Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu
Location :
The Dilwara temples are situated 3 Km from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only
hill station.
Best time to visit :
The climate is plesant through out the year, but the best time to visit
Mount Abu is the summer season, ie, March to October.
About the Dilwara Temples
The world famous Dilwara Jain temples are known for the fine marble
work to carve the Jain tirthankar idols. These idols all over the temple
are very exquisitely designed. The temples were built during 11th to
13th century AD, a time when Jainism was very popular and was rising
higher. The temples are a fine offering to the tourists. Many experts
are of the view that these temples have better architect than the Taj
Mahal. The hallmark of these Dilwara Temples is the crisp translucent
shell-like treatment of marble, which surpasses anything seen elsewhere.
The elagance and beauty of these idols can only be felt only after
seeing them and not at all by hearing or reading about these temples.
The architecture is marked by carvings that are not just ethereally
beautiful in form but are often presented in a highly poetic context.
For instance, one of the marble nayikas (maidens) is depicted as having
just emerged from her bath. Droplets falling from her long hair are
shown being drunk by a swan sitting at her feet.
The Temples
There are 5 temples in the area. They are Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi,
Pithalhar, Khartar Vasahi and Mahaveer Swami temple. The most famous of
these are the Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temple. `
Vimal Vasahi Temple:This temple is dedicated to the
first Tirthankar of Jains, Sri Adi Nath. It was built in 11 century.
Luna Vasahi Temple: It is dedicated to the 22nd
Tirthankara Shri Nemi Nathji. This magnificent temple was built in 1230
AD by two brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal, ministers of a local ruler.
Pittalhar Temple: This temple was build by Bhima Shah,
a minister of Sultan Begada of Ahmedabad. A massive metal statue of
Rishab Dev (Adinath), cast in five metals is installed in the temple.
Khartar Vasahi: This temple is dedicated to Lord
Parshavnath. It was built by Mandlik and his family in 1458-59 AD. It
consists of a three storied building, the tallest of all the shrines at
Dilwara.
Mahaveer Swami Temple: This temple is a small
structure constructed in 1582 AD and dedicated to the 24th Jain
Tirthankara Lord Mahaveer.
Architecture of the Temples
The Dilwara Temples are built in accordance to the the North Indian
style of temple building. The most outstanding feature of these temples
are its carvings. Jain mythology, saints, gods and goddesses, monks,
devotees or just good old religious motifs all find their way in a
spectacular rendezvous in marble and rock. Each nook and corner of Jain
temples are so diligently carved that it’s a wonder that the
edifice was created out of plain stone.The method of carving was also
unique. The Artisans did thinning of the marble into carved images. This
was done by gently scraping away the surface till a figure eventually
emerged. This is a prime reason why the temples in Mount Abu are said to
be the finest Jain temples in the world.
Reaching There:
By Air: Udaipur 185 km is nearest airport. Taxi and
buses available to reach Mount Abu.
By Rail: Abu road 29 km is the closest railhead.
Taxis, Jeeps and buses can be hired for onward journey to Mount Abu.
By Road: Good network of bus services, Key connections
are : Ahmedabad 221 km, Jodhpur 264 km via Sirohi Sanderao.
Local Transport: Un-metered taxis, and jeeps.
