Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu
Indian Jain architecture is the evidence of deep values of spirituality and Non-violence. With the deep rooted values, the Jain architecture drops an image in architecture. Dilwara Jain temple is one of the best examples of Jain architecture, and it shows the craftsmanship and devotion of the Jain community. This is also an example of our history, in the era of the 11th and 16th centuries how the construction work is done. This temple not only attracts architects, but it also attracts historians and travellers.
Location – Dilwara Jain Temple:
Dilwara Jain Temple is in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan. It is approximately two and a half kilometres away from Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan. When it comes to architecture and style, there is a lot more to explore. The historical background is also the very strong side of this temple. Let’s explore the details.
The Architecture and The History
Vimal Shah, a Jain minister of Solanki, ruler of Gurjaratra, Bhima I, constructed the oldest, and Vastupala, a Jain minister of Vaghelas of Gurjaratra, later added to the temples. Between the 11th and 16th centuries, there was a period of architecture. During this period famous architectural monuments were constructed. Solanki architecture is very well known from that time. Pure white marble and detailed carvings add charm to this temple. Currently, this temple is managed and maintained by Shri Kalyanji Paramanandji Pedhi, Sirohi.
Later temples were built in the Māru-Gurjara style. Local Rajasthani marble is used in architecture, and that is popular in India. The huge entrance of the temple reflects the Jain principle. The delicately carved panels, pillars, entrances, and ceilings reflect the remarkable artistic details spread in the temple. This temple consists of five temples devoted to the different tirthankars. Each temple is enclosed under a single wall but has a unique identity.
The Five Temples of Dilwara – Echoes of Devotion:
Five temples represent the deep root of Jainism. This temple is named Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar Temple, Parshvanath Temple, and Mahavir Swami Temple. Among all this Vimal Vasahi and the Luna Vasahi temples are famous. Let’s see the details of all five temples.
1. Vimal Vasahi Temple:
Vimal Vasahi temple is devoted to the 1st Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha. The white marble is used in construction with beautiful carvings. This construction is almost a thousand years ancient still the carvings of the building look very modern. This temple was built by the Vimal Shah. The structure gets ready in the time of Chaulukya dinesty in Gujarat. The temple features many cells with miniature idols of the tirthankaras, and it is situated in an open courtyard with a walkway around it. The temple’s pillars, arches, passageways, and “mandaps” are all exquisitely carved.
The beautifully carved ceiling is very famous for its detailing. Lotus buds, petals, flowers, and scenes from Jain mythology are carved. The Navchowki and Gudh Mandap are located just at the entrance to the temple, which is set in an open courtyard. The collection of nine rectangular ceilings is called Navchowki. To enter the wildly ornamented doorway, Gudh Mandap is revealed to be a straightforward hall. The purpose of the mandap is to offer the deity Aarti. The Gudh mandap is home to an image of Rishabhanatha and two idols of Parshvanatha in the Kayotsarga position. The main dome ceiling has a carving of the sixteen devis associated with learning.
2. Luna Vasahi Temple:
The Luna Vasahi also known as Neminatha temple, is dedicated to the 22nd Jain tirthankara, Neminatha. The temple was constructed by two ministers from the Gujarat Vaghela royalty. In 1230 the temple was built by brothers – Vastupal and Tejpal. A similar type of construction can be seen in Luna Vasahi as Vimal Vasahi Temple. But in terms of carvings, Luna Vasahi temple is better. A large ornate pendant hangs from the center dome of the Rang mandap. Rang mandap is the main hall of the temple. 72 sitting tirthankara images are arranged in a circular band, and 360 tiny Jain monk figures are arranged in a second circular band. The two niches dedicated to the spouses of Vastupal and Tejpal respectively, are a unique feature of the temple. The temple has 130 pillars in all, 38 of which have exquisite carvings. There are forty-seven sub-shrines with one or more tirthankara images.
Some of the temple’s most delicate marble stone cuttings can be found in the Navchowki. The temple’s ceilings have images of Krishna and Rajmathi, who was to wed Neminatha, along with moments from her life. Neminatha’s idol made of black marble is shown on the Gudh mandap. Notable are the carvings of Chakreshvari and Devkulikas on the temple’s ceiling. Maharana Kumbha of Mewar built the large black stone pillar on the left side of the temple, known as the Kirti Stambh. The Kirti stambh symbolizes the pillar of pride.
3. Pittalhar Temple:
Between 1316-1432 AD, 3. Pittalhar Temple was built by Bhima Shah, a minister of Sultan Begada of Ahmedabad. This temple is dedicated to Rishabhanatha. The massive statue of Tirthankar Rishabhanatha. As the name suggested the statue was made majorly with “Pital”, has it’s named as Pittalhar Temple. Temple made with a combination of Garbhagriha, Gudh Mandap, and Navchowki. The main shrine contains 107 pictures, with pictures of Yakshi Chakreshvari and Yakshi Gomukha. The huge marble Panch-Tirthi statue of Rishabhanatha is set up on one side of Gudh Mandap.
4. Parshvanatha Temple:
Parshvanatha Temple dedicated to tirthankara Parshvanatha. Sangvi Mandlik and his family constructed this temple in 1458–59. With three storeys in the temple, this temple is the tallest temple in Dilwara. On all four faces of the ground floor sanctuary are four large mandapas that house a Chaumukha idol of Parshvanatha. The Chaumukha idol on the first floor features the image of Chintamani Parshvanath on the front, followed by Magalakar Parshvanatha on the second, and Manoratha-Kalpadruma Parshvanatha on the third, all of whom are hooded by nine cobras. The passageway has paintings of flowers and pictures of 17 tirthankaras. Similar to the Khajuraho temple and Konark temple the sanctum’s outer walls are detailed with Dikpalas, Vidhyadevis, Yakshinis, Shalabhanjikas, and other ornamental sculptures.
According to belief, spare stones were provided by masons of Vimala Vasahi and Luna Vasahi to add marble to the temple, which was built of grey stone.
5. Mahaveer Swami Temple:
Mahavir swami temple, the most modern structure, is dedicated to the 24th tirthankara, Mahavira. The temple was constructed in 1582. The Walls consist of carvings of flowers, pigeons, elephants, dancing girls, horses, and other scenery. Upper wall of porch painted by the shirohi artist. A rectangular marble slab with a triangle stone covering it stands outside the temple. With a larger image in the middle it has 133 small images of tirthankars.
Echoes of Time: Renovation & Restoration Efforts:
Historic structure required renovation time by time, to restore our culture and roots. In 1311 Allauddin Khilji attacked and damaged the temple. Later in 1321, Bijag and Lalag of Mandore repaired. Second restoration was done by Lallubhai Jaichand of Patan in 1906. Between the period of 1950 and 1965, Anandji Kalyanji performed repairs. Amritlal Mulshankar Trivedi, a Sompura businessman, contributed to Anandji Kalyanji in repairs. The old marble became yellow and the new marble is still bright white. Currently Seth Kalyanji Paramanandji Pedi runs the temple and also the Bhojanshala run by the same pedhi.
Facilities for Visitors – Modern-Day Convenience:
According to the Jain community the bathing is mandatory before puja, for that purpose the bathing facilities are available. The water is heated for bathing and other uses using passive solar power. Bhojanshala has facilities of breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also has the amenity of Dharamshala. It has 36 large size blocks with beds along with 2 & 3 rooms Cottages. That facility comes with attached baths.
Want to Explore this Place?
Let’s find the routes available to reach Dilwara Jain Temple. Temple located 84.9 Km from Sirohi City on National Highway 62. The nearest railway station to this temple is Abu road. The distance between Abu Road and Dilwara Jain Tirth is about 28 km. The nearest airport to this temple is Udaipur. Private vehicles and the bus facilities are also an option. The temple compound has amenities for boarding and lodging.
Final Thought
Dilwara Jain temple is the perfect example of our ancient architecture and our deep roots of culture. The surrounding of Mount Abu hill station adds more beauty to this temple with its natural views. Before the centuries this temple was constructed, still the beauty of the temple is as it is. The detailed craftsmanship is the very strong side of this temple. Each pillar, walls and ceiling speaks stories by the detailed carvings. The architectural brilliance and history make this place a must visit.
