Dilwara Jain Temple

About

About 2.5 kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India’s lone hill station in the Sirohi District, are the Dilwara Jain Temples, also known as the Delvada Temples. These temples are a beautiful representation of the Mru-Gurjara style, characterized by white marble and ornate sculptures. These temples, built between the 11th and 16th centuries, are some of the most impressive examples of Jain architecture in Rajasthan. Seth Shri Kalyanji Anandji Pedhi looks after them and is a significant tourist destination and place of worship for the local Jain community in Sirohi.

Did you know?

These temples were built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD in a mountainous area of Mount Abu at an altitude of more than 1,200 meters; at the time, there were no roads, so marble blocks had to be carried to the site by elephants. Each of the five principal temples in the complex is devoted to one of the three Jain bodhisattvas (saints).

Deities

Each of the three Jain tiththankaras (saints) is honored by one of the five main temples in the Dilwara complex. Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple was established in 1582 and devoted to Jainism’s 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahaveer. The oldest temple, dedicated to Shri Adinath Ji, the first Jain Tirthankara, was built in 1031 A.D. and is known as the **Shri AdiNath Temple (Vimal Vasahi Temple). Third, the Shri ParshavNath Temple (Khartar Vasahi Temple), dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara, was constructed between 1458 and 59 A.D. Shri Rishabdaoji Temple, also known as Peethalhar Temple, was constructed by Bhima Shah, a minister from Gujarat, and is well-known for its use of brass metal for most statues. The Luna Vasahi Temple, or Shri Nemi Nathji Temple, was built in 1230 A.D. by Tejpal and Vastupal and is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara, Shri Nemi Nathji.

Location

Near Mount Abu in Rajasthan, India’s Sirohi District, is where you’ll find the Dilwara Jain Temples. They are at Dilwara (Delvara), a little community around 2.5 kilometers from Mount Abu’s main town.

Cultural & Economic Impact

Pilgrims travel from all across India to see the Dilwara Temples because of their cultural and religious significance to the Jain religion. In addition to being a boon to the local economy, they are a popular destination for tourists. Rajasthan’s cultural and architectural legacy is displayed at the state’s temples.

Festivals

Jain religious rituals and celebrations take place frequently in the temples. Throughout the year, devotees gather for various Jain rituals, prayers, and celebrations, with the most significant gatherings occurring around Jain festivals

Facts

Intricate decorations are carved into the ceilings, entrances, pillars, and panels of the temples, earning them a reputation for beauty.
According to legend, workers were compensated in gold based on the marble powder they scraped during the building.
The Dilwara Temples, especially in particular Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi, are some of the most well-known Jain temples in all of India.

Frequently Asked Questions { FAQs }

Who constructed the Dilwara Jain Temples?

Vimal Shah, the Mandika clan, Bhima Shah, Tejpal, and Vastupal were only a few kings and ministers who helped construct the Dilwara Jain Temples.

Which of the Dilwara Temples is the earliest, and why?

The Shri AdiNath Temple, or Vimal Vasahi Temple as it is more often known, is the oldest of the Dilwara Temples, constructed in 1031 A.D.

Why are Dilwara Temples so important architecturally?

The pristine white marble, complex sculptures, and incredible craftsmanship that went into the construction of the Dilwara Temples make them an architectural triumph and a one-of-a-kind wonder.

Is access granted to the Dilwara Temples for visitors and worshippers?

The Dilwara Temples are a popular location for tourists and pilgrims curious about Jain art and architecture.

In the Dilwara Temple, how many individual shrines are there?

There are five main temples in the Dilwara Temple complex, each housing shrines and icons honoring one of the five Jain Tirthankaras.