Dilwara Temple

Located amidst the lush green Aravalli hills of Mount Abu in Rajasthan, the Dilwara Temple is the most beautiful pilgrimage site for the Jains. Designed by Vastupal Tejpal and built by Vimal Shah between the 11th and 13th centuries, this temple is renowned for the opulent use of marble and intricate carvings on every hook and corner.

From the outside, the Dilwara Temple looks quite austere but, once you enter the inside, you will go head over heels with the stunning designs and patterns carved on roofs, walls, archways, and pillars.

The Dilwara Temple includes five equally beguiling temples namely- Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshavanatha, and Mahavir Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabhdeo, Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavir Swami and Lord Parshvanath respectively. Out of these five, Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi are the most famous.

Each of these shrines has Rang Mandap, a central hall, Garbhagraha, the innermost sanctum where Lord resides and Navchowki, a group of nine heavily decorated ceilings. Some other spell bounding structures include Kirthi Stumbh and Hathishala. With its simplicity and austerity, Dilwara Temple tells you about Jain values and principles.

Architecture of Dilwara 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.

The Five Marvels of Dilwara Temples

The opulent Dilwara Temple consists of five temples built over the centuries. They are-

1. Vimal Vasahi Temple- Dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar Lord, Vimal Vasahi Temple is the most famous and oldest among all the temples. It was built by Vimal Shah, the Solanki Maharaja of Gujarat in 1021. It has richly carved ceilings, roofs, doors, and mandaps. The immaculate patterns of petals, flowers, lotuses, murals, and scenes from mythology are simply awe-inspiring. Erected in an open courtyard, the temple is surrounded by a corridor that has smaller idols of the Tirthankaras. Gudh Mandap is the main hall, where the idol of Lord Adinath resides. It is believed that 1,500 masons and 1,200 laborers took 14 years to build the temple and it cost Rs 185.3 million.
2. Luna Vasahi Temple- Built-in 1230, Luna Vasahi Temple is dedicated to Lord Neminath, the 22nd Jain Tirthankara Lord. The second prominent temple was built in 1230 by two Porwad brothers namely Vastupal and Tejpal, both ministers of Virdhaval, in memory of their brother Luna. The Rang Mandap is the central hall which has 72 figures of Tirthankaras in a circular band and 360 figures of Jain monks. It also has a Hathishala which houses 10 marble elephants and a giant black stone pillar called Kirthi Stambh. A Navchowki has nine delicately designed ceilings.
3. Pittalhar Temple- The third temple was built by Bhima Seth and is dedicated to Lord Rishabdeo, the first Jain Tirthankara Lord. A huge statue of Lord Adinath made of five metals and brass is installed in the temple. This temple also has Garbhagraha, Gudh Mandap, and a Navchowki.
4. Parshwanatha Temple- A three-storeyed building and the tallest of all the temples, it was built by Mandlik as a dedication to Lord Parshavanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar Lord in 1459. The temple has four main halls, and the walls have remarkable carvings on grey sandstone.
5. Mahavir Swami Temple- Dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankara Lord, this temple is comparatively smaller but, it will fascinate you equally. Built in 1582, it boasts several paintings from the artists of Sirohi.