Dilwara Temples

Overview

The Dilwara Temple or Delvada Temple is the most sacred pilgrimage site for the Jains. It is just two and a half kilometers from the only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu. It lies amidst the verdant green Aravali hills of Rajasthan. A high wall hems in the temple complex.

Apart from Jains, it is a popular general tourist attraction. Dilwara Temple looks austere from the outside. Once you enter inside, you will witness intricate patterns and designs carved on pillars, archways, walls, and roofs. 

Vastupal and Tejpal designed the temple. Vimal Shah built the temple between the 11^th and 13^th centuries. Since primordial time, these spectacular temples serve as a shelter to the Jain pilgrims and saints. They flock here to offer prayers with devotion.

The temple complex comprises five fascinating temples, i.e., Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshavanatha, and Mahavir Swami Temple, revering to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabhdeo, Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavir Swami, and Lord Parshvanath, respectively.

Of these five temples, Luna Vasahi and Vimal Vasahi are the most popular among pilgrims. Temples stand out for the massive use of marble and intricate carvings on every nook and corner.

A central hall, Rang Mandap, and Garbhagraha are the innermost sanctum where idols sit in these shrines. Navchowki is a conglomeration of nine richly decorated ceilings.

Hathishala and Kirthi Stumbh are other impressive structures. Dilwara Temples are an exact embodiment of simplicity and austerity, which are intrinsic Jain principles and values. 

Architecture 

Dilwara temples are the most exquisitely beautiful among all other temples that Jains built at different places in Rajasthan with its architectural marvel. For excessive use of marble, the Dilwara Temple is the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage site globally.

The architecture is a collection of ancient manuscripts. The Nagara style has inspired it, and all five temples are the same size and single-storied. A total of 48 pillars in all the temples display beautiful females in dancing postures. 

'Ranga Mandapa' is a dome-shaped ceiling with a chandelier-like structure in the middle of the roof. Stone made sixteen idols of Vidyadevi surround it. Lotuses, gods, and abstract patterns are other designs of carvings.  

The simplicity in architecture in an opulent entranceway reflects Jain values of frugality and honesty. You will see decorative detail on the carved ceilings, pillars, doorways, and panels. Spaces around each temple do not form a public square.

These temples inspired many architects to shift their focus to the interior space and its designs.

The Five Marvels Of Dilwara Temples 

Vimal Vasahi Temple

In 1021, the Solanki kings of Gujarat, Vimal Shah, built Vimal Vasahi temple, which is the oldest and most famous amongst all temples. The idol of Lord Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar, is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum.

A corridor with smaller idols of the Tirthankars surrounds the temple in an open courtyard. The icon of Lord Adinath seats in the Gudh Mandap, which is the main hall.

The king engaged 1200 laborers and 1500 masons for 14 years to build the temple costing 185.3 million.

Luna Vasahi Temple

This is the second prominent temple dedicated to Lord Neminath, the 22^nd Jain Tirthankara Lord. Vastupal and Tejpal were two Porwad brothers who built temples in 1230 in memory of their brother Luna. Both were the ministers of Virdhaval.

The Rang Mandap(the central hall) contains 72 figures of Tirthankaras in a circular band and 360 figures of Jain monks. Hathishala houses 10 marble elephants and Kirthi Stambh(a giant black stone pillar). Navchowki is nine intricately designed ceilings.

Pittalhar Temple 

Bhima Seth built the third temple and dedicated it to Lord Rishbhdeo, the first Jain Tirthankara Lord. He installed a massive idol of Lord Adinath made using brass and five metals. Navchowki, Gudh Mandap, and Garbhagraha are the beautiful parts of this temple.

Parshwanatha Temple

Mandlik built it in 1459 and dedicated this temple to Lord Parshavanath, the 23^rd Jain Tirthankar. It is the tallest of all temples with three-stories. Four main halls and carvings on grey sandstone walls are the major attractions.

Mahavir Swami Temple

Lord Mahavir was the 24^th Jain Tirthankar, and this fascinating temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavir. It was built in 1582, and artists of Sirohi contributed paintings to it.

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