The Dilwara Temples are a group of five Jain temples located in the town of Mount Abu in Rajasthan, India. These temples are known for their exquisite architecture, intricate carvings, and beautiful marble work. They were built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD and are considered to be an important pilgrimage site for Jains.

Architecture

The architecture of the Dilwara Temples is a fine example of the Solanki style of architecture. The temples were built using white marble, which was brought from the nearby Arasoori Hills. The intricate carvings on the marble walls and ceilings of the temples are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans of that time.

Temple Complex

The Dilwara Temple complex consists of five temples, namely Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshvanath, and Mahavir Swami. Each temple has its own unique features and is dedicated to a different Tirthankara of the Jain religion.

Vimal Vasahi Temple

The Vimal Vasahi Temple is the oldest and largest temple in the complex. It was built in the 11th century AD and is dedicated to the first Tirthankara of the Jain religion, Adinath. The temple has an open courtyard surrounded by 52 small shrines, each containing a statue of a Tirthankara.

Luna Vasahi Temple

The Luna Vasahi Temple was built in the 13th century AD and is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath. The temple is known for its intricate marble carvings, which depict scenes from Jain mythology.

Pittalhar Temple

The Pittalhar Temple is dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Adinath. The temple gets its name from the idol of Adinath, which is made of brass (pittal in Hindi).

Parshvanath Temple

The Parshvanath Temple is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanath. The temple is known for its beautiful carvings of elephants, which are considered to be a symbol of strength and power.

Mahavir Swami Temple

The Mahavir Swami Temple is dedicated to the last Tirthankara, Mahavir Swami. The temple has a beautiful statue of Mahavir Swami, which is made of black marble.

Conclusion

The Dilwara Temples are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India. They are not only an important pilgrimage site for Jains but also attract tourists from all over the world. The intricate carvings and beautiful marble work of these temples make them a must-visit destination for anyone interested in architecture and art.