According to the locals, the village is so called because, the local Goddess Harshat Mata is shown portrayed in a joyous mood and spreads brightness or abha all around. The village's original name was Abha Nagri, and its name today is Abhaneri. The village is said to have been founded by the legendary king Raja Chand and thus the village could be over three thousand years old. However, it is felt that the mythological Raja Chand could be King Bhoja, who ruled over the Gurjar kingdom in the ninth century AD. The ruins of the temple conform to 10th century architectural and sculptural styes.
