While hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel to the renowned Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines in Uttarakhand during the auspicious month of Shravan, a sacred site nestled deep within the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan offers a similar spiritual sanctuary. Located in the Sirohi district near Mount Abu, this pilgrimage destination is widely referred to as the 'Uttarakhand' of the Aravalli region. Thousands of devotees are flocking to visit the ancient Kedarnath and Badrinath temples established here. Every day, between 500 and 800 devotees undertake a grueling 4-kilometer trek over steep, rocky terrain to reach these holy shrines.
Challenging Trek Descending From Guru Shikhar
No paved roads or vehicular access exist to reach this secluded pilgrimage site. Visitors must begin their journey at Guru Shikhar, the highest peak in Rajasthan, situated roughly 12 kilometers from Mount Abu. Upon reaching Guru Shikhar, pilgrims must descend on foot down a sharp 4-kilometer steep slope along uneven, stony pathways. Despite the arduous nature of the route, the enthusiasm of the pilgrims remains undiminished. Women, children, and senior citizens are seen navigating the tough terrain with remarkable faith. Alongside local residents from Sirohi, large numbers of visitors are arriving from nearby districts such as Pali, Jalor, and Udaipur, as well as the neighboring state of Gujarat.
Ancient Cave Near Utraj Village and the Badri Narayan Temple
According to local resident Neeraj Rawal, both temples are situated close to Utraj village near Guru Shikhar. Devotees hold a strong belief that offering prayers at these Aravalli shrines confers spiritual merit equivalent to visiting the original Kedarnath and Badrinath temples in Uttarakhand. Adjacent to the Kedarnath temple lies an ancient cave where revered saints reside and meditate. Continuing past Utraj village, pilgrims proceed to the Badri Narayan temple, which houses a divine deity of Lord Badrinath alongside a sacred idol of Lord Vishnu.
A Haven for Nature Enthusiasts and Trekkers
With the arrival of the monsoon season, the surrounding valleys of the Aravallis transform into a lush natural paradise. Dense fog, flowing seasonal waterfalls, and verdant green peaks draw numerous nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alongside religious pilgrims. The scenic beauty of the landscape makes the challenging journey a popular route for seasonal trekking.
Forest Safety Rules and Entry Restrictions After 5 PM
Because the temples are located inside a dense forest reserve, safety precautions are strictly enforced. The wilderness presents significant risks at night due to the movement of wild animals, as well as the danger of pilgrims losing their way in the dark terrain. To ensure visitor safety, authorities completely prohibit movement along the 4-kilometer trekking trail after 5 PM every evening.
