Jain Temple

The Dilwara Jain temples rank among the most sacred centres of pilgrimage for the Jain community. The temples are located in Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is located at an altitude of 1220 metres above sea level. Lord Mahavira had also visited Mount Abu a few times during his lifetime and blessed the place. The temples are known the world over for their stunning use of marble and some great carvings on the marble walls. There are a total of five temples and each one of them is credited for its architectural perfection. The lush green surroundings of the temple are full of mango trees.


History
The Dilwara temples were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. The temples have been built by different people. The temples are dedicated to different Jain tirthankaras.

The Temple Complex
There are 5 temples in all, each one named after the small village in which they are located. Moreover, each temple is dedicated to a different Jain tirthankara.

Vimal Vasahi Temple
This temple is dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Shri Adi Nath. It was built in the year 1021 AD by Vimal Shah, who served as a minister under Raja Bhimdeo. This temple has been carved entirely out of marble. Standing in an open courtyard, the corridors of the temple have numerous cells that contain small idols of the Tirthankaras. The ceiling, corridors, pillars, arches, and mandaps of the temple have rich carvings. The best carvings could be seen on the ceiling featuring lotus-buds, petals, flowers and scenes from Jain and Hindu mythology. There are also some fine sculptures of elephants in the Hastishala (Elephant Cell).

Luna Vasahi Temple
Dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankara Shri Nemi Nath, Luna Vasahi is another richly carved temple. This temple was built in the year 1230 AD by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal. The temple was built in memory of their brother Luna. The chief attraction of this temple is its main hall- Rang mandap. The elaborate carvings here include 72 figures of Tirthankaras in sitting posture and 360 small figures of Jain monks. The Hastishala features a group of 10 neatly polished marble elephants. The nine ceilings of the temple also look very beautiful.

Pittalhar Temple
Pittalhar temple was built by Bhima Shah, who was a minister under Sultan Begada. The most striking feature of this temple is a massive metal statue of Tirthankara Rishab Dev. Though brass is the main metal used in this statue, four other metals have also been used. Brass is called pital and hence the name Pittalhar temple. The temple consists of a Garbhagriha, Gudh mandap and Navchowki.

Parshavanath Temple
Dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Shri Parshavanath, this temple was built by the Mandlik family in 1458-59 A.D. This is the tallest of all temples having three storeyes. The outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum has beautiful sculptures in gray sandstone showing Dikpals, Vidhyadevis, Yakshinis and Shalabhanjikas. These beautiful sculptures are frequently compared to the ones in Khajuraho and Konark temples.

Mahaveer Swami Temple
Mahaveer Swami is the smallest of Dilwara temples. Constructed in the year 1582 AD, the temple is dedicated to 24th Jain Tirthankara Lord Mahaveer. The temple is best known for the paintings done on its upper walls by the artists of Sirohi.