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Holy Abu
deva is set into the wall near the entrance of the temple. Another inscription by its side dated in the year 1506 V. S. is of the Mahārāṇā Kumbhā. In a niche near the entrance is an inscription which records the repairs to this temple, the erection of a dharmashālā, the maintenance of an almshouse etc., by the ruler of Sirohi in V. S. 1875.
Resting against the temple wall are kept, in the compound, some loose sculptures of the Boar-incarnation (Adi-Varaha), Sheshashayi Vishnu, Sun-god, Laksḥmi, Vishnu, donors, and other gods and goddesses. Some of these bear inscriptions of the thirteenth century of the Vikrama era.
Near the temple is an ashrama where Hindu monks live and provide for beds, utensils, foodstuffs etc., for those travellers who want to stay here for sometime. People come here to enjoy a picnic. Near the ashrama are bowers of grapes and around the area of Vasishṭha-ashrama are thick growths of trees in valleys of the mountain. It is a lonely quiet spot of great antiquity and the flight of the steps on the way to Vasishṭha-ashrama need better preservation and immediate repair by the State P. W. D. in order to prevent serious accidents to travellers who would not like to miss paying a visit to this ancient site.
Every year a fair (mela) is held here on the full-moon day of the month of Āṣhäḍa (August). Gaumukha is about four miles from the Rajputana Hotel.
(80) Jamadagni-Ashrama.
A further downward walk from Vaisiṣhṭha-ashrama, for two or three furlongs on slopes of Mount Abu, takes the traveller to Jamadagni-Ashrama. The descent is difficult and there is nothing of special interest in the spot. (81) Gautamäshrama.
Walking about three miles to the West of Vasishtha
