Dilwara Jain Temple - Marble StoneCraft At Its Best

Dilwara Marble Temples - An Introduction

Dilwara Jain Temples is one of the

finest Jain temple known world over for its extraordinary architecture and
marvelous marble stone carvings, some experts also consider it
architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. It seems fairly basic temple from
outside but every cloud has a silver lining, the temple interior showcases the
extraordinary work of human craftsmanship at its best. These temples were
built between 11th to 13th century AD, The beautiful lush green hills
surrounding the temple gives a very pleasant feeling. The ornamental details
of marble stone carvings is phenomenal and unmatched, The minutely
carved ceilings and the pillars are just amazing. All this was done at a time
when no transport or roads were available at a height of 1200+ Mtrs in
Mount Abu, Huge blocks of marble stones were transported on elephant
backs from the Arasoori Hills at Ambaji to this remote hilly region of Mount
Abu. Dilwara temples is also a popular Jain pilgrimage attraction.

Dilwara Temple complex consist of five major sections or temples devoted to

five jain trithankaras(saints):
1. Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple - This temple was constructed in
1582 and is devoted to Lord Mahaveer the 24th Tirthankara of Jain's,
this temple is relatively small the temple's upper walls have pictures of
the porch painted by craftsmen of sirohi in year 1764.

2. Shri AdiNath Temple or Vimal Vasahi Temple - This temple is

build by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanika ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D.,
this temple is the oldest of all and dedicated to Shri Adinath Ji - The
first jain trithankar, the temple has an open courtyard surrounded by
corridors all beautifully decorated with marble carved stones. Cells
inside this temple are contain tiny images of Jain saints artistically
carved on marble stone minutely. The internal dome is aesthetically
decorated with design's of flowers and petals, the huge hall of the
temple pillars decorated with the carving work of female figures
playing musical instruments. The temple also have the "Guda
Mandapa" - A simple hall decorated with the images of Shri Adi Nath.

3. Shri ParshavNath Temple or Khartar Vasahi Temple - This temple

was built by Mandika clan between 1458-59 A.D., this temple has the
tallest shrine along with four big Mandapa's amongst all dilwara
temples. The carving on the pillars of this temple is yet another
example of these jain temples architectural superiority.

4. Shri Rishabdaoji Temple or Peethalhar Temple - This temple is

known as Pittalhari/Peethalhar temple because in this temple most of
the statues are built using ‘Pittal’ (Brass Metal). This temple was built
by Bhima Shah, a minister from Gujarat dynasty, like other temples of
Dilwara this temple is also having Gudu Mandapa and Navchowki.

5. Shri NemiNathJi Temple or Luna Vasahi Temple - This temple

was built in 1230 A.D. by two brothers known as Tejpal and Vastupal,
they dedicated this temple to the 22nd saint of Jainism - Shri Nemi
Nathji. This temple has one hall named Rag Mandapa which has three
hundred and sixty (360) tiny idols of Jain trithankar all minutely
crafted on marble proving once again why these jain marble temples
of Dilwara are superior to Taj Mahal, Among all these white marble
 idols the idol of Shri Neminath Ji is made up of black marble.The
pillars of this temple were built by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar.

The Dilwara Jain Temples are open from 12 P.M. to 3 P.M. for tourist's for
free and No photography is allowed inside the temple complex.
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DETAILS
The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill
station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning
use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. They are
an overwhelming blend of simple beauty and exquisite elegance. The marble temples have an opulent
entranceway. The simplicity in architecture verily reminds one that Jainism as a religion "encouraged honesty
and frugality". The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high
wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temple
complex.

Although the Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in

Rajasthan but none come close to these in terms of architectural
perfection. The ornamental detail spread over the minutely carved
ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous and has
to be seen to be believed.

Five Unique Temples of Dilwara

There are 5 temples in all, each with its own unique identity though
together they are named after the small village in which they are located. These are:

• Vimal Vasahi (Shri Adi Nathji temple)

• Luna Vasahi (Shri Nemi Nathji temple)
• Pithalhar (Shri Rishabh Deoji temple)
• Khartar Vasahi (Shri Parshav Nathji temple)
• Mahaveer Swami (Shri Mahaveer Swamiji temple)

The most famous of these are the Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temple.

• Vimal Vasahi Temple

This temple carved entirely out of white marble was built in 1021 AD by Vimal Shah, a minister of
Raja Bhimdeo. The temple is dedicated to the 1st Jain Tirthankara (teacher or guide) Adi Nath. The
temple stands in an open courtyard surrounded by a corridor, which has numerous cells containing
smaller idols of the Tiranthakaras. The richly carved corridors, pillars, arches, and 'mandaps' or
porticoes of the temple are simply amazing. The ceilings feature engraved designs of lotus-buds,
petals, flowers and scenes from Jain and Hindu mythology.

The Rang mandap is a grand hall supported by 12 decorated pillars and nicely carved out arches with
a breathtaking central dome. On the pillars are carved female figurines playing musical instruments
and 16 Vidhyadevis or the goddesses of knowledge each one holding her own symbol.

The Navchowki is a collection of nine rectangular ceilings, each one containing beautiful carvings of
different designs supported on ornate pillars. The Gudh mandap is a simple hall once you step inside
its heavily decorated doorway. Installed here is the idol of Adi Nath or Lord Rishabdev, as he is also
known. The mandap is meant for 'Arti' to the deity. The Hastishala (Elephant Cell) was constructed by
Prithvipal, a descendant of Vimal Shah in 1147-49 A.D and features a row of elephants in sculpture.
• Luna Vasahi (Shri Nemi Nathji temple)
The Luna Vashi temple is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara Shri Nemi Nathji. This magnificent
temple was built in 1230 AD by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal - both ministers of a local ruler.
The temple built in memory of their late brother Luna was designed after the Vimal Vashi temple. The
main hall or Rang mandap features a central dome from which hangs a big ornamental pendent
featuring elaborate carving. Arranged in a circular band are 72 figures of Tirthankaras in sitting
posture and just below this band are 360 small figures of Jain monks in another circular band. The
Hathishala or elephant cell features 10 beautiful marble elephants neatly polished and realistically
modelled.

The Navchowki features some of the most magnificent and delicate marble stone cutting work of the
temple. Each of the nine ceilings here seems to exceed the others in beauty and grace. The Gudh
mandap features a black marble idol of the 22nd Jain Tirthankara Neminath. The Kirthi Stambha is a
big black stone pillar that stands on the left side of the temple. The pillar was constructed by
Maharana Kumbha of Mewar. The remaining three temples of Dilwara are smaller but just as elegant
as the other two.
• Pittalhar Temple
This temple was build by Bhima Shah, a minister of Sultan Begada of Ahmedabd. A massive metal
statue of Rishab Dev (Adinath), cast in five metals is installed in the temple. The main metal used in
this statue is 'Pital' (brass), hence the name 'Pittalhar'. The Shrine consists of a main Garbhagraha,
Gudh mandap and Navchowki.
• Parshavanath Temple
This temple, dedicated to Lord Parshavnath was built by Mandlik and his family in 1458-59 A.D. It
consists of a three storied building, the tallest of all the shrines at Dilwara. On all the four faces of the
sanctum on the ground floor are four big mandaps. The outer walls of the sanctum comprise of
beautiful sculptures in gray sandstone, depicting Dikpals, Vidhyadevis, Yakshinis, Shalabhanjikas and
other decorative sculptures comparable to the ones in Khajuraho and Konark.
• Mahaveer Swami Temple
This is a small structure constructed in 1582 A.D. and dedicated to the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord
Mahaveer. There are pictures on the upper walls of the porch painted in 1764 A.D. by the artists of
Sirohi.
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