Dilwara Temple is one of the finest Jain temple known world over for its extraordinary architecture and marvelous marble stone carvings. Located amidst the lush green Aravalli hills of Mount Abu in Rajasthan.
The Dilwara temple complex is surrounded by a high white wall which dazzles in the sunlight. The entrance way to the marble temples is opulent.
Built-in between the 11th and 13th centuries AD by Chalukya dynasty, Dilwara Jain temples are simple and general looks from outside but its extravagant doors of entrance tell about its architectural superiority. It is surrounded by green hills and a temple complex by high walls.
All of its ceilings, doorways, pillars, and panels have minutely carved ornamental details which show its architectural uniqueness. It is also important to notice that at that time there was no convenience to transport such big blocks of marble at a 1200 meters height.
Elephants were used to transports marble on their back from Arasoori hills at Ambaji to Mount Abu.
Dilwara Temple complex consist of five major sections or temples devoted to five jain trithankaras(saints):
- Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple – This temple was constructed in 1582 and is devoted to Lord Mahaveer the 24th Tirthankara of Jain’s, this temple is relatively small the temple’s upper walls have pictures of the porch painted by craftsmen of sirohi in year 1764.
- Shri AdiNath Temple or Vimal Vasahi Temple – This temple is build by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanika ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D., this temple is the oldest of all and dedicated to Shri Adinath Ji – The first jain trithankar, the temple has an open courtyard surrounded by corridors all beautifully decorated with marble carved stones. Cells inside this temple are contain tiny images of Jain saints artistically carved on marble stone minutely. The internal dome is aesthetically decorated with design’s of flowers and petals, the huge hall of the temple pillars decorated with the carving work of female figures playing musical instruments. The temple also have the “Guda Mandapa” – A simple hall decorated with the images of Shri Adi Nath.
- Shri ParshavNath Temple or Khartar Vasahi Temple – This temple was built by Mandika clan between 1458-59 A.D., this temple has the tallest shrine along with four big Mandapa’s amongst all dilwara temples. The carving on the pillars of this temple is yet another example of these jain temples architectural superiority.
- Shri Rishabdaoji Temple or Peethalhar Temple – This temple is known as Pittalhari/Peethalhar temple because in this temple most of the statues are built using ‘Pittal’ (Brass Metal). This temple was built by Bhima Shah, a minister from Gujarat dynasty, like other temples of Dilwara this temple is also having Gudu Mandapa and Navchowki.
- Shri NemiNathJi Temple or Luna Vasahi Temple – This temple was built in 1230 A.D. by two brothers known as Tejpal and Vastupal, they dedicated this temple to the 22nd saint of Jainism – Shri Nemi Nathji. This temple has one hall named Rag Mandapa which has three hundred and sixty (360) tiny idols of Jain trithankar all minutely crafted on marble proving once again why these jain marble temples of Dilwara are superior to Taj Mahal, Among all these white marble idols the idol of Shri Neminath Ji is made up of black marble.The pillars of this temple were built by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar.
Credit:- https://www.mountabu.com/tourist_attractions/dilwara_jain_temple.html
Quick Facts
- Address: Delwara, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501
- District: Chengalpattu
- Deity: Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Paryushan
- Timings : For Jains: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM, For Non-Jains: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Time Required : 1-2 hrs
- Dress Code : None. But it is recommended to dress modestly.
- Photography: inside the sanctums is not allowed.
- Entry Fee: Nil
- Festivals: Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Paryushan
- Best Time To Visit: October to Feburary
Interesting Facts About Dilwara Temples
- The Jain Dilwara temple complex is located 2.5 km from the Mount Abu town centre
- It is a major sacred pilgrimage site for Jains worldwide and is Mount Abu’s most popular attraction
- The temple complex is set in beautiful surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills – a walk around the complex is worth it
- The Dilwara temples predates the town of Mount Abu by several centuries and was built when this site was just a remote mountain area
- The complex contains five Jain temples which are known worldwide for their superb marble carvings
- Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temples are the most famous among the five Jain Dilwara temples
- It is believed that the artisans were paid according to the amount of dust they collected, encouraging them to carve ever more intricately.
How to Reach Dilwara Temple ?
By Air
There is no direct airport in Mount Abu. The nearest airport is at Udaipur, Rajasthan
By Rail
There are regular trains from Jaipur and Ahmedabad to Mount Abu
By Road
There are state transport buses from Udaipur to Mount Abu. For the international travellers, the fastest way to reach Mount Abu is to take flight from Delhi to Udaipur and then public bus or private car/taxi to reach Mount Abu.
For the domestic travellers, if travelling in a group, hiring a cab would be most economical and comfortable.
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