Dilwara Temples

The Dilwara Temples at Mmount Abu are a major tourist and pilgrim attraction. The tastefully caved interiors and exteriors or the temples bear testimony to the pains taken by the artisans. A popular tale says that they were paid in proportion to the dust that is generated by intricate carving. The craftsmen were thus inspired to create the most exquisite of carvings and sculptures. The exquisite patterns combine a number of floral and religious designs and create a spectacular aura of reverence in both the temples.

The foundations of the Vimal Vasahi, one of the two main Dilwara Temples was laid in 1031 is dedicated to Adinath the first Jain Tirthankara. 14 years later the temple was completed and is believed to have cost a total of Rs 180.5 million. The sanctum sanctorum houses an idol of Adinatha and the temple precincts include 52 cells with the icons of an open eyed Buddha in each of them. The entrance to the courtyard rests on 42 stunningly carved pillars.

Construction of the other main temple, Luna Vasahi was started in 1230 under the patronage of two brothers Tejpal and Vastupal. Dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankara, this temple cost about Rs 125.9 million and was worked upon for 15 years by 2500 artisans. The labor bore fruit and the fine carvings have been lauded by all who visit the shrine. So delicate is the work that the marble seems almost transparent at places. The highlight of the temple is a carving of a blooming lotus dangling from the central dome. This filigree is a single block of solid marble that has been painstakingly carved out to form the petals of the efflorescence.

The Bhimashah Pittalhar was constructed between 1315 and 1433 and the Maharveerswami in 1582. The Khartar Vasahi is another shrine in the complex. Leather products are not allowed into the temple premises.