Jain temples of Dilwara situated in the Mount Abu hill station of Rajasthan are world famous for their use of marble. Built during the Eleventh and Thirteenth century AD these temples are located two kilometers from Mount Abu. The temple complex is a satisfying experience for any devotee. The green mango trees and deep forest hills give a picturesque experience. Jain temples of Dilwara are famous for their architectural perfection which is not found anywhere else in Rajasthan.
In all, there are five temples and all of them have their own identity.
Vimal Vasahi
One of the most famous temples of all the five temples is Vimal Vasahi. This temple is also known as Shri Adi Nathji Temple. The temple was built by Vimal Shah, who was a minister of Raja Bhimdeo. This temple is dedicated to the first Tirthankara whose name was Adi Nath. The ceilings of this temple have amazing features of flowers and lotus. These ceilings are full of scenes from Hindu and Jain mythology. There is a big idol of Adi Nath in the Gudh mandap of the temple.
Luna Vasahi Temple
Luna Vasahi temple is another famous temple amongst these five temples. Since this temple is dedicated to Shri Nemi Nathji, who was the twenty second Tirthankara, this temple is also called as Shri Nemi Nathji temple. Vastupala and Vedapal, who were the ministers of a local ruler, had built this temple in 1230 AD. Both of the ministers built the temple in the fond memory of their late brother Luna. Navchowki features of the temple are considered to be some of the best works of the temple. The Gudh mandap of this temple also features an idol made up of black marble. This idol of twenty second Tirthankara, Neminath has been prepared with utmost proficiency. The temple also features a black stone pillar situated on the left on the temple. This pillar was built by Maharana Kumbha and is called Kirti Stambha.
Pittalhar Temple
Pittalhar temple is smaller than Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temples. The Pittalhar temple was constructed by Bhima Shah, who was a minister in the Sultan Begada ministry of Ahmedabad. The most important feature of this temple is a huge metal statue of Adi Nath (Rishab Dev). This statue is casted in five metals and brass is the main metal used in this statue. This is the reason why it is called Pittalhar temple i.e. made up of pital (Brass). The temple complex also has a Gudh mandap and Navchowki.
Parshwanath Temple
Fourth important temple is the Parshwanath temple dedicated to Lord Parshwanath. The temple was built by Mandlik in the 15th century A.D. This temple is the tallest of all other Dilwara temples because it consists of a building which is of three storeys high. This temple is also known as Khartar Vasahi.
Mahaveer Swami Temple
Mahaveer Swami temple is the smallest of all the Dilwara temples. This temple was built in 1582. The temple is dedicated to twenty fourth Tirthankara, Lord Mahaveer and so the shrine is also known as Shri Mahaveer Swami temple.
