Dilwara Jain Temple Mount Abu: History, Timings & Guide

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. These temples are named Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar Temple, Parshvanath Temple, and Mahavir Swami Temple. Among all these, the 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 got ready in the time of Chaulukya dynasty 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. The same ruler, Rana Kumbha, also supported the construction of Ranakpur Jain Temple.

3. Pittalhar Temple

Between 1316–1432 AD, 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 is made majorly with “Pital” (brass), as the name suggested, so it’s named Pittalhar Temple. Temple is 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 is 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 is painted by the Sirohi artists. 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 it. 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 Pedhi 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 room cottages. That facility comes with attached baths.

Want to Explore this Place?

Let’s find the routes available to reach Dilwara Jain Temple. Temple is 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.

Dilwara Jain Temple Quick Facts

Hello guys, before I go to timings and tips, here is one simple table. All main facts of Dilwara at one place, so you can check quickly.

Detail	Information
Location	Around 2.5 km from Mount Abu, Sirohi district, Rajasthan
Number of temples	5 (inside one walled compound)
Oldest temple	Vimal Vasahi (around 1031 CE)
Most detailed carving	Luna Vasahi (1230 CE)
Tallest temple	Parshvanatha Temple (three storeys)
Newest temple	Mahavir Swami Temple (1582 CE)
Built by	Vimal Shah, Vastupal–Tejpal and others
Style	Solanki / Māru-Gurjara
Material	White marble
Sect	Śvetāmbara Jain
Managed by	Seth Kalyanji Paramanandji Pedhi
Nearest railway station	Abu Road (around 28 km)
Nearest airport	Udaipur

Dilwara Jain Temple Timings and Entry Fee

Now the most important part for tourists. Timings are different for Jain devotees and other visitors. Jain devotees can come for puja from morning. But general tourists are allowed only after 12 noon, till around 5 or 6 pm. Before 12 pm you will not get entry, so don’t reach early and wait outside like many people do.

There is no entry fee. But you have to keep mobile, camera and bag in locker outside, and they take small charge for it (around ₹50).

Honestly guys, timing can change in festival time. So I suggest you ask your hotel in Mount Abu one day before.

Rules and Dress Code at Dilwara Temple

Dilwara is very strict, and I think this is the reason the marble still looks so good after 1,000 years. Here are rules you must know:

Photography is fully not allowed inside the temples.
Mobile phones, cameras and bags are kept in lockers.
Shorts, half pants and sleeveless clothes are not allowed. Wear full length clothes.
Leather items like belt and wallet are not allowed.
Shoes are removed outside.
Keep silence inside, it is a working temple.

I know no photos feels sad. But if you ask me, it’s good also. You actually look at the carvings with your eyes, not from phone screen.

Best Time to Visit Dilwara Temple

Mount Abu is a hill station, so weather is nice most of the year. But I think October to March is the best time. Weather is cool and sky is clear.

Summer (April to June) is also ok because Mount Abu is cooler then rest of Rajasthan. But crowd is very high in summer holidays. Monsoon is green and beautiful, but sometime foggy and slippery roads.

Dilwara vs Ranakpur – Which One to Visit?

Many people ask me this. Both are Jain marble temples in Rajasthan, but feeling is different.

Point	Dilwara Jain Temples	Ranakpur Jain Temple
Location	Mount Abu, Sirohi	Ranakpur, Pali
Period	11th to 16th century	15th century
Famous for	Very fine ceiling carvings	1,444 carved pillars
Size	Smaller, close and detailed	Very big and open
Photography	Not allowed inside	Allowed with fee (some areas)

If you ask me, Dilwara is for detail lovers and Ranakpur is for scale lovers. Best is to see both. You can read my full blog on Ranakpur Jain Temple also.

Places to Visit Near Dilwara Temple

Mount Abu has many good places. You can cover these in one or two days.

1. Adinath Temple

Another Jain temple on Mount Abu dedicated to Lord Adinath. I have written a full blog on Adinath Temple, Mount Abu, you can read it.

2. Nakki Lake

This is the heart of Mount Abu town, around 3 km from Dilwara. Boating in evening is very nice here.

3. Guru Shikhar

Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravalli range, around 15 km from Dilwara. The view from top is amazing on a clear day.

4. Achalgarh Fort and Temples

Old fort with Achaleshwar Mahadev temple and some Jain temples also. Good for history lovers.

5. Sunset Point

If you are staying in Mount Abu, don’t miss sunset here. It gets crowded, so go little early.

FAQs About Dilwara Jain Temple

Q1. Why is Dilwara Jain Temple famous? Dilwara Jain Temple is famous for its very fine white marble carvings, specially the ceilings of Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temples.

Q2. Who built Dilwara Jain Temple? The oldest temple, Vimal Vasahi, was built by Vimal Shah, a minister of Bhima I. Luna Vasahi was built by brothers Vastupal and Tejpal.

Q3. Is photography allowed in Dilwara Temple? No, photography is not allowed inside the temples. Phones and cameras must be kept in lockers.

Q4. What is the timing of Dilwara Jain Temple for tourists? General tourists are allowed from around 12 noon to 5–6 pm. Jain devotees can visit from morning for puja.

Q5. How many temples are there in Dilwara? There are five temples: Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshvanatha and Mahavir Swami temple.

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. Centuries ago 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, wall and ceiling speaks stories by the detailed carvings. The architectural brilliance and history make this place a must visit.

Writer’s POV

Honestly guys, when I read about Dilwara, one thing I could not believe. The temple looks very simple from outside. Nothing special. But inside, the marble is cut so thin at some places that light comes through it. I think this is the real beauty of Jain thinking, simple outside and rich inside.

I also like that this is not one temple but five, built over almost 550 years. Each family and each minister added their own temple, but all stay inside one wall. For me it feels like a family of temples, not only a monument.

If you ask me for one tip, reach just after 12 noon when gates open for tourists, and spend at least 1.5 hours. Don’t rush through Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi. Look up at the ceilings slowly. Only thing I don’t like is the short visiting time for tourists, so plan your Mount Abu day around it.

So these were all details about Dilwara Jain Temple. I have tried to cover the five temples, history, timings, rules and nearby places. Keep on visiting The Indian Architecture for more info.

Also Read:

Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu