About Dilwara Temple

       Dilwara Temples of Rajasthan are popular for their beautiful artwork. Located near Mount Abu in Rajasthan, Dilwara Temple is easily accessible from any town or city of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is a beautiful and one & only hill station of Rajasthan. Several train services are available by Indian Railways for Mount-Abu from different cities. Dilwara Temple lies at a distance of 2.5 km from Mount Abu.  

   It seems fairly basic temple from outside but every cloud has a silver lining, the temple interior showcases the extraordinary work of human craftsmanship at its best. These temples were built between 11th to 13th century AD, The beautiful lush green hills surrounding the temple gives a very pleasant feeling.

    The Dilwara Temples consist of 5 temples in total which are unique in their style and architectural methods. They are named after the small villages in which they are located like:

• Vimal Vasahi (Shri Adi Nathji temple)
• Luna Vasahi (Shri Nemi Nathji temple)
• Pithalhar (Shri Rishabh Deoji temple)
• Khartar Vasahi (Shri Parshav Nathji temple)
• Mahaveer Swami (Shri Mahaveer Swamiji temple)

Shri AdiNath Temple or Vimal Vasahi Temple – This is the oldest temple among all other temples in the complex and dedicated to first Jain Tirthankara Shri Adinath Ji. It was built by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanika ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D. Inside of the temple there are small images of Jain saints which have exclusive work of minute art carving on marble. Outside of the temple, there is an open courtyard surrounded by corridors all beautifully decorated with marble carved stones. “Guda Mandapa” which is a hall decorated with numerous images of Shri Adi Nath, is another attraction in this temple.

Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple - This temple was constructed in 1582 and is devoted to Lord Mahaveer the 24th Tirthankara of Jain's, this temple is relatively small the temple's upper walls have pictures of the porch painted by craftsmen of Sirohi in the year 1764. 

Shri Rishabdaoji Temple or Peethalhar Temple –Pittalhar Temple is dedicated to Lord Rishabdeo, the first Jain Tirthankara Lord. Built by Bhima Seth, the temple comprises a huge image of Lord Rishabhdeo. This image is made of five metals and brass forms the major part of the composition. Due to this fact, this came to be known as 'Pittalhar'. Once again, the temple contains a Garbhagraha, Gudh Mandap and a Navchowki. 

Shri Nemi Nath Ji Templuna Vasahi Temple – This temple is dedicated to the 22nd saint of Jainism – Shri Nemi Nathji. It was constructed by two brothers known as Tejpal and Vastupal in 1230 A.D. Black marble idol of Shri Nemi NathJi among 360 minutely crafted tiny idols of Jain Tirthankara in a hall named Rag Mandapa is amazing to see. The pillars of this temple were built by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar.

Shri ParshavNath Temple or Khartar Vasahi Temple - This temple was built by Mandika clan between 1458-59 A.D., this temple has the tallest shrine along with four big Mandapas amongst all dilwara temples. The carving on the pillars of this temple is yet another example of these Jain temples architectural superiority.

    Dilwara Temple is sometimes regarded as one of the most stunning pilgrimage sites of Jains. The temples of Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi get the maximum attention due to their sheer size and grandeur.