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The Dilwara Jain Temples, located about 2 kilometers from Mount abu city, is a respected pilgrimage destination for Jains in the region and across India. The Dilwara Jain temples are located in the lap of nature, surrounded by the canopy lush green hills and mango trees. According to historical records, these temples were built between the 11th and the 13th century AD. Along with a regular influx of tourists that is steadily increasing, it is visited every year by Jain devotees. The white marble temples are said to be a dedication to Jain tirthankars.
When viewed from a distance, one might wonder why these temples are respected so much for their beauty. Though the temples seem to be ordinary from outside, it’s only when one steps inside them will one be able to marvel at the feats of artistry. The incredibly ornate marble stone carvings and the precise engraving on the temple ceilings and pillars are a photographers’ delight.
The ceilings feature ornate gold leaf work, and one will possibly need to zoom in with a pair of binoculars (photography is forbidden inside the temple complex) to appreciate the finer details of the ceiling paintings. The paintings depict the stories of Jain history and mythology. While there are other Jain temples across Rajasthan, the Dilwara temples are unmatched in their architectural perfection.
They are not only monuments – but fully functional temples that see hordes of Jains come to offer regular prayers. The temples have facilities for bathing, a necessary pre-requisite to the performance of ‘puja’ (prayer). In the winter months, the bathing facilities are heated by solar power for bathing.
The five temples have their own unique identity. They are all dedicated to important Tirthankaras.
Vimal Vasahi: Bhagwan Shri Adinath Ji.
Luna Vasahi: Bhagwan Shri Neminath Ji.
Pithalhar: Bhagwan Shri Rishabhdev Ji
Parshvanath: Bhagwan Shri Parshvanath Ji.
Mahavir Swami: Bhagwan Shri Mahavira Swami Ji
Among these, Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi are the most famed.
The Vimal Vasahi Temple is made completely out of white marble. It was made by Vimal Shah, a minister of a King of Gujarat, and is dedicated to Lord Rishabhadev. The temple is famed for its corridors, pillars, arches, which feature miniature intricate carving. The ‘mandaps’ or the temple porticos are famous for their artistry. The Rang mandap, a grand hall, features ornate pillars and arches, an amazing central dome. The Gudh mandap is extremely simple, and houses the Bhagwan Adinath (or Lord Rishabdev’s) idol and sees regular prayer to the deity.
Luna Vasahi is dedicated to Bhagwan Neminath. It was built by brothers Vastupal and Tejpal, who were ministers of a Vaghela ruler of Gujarat. The overall design is similar to the Vimal Vashi temple. The Rang mandap’s central dome features a massive pendent with ornate carving. 72 Tirthankara figures sit in a circular band and below them are small Jain monk figures. The Navchowki features stunning marble cutting. The Gudh mandap houses a black marble 22nd Jain Tirthankar Neminath Ji idol.
The remaining three temples of Dilwara (Pittalhar Temple, Parshvanatha Temple, and Mahavir Swami Temple) are small in size but match the elegance of the above mentioned temples.