One of the most beautiful and revered places for Jains to travel to is the Dilwara Jain Temple. The Dilwara temples in Rajasthan, which are barely 2.5 km from Mount Abu, demonstrate Mount Abu's beauty and its status as the sole hill station in the state. A large number of visitors and pilgrims visit this temple every day. Its extraordinary architecture is its major attraction. Intricate carvings on the marble stone and high-quality craftsmanship of the workers is clearly visible in every aspect of this temple, making it truly unique and distinct. Its opulent entranceway is truly stunning and spectacular.
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.
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Five Amazing Temples of Dilwara
Dilwara Temple Complex consist of five different temples, each devoted to five Jain trithankaras(saints).:
Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple – This Jain temple is devoted to Lord Mahaveer the 24th Tirthankara of Jain’s. It was built in 1582. This is a small temple relative to other Jain temples.Its walls have marvelous work of craftsmanship of Sirhoi 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 dedicated to first Jain Tirthankara Shri Adinath Ji. It was built by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanika ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D. Inside of the temple there are small images of Jain saints which have exclusive work of minute art carving 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.
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Shri ParshavNath Temple or Khartar Vasahi Temple – Shri ParshavNath Temple has the tallest shrine among all Dilwara temples. With four big Mandapa’s the temple is constructed by 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 Gujarat dynasty.This temple is known as Pittalhari/Peethalhar temple because ‘Pittal’ (Brass Metal) 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 Nemi Nathji. It was constructed by two brothers known as Tejpal and Vastupal in 1230 A.D.
Black marble idol of Shri Nemi NathJi among 360 minutely crafted tiny idols of Jain trithankar 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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