Magnificent translucent shell treatment on marble, Dilwara Jain temple is an artist’s dream in marbles. A sacred pilgrimage for Jains, located in the
Mt. Abu is illustrious for its sheer elegance and beauty of marble carved architecture. There are five Jain temples in Rajasthan all known for beautiful architecture. The surrounding ambiance of mango trees and wooded hills add more jewels to the magnificence of temples. The temples are dedicated to Jain’s saints (Tirthankars) stores rare illustrated manuscripts and treatises.
Jain faith inspire simplicity and so their temple reflects. Though the temples are heavily carved and decorated but surprisingly the simplicity rules the temples. The temples create a magical divine ambiance. The temples constructed accordance with north Indian architectural style. The temples are believed to built in accordance of Vastu shastra , each room in the temple is sanctum sanctorum where idols are kept. One of the prominent part of the temple architecture is the roof called shikhara, which is on the top of Grabha Griha. The temples are also built on a height and steps to follow to the main entrance. The architectural style is known as Nagra. There are total of five temples in a small village called Dilwara.
Five Dilwara Temples
The Vimal Vashi Temple – It glorifies the first Jain Tirthankar, Adinath. The temple is categorized into different corridors and subsequently many cells. Each cell consist of smaller idol of Tirthankar. The hallmark of the temple is carver corridor, pillars, arches as well as ceilings. The carvings were taken from different Hindu and Jain mythology. Rang Mandap is also knowen as grand hall have 12 richly decorated pillars, arches and a central dome. The beautiful female figurines playing musical instruments carved on the pillars.
The Luna Vashi Temple – Luna Vashi temple is dedicated to 22nd Jain Tirthankar, Shri Nemi Nathji. The architecture is more or less like Vimal Vashi where the Rang Mandap has a central dome with ornamented pendent. There are 72 figures of Jain Tirthankars and 360 Jain monks figures depicted on the circular band. The Kirti Stambh in Luna Vashi temple is also famous for its beauty.
Pittalhar Temple – The impressive statue of Tirthankar Adinath made up of five metal is worth to see. Most of the statue is made up of Brass. The temple is also consists fo Rang Mandap, Garbha Griha and other halls.
Parshavanath Temple – This one is remarkable structure boasting of tallest shrines among all shrines. Also known as Khartar Vashi temple, was constructed in the 15th century. The beautiful exterior carving is often compared with
Khajuraho temples.
Mahaveer Swami Temple – The temple has an important religious significance as the temple is dedicated to 24th Jain Tirthankar Mahavir. Prime attraction is the painting on the upper walls of the temple. The temple was constructed in 16th century.
Other Attractions
Gaumukh temple – The temple is name dafter the spring that comes out from the sculpted cow’s head. A fabulous hill temple against a scenic backdrop.
Sunset Point – It is one of the favorite place of tourists where you can witness the spectacular view of sunset against a backdrop of lush green hills.
Honeymoon Point – Nobody knows why it is called the honeymoon point. Perhaps it is the most romantic place in Mount Abu especially in the early evening hours. From the top of the point you will see the enchanting lush green valleys and plains.
Garden And Parks - There are plenty of beautiful gardens and parks spread through out the hills. To spend some leisure hours in gardens and parks can be included in your itinerary.
Invaluable Suggestions
The temples are open to non Jain visitor from noon to 6 pm.
Photography is strictly restricted in temple premises.
Leather bags are also not allowed inside the temple.
You can find taxis from the town to Dilwara or you can also stroll out to there, which will take around 1 hours.
Do not take any guides from the Dilwara. It is better to take a travel agent’s help , they will provide you registered guide.
Always carry photocopies of passport, travel documents with you. Carry traveler’s check with you.
By Air :The nearest airport is at a distance of 185 kilometers at
Udaipur, which connects all major cities in India.
By Train : Railway connectivity is excellent. The railway is at a distance of 28 kilometers.
By Road : Mt. Abu is 185 km from Udaipur. It takes seven hours to reach Udaipur by buses.
