Constructed In : 18th Century
Constructed By: Vimala Shah
Entrance Fees: Free
The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. They are an overwhelming blend of simple beauty and exquisite elegance. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway. The simplicity in architecture verily reminds one that Jainism as a religion "encouraged honesty and frugality". The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temple complex.
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.
The Dilwara Jain Temples are open from 12 P.M. to 3 P.M. for tourist's for free and No photography is allowed inside the temple complex.
