Quick Bytes
Located In: Mt. Abu,
Rajasthan
Dedicated To: Jain Thirthankar
Built In: 11th to the 13th century A.D.
Timings for Darshan: Jains: sunrise to sunset, Non-Jains : Noon
06:00 P.M.
Fee (If any): Admission is free
General Tip: Photography is strictly prohibited in Dilwara Temples
Getting There: Mt. Abu has developed means of transportation. Take
taxis, buses and rickshaws run by RSTC from to reach the Dilwara Temples.
About the Temple
The attractions of
Mount Abu are not only for honeymooners, family vacations
and holidaying. But you can go spiritual visiting these temples and seek
that divine bliss. The Jain temples at Mt. Abu are a an important pilgrimage
for Jains. These are located just at a distance of 2.5 km from Mt.Abu. Most
of the followers of Jainism were from prosperous affluent families and their
devotion is reflected through the donations of large sums of money for the
construction of these exquisitely carved temples. Not only are these temples
dedicated to the Jain Tiranthankars but also are a storehouse for the
manuscripts and treatises.
Beautiful
Architecture
The distinguished Dilwara Jain temples are a magnum opus of Jain
architecture in India. The marble beauty lies at its best in these temples.
The perfection and precision in architecture of Dilwara temples is
appreciable. The marvelous carved decoration of ceilings, doorways, pillars,
panels and niches are a visual treat. Life of Lord Krishna is imprinted on
the temple walls. The complex comprises of five temples and all are built in
the Nagara style of temple architecture. The appeal of the architecture here
comes from the philosophy of Jain of simplicity and honesty.
Must See - Must Do
Vimal Vasahi (Shri Adi Nathji temple): This is the oldest
of the five which dates back to 1031 and was sponsored by a Gujarati
minister. The temple is devoted to the first Teerathankar Adinath.
Lavishly built it got completed in 14 years. With an image of Adinath in the
center, it is surrounded by identical cells. House of
Elephants located just
in front of the temple features a procession of elephants marching towards
the temple entrance.
Luna Vasahi (Shri Nemi Nathji temple): This temple id
dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd Teerathankar and was built by two brothers
Tejpal and Vastupal in 1230. 2500 workers diligently worked to make the
wonderful marble carvings and it took 15 years to built this temple.
Pithalhar (Shri Rishabh Deoji temple): A massive metal
statue of first Jain Tirthankara Rishabha Dev (Adinath), cast in five
metals, is the main attraction here. The temple was built by Bhima Shah, a
minister of Sultan Begada of Ahmedabad. As the main metal of the idol is
pital (brass) hence named Pithallar.
Khartar Vasahi (Shri Parshav Nathji temple): Built by
Mandlik and his family in 1458-59 the tempe id devoted to Parshvanathji, the
23rd Tirthankara. It is the tallest edifice with three stories but does not
compete with the afore mentioned structures. The outer walls of the sanctum
are embellished with beautiful sculptures in gray sandstone comparable to
those in Khajuraho and Konark.
Mahaveer Swami (Shri Mahaveer Swamiji temple): This small
structure is dedicated to the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahaveer and was
built in 1582. There are beautiful paintings to see here.
Trekking:You can enjoy
trekking and into the hills to see
the sunset. The experience will be wonderful and memorable.
Horse Riding: Tourists can hire ponies for rides at
various places dotted around the town.
Excursion Trips
Achalgarh: The superb Shiva temple at Achaleshwar
Mahadeva is proud to feature Shiva's toe and brass Nandi bull. See the
legendary tanks and lovely Jain temples.
Guru Shikhar: It is the highest point in Rajasthan. The
Atri Rishi Temple here is a must visit for tourists.
Mt. Abu Wildlife Sanctuary: The
sanctuary is expanded to
290 sq.km area. It is a home to panthers, sambars, foxes, wild boars, bear,
crocodile and a varieties of birds.
Gaumukh Temple: A small stream flows from the mouth of a
marble cow which gives the name Gaumukh to the shrine. A marble figure of
Nandi is also located here. Another site to see here is Agni Kund where the
sage Vasishta made a sacrificial fire.