the forest
Standing alone but bright colours represent a giant faith
The flag represents authority and victory. The goddess sitting on lion symbolizes the same.
Multiple deities under the same flag. Truly represents the coexistence of alternative ideas.
Metamorphosis of rock into a holy abode
Energy flows where attention goes -Intention matters and can make an ordinary stone to work as God.
I wonder about the God-human relationship. God has no existence in absence of human consciousness. God’s own existence depends on faith.
Such symbols indicate the way we are heading leads to some shrine
Even animals are considered sacred and divine
Although there are no lions in the wildlife sanctuary, but still a few were spotted.
Trishul /trident / three spears gives a perfect expansion of GOD as G-generator, O-Operator and D-Destroyer. Though Trishul of lord Shiva has many mythological dimensions.
Faith turns an ordinary rock to extraordinary entity
Unknown and wild roads have a special place for God as it was necessary for people to feel safe when very few travelled the path
Awesome
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Mind blowing
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Woww.. beautiful photos. I wish to see all these places in real
I am happy that you like this post..You should definitely visit mount Abu and see the beautiful places around 😊🙂