The Dilwara Jain
temples are among the finest examples of Jain temples in
India.
Places
To See in Mount Abu <The
Dilwara Jain Temple - The Temple complex includes two
temples with exquisite marble carvings. The older of the temples is the
Vimal Vasahi, built in 1031 by a Gujrati minister named Vimal. It is
dedicated to the first tirthankar (Jain Teacher), Adinath. The central
shrine contains an image of Adinath, while around the courtyard are 57
identical cells, each with a Budhdha like cross-legged image. Forty eight
elegantly carved pillars from the entrance to the courtyard. In front of
the temple stands the House of Elephants, with figures of elephants
marching in procession to the temple.
The later Tejpal Temple is dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd tirthankar, and
was built in1231 by the brothers Tejpal and Vastupal. Like Vimal, they
were ministers in the government of the ruler of Gujarat. Although the
Tejpal temple is important as an extremely old and complete example of
Jain temple, its most notable feature is the intricacy and delicacy of the
marble carving. It is so fine that, in places, the marble becomes almost
transparent. In particular the lotus flower that hangs from the center of
the dome is an incredible piece of work. It is difficult to believe that
the huge lacelike filigree started as a solid block of marble. The temple
employs several full-time stone carvers to maintain and restore the work.
There are three other temples in the enclosure, but they are pale beside
the Tejpal temple and Vimal Vasahi.
Photography is not allowed.
<The
Dilwara Jain Temple - The Temple complex includes two
temples with exquisite marble carvings. The older of the temples is the
Vimal Vasahi, built in 1031 by a Gujrati minister named Vimal. It is
dedicated to the first tirthankar (Jain Teacher), Adinath. The central
shrine contains an image of Adinath, while around the courtyard are 57
identical cells, each with a Budhdha like cross-legged image. Forty eight
elegantly carved pillars from the entrance to the courtyard. In front of
the temple stands the House of Elephants, with figures of elephants
marching in procession to the temple.