Guru Shikhar, a peak in the Arbuda Mountains of Rajasthan, is the highest point of the Aravalli Range. It rises to an elevation of 1,722 metres (5,650 ft). It is 15 km from Mount Abu and a road from there leads almost to the top of the mountain. It is named Guru-Shikhar or 'the peak of the guru' after Dattatreya, an incarnation of Vishnu, and a cave at the summit contains a temple dedicated to him, plus one dedicated his mother, Anasuya, wife of sage Atri nearby.
Adjacent to the temple is the Mt Abu Observatory operated by the Physical Research Laboratory. This observatory hosts a 1.2m infrared telescope and also several Astronomy experiments Thus the boy got its name Dattatreya and is believed to be born with divine power. It is believed that the lord actually put his foot on this peak sanctifying the place. While visiting, one can see the footprint marks of the Lord in the rocky caves. Thousands of pilgrims visit this holy place every year. A huge bell suspended from a wooden frame having an inscription of 1411 AD can be seen at the entrance of the temple.
Raghunathji Temple is also worth seeing over this place. In this temple one can find the footprints of Swami Ramanath, who was a famous sage of his time. Nearby temple of Mata Anasuya, mother of Lord Dattatreya, is also a major attraction for devotees. Adjacent to the temple is the Mount Abu Observatory operated by the Physical Research Laboratory. This observatory hosts a 1.2m infrared telescope and also several Astronomy experiments.
Visitors can rent a taxi or take a two-wheeler and travel along the Dilwara-Achalgadh road to reach the base of the mountain. From here, one needs to climb about 300 steps to reach the peak. Although it is a steep climb, the steps are in good condition throughout and can be negotiated with relative ease.
