Dilwara Temple In Mount Abu

History of Dilwara Temple

While talking about the history of Dilwara Temple, it is believed that this sacred pilgrimage site for the Jains is dedicated to Lord Rishabha. Built by Chalukya Dynasty in between the 11th and 13th century, it comprises five temples, including Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Mahavir Swami, Pithalhar, and Parshvanath. All five of these temples are devoted to five Jain saints, and they have beautiful idols inside them. As the temple is surrounded by hills, and there was no conveyance to transport marble blocks to the hill at that time, it is believed that elephants were used to transfer marbles from Arasuri hills to Mount Abu.

Attractions of Dilwara Temple

Dilwara Temple is located right in the midst of a lush green forest land, and is surrounded by a high wall. Decked with carved pillars, ornamented ceilings, panels, and doorways, the architecture of this religious attraction is meant to marvel at.

Let’s take a look at its five temples that are the main attractions to explore here.

Mahavir Swami Temple: Devoted to Lord Mahavir, this Jain temple was built in 1582. Though, this temple is quite small in comparison to other temples, but the marvelous work done on its walls just leave everyone mesmerized.

Vimal Vasahi Temple: Dedicated to saint Adinath Ji, this is the oldest temple in the complex of Dilwara Temple. Constructed by Vimal Vasahi in 1031 AD, the major highlight of this attraction is the hall of ‘Guda Mandapa’, which is decorated with plenty of images of  Shri Adi Nath.

Khartar Vasahi Temple: The tallest shrine amongst all the temples in the Dilwara complex, it was built by the clan of Mandika in between 1458-1459 AD. Like other temples, this temple also decked with amazingly carved marble pillars.

Peethalhar Temple: Constructed by a minister from the dynasty of Gujarat- Bhim Shah, this temple was named Peethalhar as most of the statues in this temple are made with the use of Pittal, i.e. brass metal. The temple also comprises Nav Chowki and Gudu Mandapa.  

Luna Vasahi Temple: Dedicated to the 22nd Jain saint, this temple was built by Vastupal and Tejpal in 1230 AD. The temple houses a black marble idol of Shri Nemi Nathji apart from other 360 idols of jain saints.

Make sure to visit the temple when touring the other attractions of Mount Abu to get a sense of what architectural beauty stands for.