Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu A Dream In Marble}

Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu A Dream in Marble

by

Jadiete Collins

Mount Abu is the only hill station of Rajasthan and is located in its southwest region. Mount Abu is a part of the Aravalis. Guru Shikhar is the pinnacle of Mount Abu at the northern end. Mount Abu is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers for the Jains, as the place houses the world famous Dilwara temples, considered to be masterpieces of temple architecture.

These renowned Dilwara Jain temples are at a distance of 2.5 kilometers from Mount Abu. These exquisitely carved temples in white marble are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras and were constructed between 11th and 13th century AD. The Jain temples at Mount Abu are built in the Nagara style of temple architecture. Inscriptions at Mount Abu shows that actually, it was the seat of Shaivism and Jainism came later in the 11th century AD.

The Dilwara temples are a group of five temples and are named Vimal Vasahi Temple, Luna Vasahi Temple, Pittalhar Temple, Parshvanatha Temple, and the Mahavir Swami Temple. The most relevant of these is the Vimal Vasahi Temple.

Vimal Shah who was a minister of the Solanki King, Bhimidev I of Gujarat, built the Vimal Vasahi Temple in 1021 AD. It was dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar (teacher), Adinathji. This temple is purely carved out of marble and is placed in the center of a courtyard encircled by richly carved corridors, pillars, arches and porticos of amazing features. There are engraved designs of lotus buds, flowers and figures from Jain and Hindu mythology.

The Pittalhar Temple was built by Bhima Shah who was a minister of Sultan Begada of Ahmedabad. The temple has a massive metal statue of the Rishab Dev Adinath. This stunning statue has been cast in five metals. The main metal used in making this statue is ‘Pital’ (brass), hence the name ‘Pittalhar’. The Parshavanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Parshavnath. The temple consists of a three-storied building, which is the tallest of all the shrines at Dilwara. The Mahaveer Swami Temple is a small structure constructed in 1582 AD. It is dedicated to the 24th Jain Tirthankara Lord Mahaveer.

Two brothers Vastupal and Tejpal erected Luna Vashahi or Shri Neminathji Temple in 1230 AD. This temple stands second in importance among all the Dilwara temples. It is dedicated to 22nd Jain Tirthankar, Shri Neminathji. The main hall or Rang Mandap features a central dome from which hangs a big ornamental pendant featuring elaborate carving. There are numerous frescos and carvings of Jaintirthankars and Jain monks.

For any explorer with an eye for architecture, the Dilwara temples are worth visiting.

India, the land of temples is home to the

Dilwara temples

. Know more about its culture and temple architecture at

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Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu A Dream in Marble}