Mount AbuRajasthan

Dilwara Jain Temples Mount Abu Rajasthan

Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu, Sirohi

Dilwara Temple is one of the finest and architecturally renowned Jain temples in India. A large number of visitors and pilgrims visit this dilwara temple every day. Its extraordinary architecture is its major attraction. Intricate carvings on the marble stone and the high-quality craftsmanship of the workers are clearly visible in every aspect of this temple, making it truly unique and distinct. Its opulent entranceway is truly stunning and spectacular.

History of Dilwara Jain Temple

Built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD by the Chalukya dynasty, Dilwara Jain temples are simple and have general looks from the outside but their extravagant doors of entrance tell about their architectural superiority. It is surrounded by green hills and a Dilwara jain temple complex with 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 transporting such big blocks of marble at a 1200 meters height.

Elephants were used to transport marble on their backs from Arasuri hills at Ambaji to Mount Abu.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Mount Abu

The architecture of the Temple

The temple is located amidst verdant surroundings. Visitors coming here enjoy a sense of peace and tranquillity and experience a divine connection with the Ultimate Power. This temple complex has five sections dedicated to five Jain Tirthankaras. These sections are dedicated to Lord Mahaveer Swami, Shri Adinathji, Shri Parshavnathji, Shri Rishabdaoji, and Shri Neminathji. Vimal Vasahi or Lord Adinathji’s Temple is considered the oldest temple among these. The temples were constructed between the 11th to 13th centuries. The intricate stone carving on the marble pillars and ceilings is truly awe-inspiring. The temple displays a lot of images from the Hindu and Jain Mythology. The profusion of petals, lotus buds, and flowers carved on the ceilings and pillars lend a distinctive look to the temple. Carved corridors, courtyards, arches, and porticos are other distinctive features of the temple.

 Dilwara Jain Temple Rajasthan

Five Amazing Temples of Dilwara

Dilwara Temple Complex consists of five different temples, each devoted to five Jain Tirthankaras (saints).:

Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple – This Jain temple is devoted to Lord Mahaveer the 24th Tirthankara of Jains. It was built in 1582. This is a small temple relative to other Dilwara Jain temples.

Its walls have marvelous works of craftsmanship of Sirohi painted pictures of the porch. This fabulous work was done in 1764.

Shri AdiNath Temple or Vimal Vasahi Temple – This is the oldest temple among all other temples in the complex and is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara Shri Adinath Ji. It was built by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanika ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D. Inside the Dilwara Jain temples, there are small images of Jain saints which have exclusive works of minute art carved on marble.

Outside of the temple, there is an open courtyard surrounded by corridors all beautifully decorated with marble-carved stones. “Guda Mandapa” which is a hall decorated with numerous images of Shri Adi Nath, is another attraction in this temple.

Shri ParshavNath Temple or Khartar Vasahi Temple – Shri ParshavNath Temple has the tallest shrine among all Dilwara temples. With four big Mandapa, the temple was constructed by the Mandinka clan between 1458-59 A.D. This temple also has marvelous carvings on the marble pillars.

Shri Rishabdaoji Temple or Peethalhar Temple – Shri Rishabdaoji Temple was built by Bhima Shah, a minister from the Gujarat dynasty.

This temple is known as Pittalhari/Peethalhar temple because ‘Pittal’ (Brass Metal) was used in the construction of most statues in this temple. It also has Gudu Mandapa and Navchowki.

Shri Nemi Nath Ji Temple or Luna Vasahi Temple – This temple is dedicated to the 22nd saint of Jainism – Shri Neminath Nathji. It was constructed by two brothers known as Tejpal and Vastupal in 1230 A.D.

The black marble idol of Shri Nemi NathJi among 360 minutely crafted tiny idols of Jain Tirthankar in a hall named Rag Mandapa is amazing to see. The pillars of this temple were built by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar.

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How to Reach

Located almost 2 ½ km away from Mount Abu, it is very easy and convenient to visit this temple. Many state and private buses are available offering their services from Jodhpur, Udaipur, and other major cities of the state. Private taxis and cabs are also available. The nearest airport is in Udaipur, almost 185 km away from Mount Abu. 28 km away from the Temple, the Abu Road Railway Station is located. The place is well connected with the major cities of the state and the country. Visitors can visit the temple from 12 Noon to 5 PM.

Dilwara Jain temples are known to have excellent architecture and incredible work of marble carvings. Some experts even think that Dilwara temples have better architecture than the Taj Mahal.

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