Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu Rajasthan’s only hill station, Mount Abu, is located in the Aravalli Mountains. This makes it a popular getaway for vacationers in the region, as it promises respite from the desert heat. Apart from the conventional ‘hill station activities’, there’s a lot of sightseeing that can be done in Mount Abu.
The Dilwara Jain Temples, located about 2 kilometers from here, are a respected pilgrimage destination for Jains in the region and across India. The Dilwara Jain temples are located in the lap of nature, surrounded by the canopy lush green hills and mango trees. According to historical records, these temples were built between the eleventh and the thirteenth century AD. Along with a regular influx of tourists that is steadily increasing, it is visited every year by devout Jains. The white marble temples are said to be a dedication to Jain saints.
When viewed from a distance, one might wonder why these temples are respected so much for their beauty. Though the temples seem to be ordinary from the outside, it’s only when one steps inside them will one be able to marvel at the feats of artistry. The incredibly ornate marble stone carvings and the precise engraving on the temple ceilings and pillars are a photographers’ delight Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu.
The ceilings feature ornate gold leaf work, and one will possibly need to zoom in with a pair of binoculars (photography is forbidden inside the temple complex) to appreciate the finer details of the ceiling paintings. The paintings depict the stories of Jain history and mythology. Open between noon and 3 pm, the entry to these temples is free. While there are other Jain temples across Rajasthan, the Dilwara temples are unmatched in their architectural perfection.
They are not only monuments – but fully functional temples that see hordes of Jains come to offer regular prayers. The temples have facilities for bathing, a necessary pre-requisite to the performance of ‘puja’ (prayer). In the winter months, the bathing facilities are heated by solar power for bathing, Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu.
HISTORY
There is only hill station in Rajasthan name : Mount Abu. Here a beautiful huge temple is situated, which is famous in the world with name of The Dilwara Temples located about 2½ km from Mount Abu, These Jain temples were built by Vimal Shah and designed by Vastapul-Tejpal, Jain laymen, between the 11th and 13th centuries AD and are famous for their use of marble and intricate marble carvings and architecture. The five marble temples of Dilwara are a sacred pilgrimage place of the Jains.
Some consider them to be one of the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world. The temples have an Rich entranceway, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality. The temples are in the midst of a range of forested hills. A high wall shrouds the temple complex, Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu.
This is one of the most beautiful example of architectural perfection The ornamental detail spreading over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvelous.There are so many small temples in Dilwara of all Jain Gurus.
Interesting Facts About Dilwara Temple Mount Abu
- The Jain Dilwara temple complex is located 2.5 km from the Mount Abu town centre
- It is a major sacred pilgrimage site for Jains worldwide and is Mount Abu’s most popular attraction
- The temple complex is set in beautiful surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills – a walk around the complex is worth it
- The Dilwara temples predates the town of Mount Abu by several centuries and was built when this site was just a remote mountain area
- The complex contains five Jain temples which are known worldwide for their superb marble carvings
- Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temples are the most famous among the five Jain Dilwara temples
- It is believed that the artisans were paid according to the amount of dust they collected, encouraging them to carve ever more intricately
Dilwara Jain Temple Timings:
| Categories | Timings |
| For Jain Community | 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| For Non-Jain Community | 12:00 Pm to 6:00 PM |
Dilwara Temple Attractions
Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu are among the famous pilgrimage sites for Jains which is also visited by a number of people from various religious sects. These temples are known for their architectural splendor. Set amidst picturesque hills, these shrines are carved out of white marvel. They are known for their carved ceilings, entryways, pillars and panels. The five shrines of the temple are dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, Lord Mahavir Swami, Lord Adinath, Lord Neminath and Lord Rishabhdeo.
The well known temples of this place are Vimal Vasahi Temple, Luna Vasahi Temple, Pittalhar Temple, Parshvanatha Temple and Mahavir Swami Temple. All these temples are known for their unique identity in terms of architecture, construction and decoration. The Vimal Vasahi Temple is the most grandiose one.
The Vimal Vasahi Temple
Carved entirely out of white marble, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rishaba. It was built in 1031 A.D by Vimal Shah, a minister during the reign of the Chalukya king Bhima I of Gujarat. This spectacular shrine is situated in the middle of a spacious courtyard surrounded by a corridor. Several smaller shrines within the premises house Idols of the Tirthankaras. The corridors, pillars, arches and mandaps of the temple feature intricate carvings which are strikingly beautiful.
The ceilings are replete with carvings depicting Jain mythological images and several engraved designs of various flowers. The elaborately carved nine rectangular ceilings of the Navchowki are supported by ornate pillars. The idol of Adinath (Lord Rishabdev) is installed in the Gudh Mandap and Aarti is performed here for the deity. The temple also features a Hathishala (Elephant courtyard), which was built in 1147 to 1149 A.D. Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu This is adorned with several intricate sculptures of Elephants depicted in rows.
The Luna Vasahi Temple
Built in 1230 A.D by the Porwal brothers, this spectacular temple is dedicated to Lord Neminath. The Luna Vasahi temple was built to commemorate the memory of their late brother and the design is similar to that of the Vimal Vashi temple. The spacious main hall is topped with a central dome with a huge decorative pendant hanging from the ceiling. Located within the hall are the 72 figures of Tirthankaras, which are depicted in a seated position and arranged in a circular fashion. Below this are the 360 small figures of Jain Monks also arranged in a circular band. Ten beautifully carved and polished marble images of Elephants are also found in the Hathishala.
Elaborate and beautifully carved marble stone work adorns the Navchowki and the nine ceilings are truly a sight to behold. A black marble Idol of the 22nd Tirthankar, Neminatha is installed in the Gudh mandap, which also features a black stone pillar on the left side Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu .
The Pittalhar Temple
Built by Bhima Shah, a minister in the royal court of Ahmedabad, the Pittalhar temple is an impressive structure. The Idol of Lord Adinath installed here is an alloy of five different metals, with brass being the main element. Hence the temple takes the name Pittalhar, which means brass. A Garbagriha, Gudh Mandap and Navchowki are the other predominant structures in the shrine. Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu Some portions of the temple were built in 1474 and 1490 A.D, after which construction was abandoned due to some inexplicable reasons.
The Parshvanatha Temple
Built by Mandlik and his family in 1458-1459, this majestic temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanath. This three-storied structure is the tallest among the complex of temples found in Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu, with all four faces of the Sanctum on the ground floor featuring four large mandaps. Beautiful sculptures depicting Dipkals in gray sandstone adorn the outer walls of the Sanctum. Several other decorative sculptures portrayed here rival those of the Khaujuraho and Konark temples in sheer beauty and grace.
The Mahaveer Swami Temple
This relatively small structure was constructed in 1582. Dedicated to Lord Mahavira, this shrine is a masterpiece of architecture and its walls are adorned with beautiful carvings. The upper walls of the porch feature ancient images painted by artists from Sirohi in the year 1764 Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu.
These architectural marvels of the Jain community have undergone extensive repairs periodically. Ravaged and plundered by Muslim invaders on many occasions, these temples were restored and repaired by Hindu philanthropists several times. The indomitable spirit shown by these individuals has ensured the survival of these sacred temples to this day and hopefully they will remain for posterity as a tribute to the followers of the Jain community.
Other Tourist Places to Visit in Mount Abu:
- Nakki Lake
- Guru Shikhar
- Toad Rock
- Universal Peace Hall
- Sunset point
- Government Museum
- Champa Cave
Best Time to Visit
The temples are open to visit from 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm all year long. Being a hill station, the climate is usually cool except for the summer season. In winters, the temperature falls to as low as -2 to -3 degree centigrade. During monsoon, moderate to heavy rainfalls are recorded, and it is advised that you carry an umbrella and raincoat to avoid getting caught in the spells, Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu .
How to Reach Mount Abu:
By Air: Nearest Airport to Mount Abu is at Udaipur, which is 185 km from Mount Abu. But I will suggest you for Ahmedabad airport as it has good connectivity and daily flights with other major cities of Gujarat. From Udaipur or Ahmedabad, you can easily get the privates Taxis or Buses for Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Mount Abu is at Abu road, the distance between Mount Abu and Abu Road is about 28 km. One can easily get the taxis and buses from Abu Road to Mount Abu.
By Road: Mount Abu has very well connected by road with major cities of the country. So, Tourists can easily reach Mount Abu by road.
