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. Although the Jains
built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan but none come
close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail
spread over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is
simply marvellous and has to be seen to be believed.
| » Major Temples
of Dilwara |
Luna
Vasahi (Shri Nemi Nathji temple) : The Luna Vashi temple is dedicated to
the 22nd Tirthankara Shri Nemi Nathji. This magnificent temple was built in
1230 AD by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal - both ministers of a local
ruler. The temple built in memory of their late brother Luna was designed
after the Vimal Vashi temple. The main hall or Rang mandap features a
central dome from which hangs a big ornamental pendent featuring elaborate
carving. Arranged in a circular band are 72 figures of Tirthankaras in
sitting posture and just below this band are 360 small figures of Jain monks
in another circular band. The Hathishala or elephant cell features 10
beautiful marble elephants neatly polished and realistically modelled.
The
Navchowki features some of the most magnificent and delicate marble stone
cutting work of the temple. Each of the nine ceilings here seems to exceed
the others in beauty and grace. The Gudh mandap features a black marble idol
of the 22nd Jain Tirthankara Neminath. The Kirthi Stambha is a big black
stone pillar that stands on the left side of the temple. The pillar was
constructed by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar. The remaining three temples of
Dilwara are smaller but just as elegant as the other two.
Vimal
Vasahi Temple (Shri Adi Nathji temple) : This temple carved entirely out
of white marble was built in 1021 AD by Vimal Shah, a minister of Raja
Bhimdeo. The temple is dedicated to the 1st Jain Tirthankara (teacher or
guide) Adi Nath. The temple stands in an open courtyard surrounded by a
corridor, which has numerous cells containing smaller idols of the
Tiranthakaras. The richly carved corridors, pillars, arches, and 'mandaps'
or porticoes of the temple are simply amazing. The ceilings feature engraved
designs of lotus-buds, petals, flowers and scenes from Jain and Hindu
mythology.
The Navchowki is a collection of nine rectangular
ceilings, each one containing beautiful carvings of different designs
supported on ornate pillars. The Gudh mandap is a simple hall once you step
inside its heavily decorated doorway. Installed here is the idol of Adi Nath
or Lord Rishabdev, as he is also known. The mandap is meant for 'Arti' to
the deity. The Hastishala (Elephant Cell) was constructed by Prithvipal, a
descendant of Vimal Shah in 1147-49 A.D and features a row of elephants in
sculpture.
Mahaveer Swami Temple (Shri Mahaveer
Swamiji temple) : This is a small structure constructed in 1582 A.D. and
dedicated to the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahaveer. There are pictures on
the upper walls of the porch painted in 1764 A.D. by the artists of Sirohi.
Parshavanath Temple : This temple, dedicated to
Lord Parshavnath was built by Mandlik and his family in 1458-59 A.D. It
consists of a three storied building, the tallest of all the shrines at
Dilwara. On all the four faces of the sanctum on the ground floor are four
big mandaps. The outer walls of the sanctum comprise of beautiful sculptures
in gray sandstone, depicting Dikpals, Vidhyadevis, Yakshinis, Shalabhanjikas
and other decorative sculptures comparable to the ones in Khajuraho and
Konark.
Pittalhar Temple (Shri Rishabh Deoji
temple) : This temple was build by Bhima Shah, a minister of Sultan
Begada of Ahmedabd. A massive metal statue of Rishab Dev (Adinath), cast in
five metals is installed in the temple. The main metal used in this statue
is 'Pital' (brass), hence the name 'Pittalhar'. The Shrine consists of a
main Garbhagraha, Gudh mandap and Navchowki.
| » Places to
Stay in Mount Abu |
A number of options, according to the budget allocation of the
tourists, are available in Abu. The accommodation level ranges from a highly
luxurious hotel to a dormitory. But rooms should be booked well in advance
if willing to visit this exotic hill station during summer.
Curios in marble, sandalwood and sandstone can be bought from
the shops around Nakki Lake. Kota saris, bangles and linen with Sanganeri
prints are also available. For Rajasthani Handicrafts there is Rajasthali,
Rajasthan Government Handicrafts Emporium and Khadi Bhandar.
Air : Nearest airports are Udaipur and
Ahmedabad.
Rail : The nearest railway station
is Abu Road (29-km) situated on Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Ajmer-Jaipur-Delhi route.
From Abu Road one can take a taxi, jeep or bus to Mount Abu.
Road : Mount Abu is linked with Udaipur and Ahmedabad by
road. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local
transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
