Dilwara temples are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, these temples as old as11th to the 13th century AD. These Temples are world famous for their stunning use of marble. Many experts are of the view that these temples have better architect than the Taj Mahal. The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills, where one can meditate in the serene environment. A high wall, shimmering with shine in the sunlight, surrounds the temple complex. 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. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. Five Unique Temples of Dilwara. 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 (Shri Adi Nathji temple) :
This temple is entirely carved out of white marble. This temple is dedicated to the 1st Jain Tirthankara (teacher) Adi Nath. The ceilings features engraved designs of lotus-buds, petals, flowers and many legendary scenes from Jain and Hindu mythology. The richly carved corridors, pillars, arches, and 'mandaps' or porticoes of the temple are simply amazing.Vimal Vashi temple is the oldest of the Mount Abu temples. The temple was built in 1031 AD by the Vimal Shah, a merchant and a representative of Gujuarat ruler. Constructed out of white marble from Arasoori Hill, near Ambaji, 23 km from Abu Road.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. 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 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 . Each of the nine ceilings here seems to exceed the others in beauty and grace. 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.The Gudh mandap features a black marble idol of the 22nd Jain Tirthankar Neminatha . 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. |
