Caption Mahavir Swami Temple from outside Dilwara Jain temple Mount Abu Rajasthan India.
As we had visited means me and my family the famous Ranakpur Jain temple. So we decided to visit Mount Abu the World Class heritage temples and jain pilgrimage last year year in the month of January 2019.
Photography is strictly prohibited so we have to keep our mobile phones cameras etc in lockers which are available. For pilgrims bathing facility is available and a community kitchen too. It’s a group of 5 temples. First is known as Vimal Vasahi dedicated to Lord Adinath the first Jain Tirthankar. It was built by the Vimal Shah in about 1060 AD, who was a minister of Gujarat King who were Chalukyas. It’s built by white Marble and having excellent and very sophisticated carvings on its ceiling, pillars, corridors, door frame of main sanctum etc. It’s an architectural marvel having lots of Jainism believes, lotus buds etc fascinating motifs which are carved masterly. Second temple is the Luna Vasahi dedicated to Lord Neminath and it was built by two brothers Vastupala and Tejpal in 13th century. It’s having further ornate and detailed decorative works in the form of carvings. The main hall is having a dome on its roof and ceiling is magnificent and a pendant having 72 figures of Jain Tirthankars and below the images of Jain Monks. Hathi Shala is having the Sculptures of 10 elephants of polished marble. The attractive feature is two niches which were built by the builders wives. And with interesting artistic feature having the Sculptures of Goddess Laxmi and Sculptures of Sambhavnath Ji and Shantinath Ji. Life of 22nd Tirthankar mean of Lord Neminath Ji is also figured out along with decorative and religious motifs. Third one is known as Pittalhar temple dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev and it was built by Bhama Shah who was a minister of Gujarat Sultan Mahmud Begada in 15th century. The main feature is the alloy metal statue having five metal mixed and brass part is more so named. Its corridors and main hall are not decorated as the first two. Fourth temple is known as Parshwnath Ji temple dedicated to 23rd Jain Tirthankar. It’s a 3 storeyed and tallest among all. Main sanctum is having four faced image at ground floor and four halls in all the four directions. Chintamani Parshwnath, Magalakar Parshwnath, Manoratha Parshwnath with 9 hooded Cobra facing in three directions while the fourth one is not clear and guides as they are the priest also could not say much. In this temple grey stone also can be seen. Fifth temple is dedicated to 24th Tirthankar Mahaveer Swami Ji and it was built in 16th century. Though it’s small but having very fine carvings on walls, ceilings, pillars in the form of pigeons, dancers, horses, elephants, flowers etc.
This remain a guided tour with the temple priests and one hour is required. Only the thing photography is strictly prohibited and at the main entrance complete check is carried out seperately for gents and ladies. It’s a major attraction among the history buffs wanderers soulseekers art and architecture lovers and a famous Jain pilgrimage so devotees are there round the year.
