The
example of the most exquisitely carved temples of Rajasthan is
undoubtedly the Dilwara Jain temples of Mount Abu and probably has no
match all over India. This is the principal place of pilgrimage for the
Jains in India. Built in marble the Dilwara temples were constructed
between 11th to 13th centuries. The five magnificent temples of Dilwara
are Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pithalhar, Khartar Vasahi and Mahaveer
Swami temple. The temples are almost covered by shady mango groves and
have beautiful gardens laid out in the temple complexes. When inside the
temple complex the picturesque background of Mt Abu hills renders the
entire area a spiritual feel. The most famous of the Dilwara temples are the Vimal Vasahi temple dedicated to Adinathji the 1st Tirthankar of the Jains and Luna Vasahi temple dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankar Neminathji. The temples are built in the Nagara and Dravidian styles of architecture. The Vimal Vasahi temple was constructed by Vimal Shah a rich Jain merchant and minister. The immense contribution to Jain architecture was made by Vastupala and Tejpala who were local ministers at Mount Abu. Almost the entire structure of the Dilwara temples is heavily ornamented with exquisite carvings and not even a single wall, pillar or ceiling can be found bare.
The other three principal Dilwara Jain temples are the Pittalhar temple, Parsavanath temple and the Mahavir Swami temple. The idol of the first Jain tirthankar Sri Adinathji is placed at the Pittalhar and is built from five metals; hence denoting the name of the temple. The Parsavnath temple has the tallest shikhara among all the five temples of Dilwara. The Dilwara temples not only attract the Jain pilgrims but also people across all religions and beyond the country who are bewitched by the beauty and serenity of the temples.