Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu

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. We were mesmerised by the sheer beauty of this historical structure.

I had heard so much about these temples, that I was all ready with my camera to capture it, but at the entry we were told we cannot take any cameras inside. Even mobile phones are not allowed. The temple authorities have installed CCTV cameras and if you are found clicking, they would confiscate your phone. So we went inside feeling sad that we couldn't savor this memory in the form of pictures. But once we were inside, me and my husband were thrilled to be in the midst of it. There are no guides and the priests of the temple give you a tour at no charge. You can donate an amount if you like while you are leaving the temple premises.

We were surprised to know some facts about these temples - What you see is an overview of the temple complex. You would be surprised to see ghumbaz’s and assume it is an Islamic monument. To avoid catching attention of Muslim invaders people of those times deliberately made a ghumbaz top with simple exteriors so that it did not attract attention of invaders and possible destruction thereafter.

Dilwara is a cluster of five Digambar Jain temples dedicated to the Tirthankaras dated between the 11-12th century a.d. The first of the two imposing temples were built in the year 1031 a.d. by Vimal Vasahi commander in chief of Bhurinder Solankhi, ruler of Gujarat. It was built at a cost of Rs 185.3 million and is dedicated to Adhinath the first Tirthankara. 1500 masons & 1200 laborers worked on this temple for 14 years. An icon of Vimal Vasahi on a horse overlooks the temple entrance.

The first temple has 57 temple small temples of Tirthankaras on the periphery of the main temple. Ceiling is beautifully carved, some have 3 layers of carving within, other have 2 icons in the ceiling, predominance of elephants & flowers. A closer view of the columns only to give you an idea of the great work done in those times. 

The four corners of the Rang Mandap have icons of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiv & Ambika. You can see the ceiling of the Rang Mandap. It has 16 avatars of Ambika Mata or Mata ke 16 roop.
Every pillar has 68 different dance poses. There are 202 pillars that are placed in a manner that at any time you can see four icons.

Narasimha Vishnu Bhagwan ka avatar.

We now enter temple two. You see an overview of the temple as we entered. The second splendid shrine was built by two famous brothers Vastupal & Tejpal. They were ministers of Virdhaval Solankhi ruler of Gujarat. It was built at a cost of Rs 125.9 million in the year 1231 and is dedicated to Lord Neminath the 22nd Tirthankara.

It is a feast for the eyes to watch from amongst pillars, each one of them carved with different designs, the intertwined interior and exterior space lit up by reflecting sunlight that comes from courtyards. Every part of ceiling at "bhamati" (cloisters) which surrounds "Vimana" (main shrine) is also covered with carvings such as lotuses, gods, and abstract patterns. In each external "deva-kulikas" (small shrines) that face the bhamati, a statue of Tirthankara (Jina) is installed.

A close up of the Rang Mandap & columns. In the center is Jhumar ki kala. Took 6 years to make, weight 800 kgs, is 1.25 metres inlength. Destroyed in 1368, was restored between 1950-65.

According to a legend, sculptors conducted their jobs with ultimate delicacy because they were paid by the weight of stone refuse.

Hasti Shala – Elephants were used to carry marbles from Ambaji to Mount Abu for the construction of the temples. To commemorate their contribution, Hast Shala ( The Elephant Courtyard ) was constructed.

There are many interesting facts which you can only know of when you visit this marvelous architecture in Mount Abu. One can’t resist without being stunned after watching the super fine filigree work. More of it, if you give a thought, how did human made it possible to carry such huge boulders of marble at this height from sea level even there were no means of transport and roads. You will simply left with an answer, its magic or god himself might have come to build this super fine structure. I was stunned and at the same time fascinated by the art and craft of our ancient people of India. So much hard work and sheer beauty, this is one visit which I will always remember and hold close to my heart.

Please write to us at info@ultimatetourism.com if you want to visit Mount Abu in Rajasthan. 

Ultimate Tourism believes in customizing the whole experience for you as a memory that you shall cherish forever.

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