Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu | Location, Architecture, Timings

Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu Overview

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 century, 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.

Dilwara Temples Architecture

The Dilwara Temples is considered as the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world for the spectacular use of marble in its making. Standing amidst the forested hills, a high wall surrounds the temple complex. It looks very simple from the outside. With intricately carved designs on pillars, ceilings, entryways and panels, the sumptuous temple radiates the Jain values like honesty and simplicity.

The architecture is inspired by the Nagara style and is a collection of ancient manuscripts. The Dilwara Temples consist of five temples of the same size, and all of them are single-storied. There are total 48 pillars in all the temples which have beautiful figures of females in different dancing postures. The main attraction of the temple is 'Ranga Mandapa' which is a dome-shaped ceiling. It has a chandelier like structure in the middle of the roof, and sixteen idols of Vidyadevi, goddess of knowledge, made of stone surrounds it. The other designs of carvings include lotuses, gods and abstract patterns.

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 amongst 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 which 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 labourers took 14 years to build the temple and it costs 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, it was built in 1230 by two Porwad brothers namely Vastupal and Tejpal, both ministers of Virdhaval, in the 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 of several paintings from the artists of Sirohi.

Tips

1. Taking a bath before performing a puja for the idols is mandatory at Dilwara Temples. Facility for bathing is available inside the premises.
2. Cameras, mobile phones, belts, etc. are not allowed inside the temple. However, you can take your wallet along with you. There are lockers in the temple to keep your belongings safe.
3. Women are not allowed to wear shorts or skirts above their knees. Men are also advised not to wear shorts.
4. Guides are available to take you around for free. So, you don't have to hire one from outside the temple.

How to reach Dilwara Temples

The distance between Mount Abu and Dilwara Temple is just 2.5 Km. If you have your own vehicle, you can easily reach the temple either by Delwara Road or Pilgrim Road. Buses do not ply on this route, However, taxis or autorickshaws are available.

Air: The nearest airport is in Udaipur, which is approx. 170 kms away from here. If you are taking a flight to Udaipur, you can take a cab from the airport to Mount Abu city. You can also take a train to Abu Road station, or a bus from Udaipur city. (see other options)