The Dilwara Temples
FACTS & FIGURES
Built in : Between AD 1100 and 1300
Built by : Various rulers
Location : Mount Abu (Rajasthan)
INTRODUCTION
The exquisitely carved marble temples of Dilawara in Mount Abu are the finest examples of Jain temples in India. The hallmark of these temples is the crisp translucent shell-like treatment of marble, which surpasses anything seen elsewhere. No matter how much one hears or reads about these temples, nothing can prepare one for the sheer elegance and beauty of marble as displayed here.
STYLE- NORTH INDIAN TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE
dilwara temple,the dilwara temples,dilwara temples rajasthan,rajasthan dilwara jain temples,dilwara temples indiaThe basic structure of most temples in India is a room called the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum) where the idol of the main deity is kept. The temple is approached by a flight of steps and is often built on a platform. A porch covers the entrance to the temple, which is supported by carved pillars. A prominent roof called the shikhara surmounts the top of the Garbha Griha, and dominates the surroundings.
Temple architecture in India is broadly divided into the northern and southern styles and classified according to the form and shape of the shikhara and the distinctiveness of its decoration. The shikharas of the temples in south India tend to be made up of distinct horizontal levels that diminish to form a rough pyramid. Each level is decorated with miniature temple rooftops. The shikharas of the temples in north and central India, in contrast, resemble an upturned cone that is decorated with miniature conical shikharas.
The temples of Rajasthan, including the Jain temples of Dilwara, were constructed on the northern pattern and the Vastushastra (ancient principles of building) served as a practical handbook for the architecture of these temples.
DILWARA TEMPLES
dilwara temple,the dilwara temples,dilwara temples rajasthan,rajasthan dilwara jain temples,dilwara temples indiaMount Abu, where the Dilwara temples are located, is referred to as Arbudgiri in ancient Hindu and Jain scriptures and is the only hill-station in Rajasthan as well as a very important Jain pilgrimage center.
The period from AD 800 to 1200 was one of great social awakening and religious fervor among the people of this region. Jainism (an ancient Indian religion that originated in 600 BC) found its firm foundation in Rajasthan. With matrimonial alliances between Mughal and Rajput rulers and a liberal policy towards Hindus adopted by the great Mughal Akbar, this was a period of tranquility in most parts of Rajasthan. Old Hindu shrines were renovated and new ones including the temples of Ranakpur and Dilwara, were built during this period.
As most of the followers of Jain faith belonged to the prosperous merchant class, they expressed their devotion by donating large sums of money for the construction of intricately carved temples made of marble. These temples were dedicated to their saints known as the tirthankars and also served as storehouses of illustrated manuscripts and treatises.
The Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan too but the best are undoubtedly those at Dilwara � no other temple can come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spread over the minutely carved decoration of ceilings, doorways, pillars, panels and niches is simply marvelous while the translucent shell-like treatment of marble surpasses anything seen elsewhere.
There are altogether four important temples in Dilwara: the Vimal Vashi temple, the Luna Vashi temple, the Adinath temple and the Parshvanath temple. Among all these the Vimal Vashi and the Luna Vashi are the most notable.
Vimal Shah, the minister of Raja Bhimdeo (a local Rajput ruler), built the Vimal Vashi temple in AD 1021. The temple is 98 feet long and 42 feet wide and is surrounded by a high wall with 52 cells, or devkulikas, each of which is surrounded by an arcade of carved pillars. In the main shrine is a majestic image of Adinath cast in gold-brass alloy. The temple consists of an open portico and a vestibule formed by a single grouping of pillars. The octagonal dome of the shrine is formed by eleven concentric rings containing patterns of endless variety and is upheld by eight carved columns. The richly carved corridors, pillars, arches, and mandaps or porticoes are bewildering. On the ceiling are engraved rich and elaborate designs of lotus-buds, petals, flowers, geometrical designs and scenes illustrating incidents from the Jain and Hindu mythologies. Though initially attention may be directed to the carvings, it is the control of space, level and light that make this an even more interesting structure. Of interest here are the corridors, the courtyard, the Rangmandap, the Nowchoki, the Gudhamandap and the Hasti-Shala or Hall of Elephants.
The other important temple here is the Luna Vashi temple dedicated to the twenty-second tirthankar Shri Neminathji. This magnificent temple was built in AD 1230 by two brothers-Vastupal and and Tejpal, both ministers of Viradhawala (a local ruler). The design and pattern of this temple was adopted from the Vimal Vashi temple, which was built earlier. Here too, the walls, doors, pillars, mandaps, and ceilings are adorned with ornamental relief carvings of a variety of subjects, from flowers and animals to royal processions and battle scenes. The dome of the Rangamandap is outstanding � it is divided into concentric compartments by richly sculptured cordons, each intervening space being filled with elaborate and elegant designs. The Hasthi-Shala or Elephant Halls here are ten in number and each contains a white marble elephant, beautifully and proportionately carved and polished to a shine. Marble has been chiseled and shaped to such beauty and perfection that it does not surprise one to know that the workmen who gave shape to these extraordinary monuments were rewarded in the silver and gold equivalent of the amount of marble brought in.
THE LEGEND OF MOUNT ABU
Legend has it that Hindus revere this place because once Nandini, the cow of the venerable sage Vashishth, was trapped in a deep gorge and could not free herself. The sage appealed to Lord Shiva for assistance. The Lord sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the cow could float up. The sage Vashishth then decided to ensure that such mishaps would not occur in future and asked the youngest son of Himalaya to fill the chasm permanently. This he did with the assistance of Arbud, the mighty snake. This spot came to be known as Mount Arbud and was later changed to its present form � Mount Abu. This region is revered by Jains as well since Jain scriptures record that Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, also visited Mount Abu and blessed this place.
Five Unique Temples of Dilwara
There are 5 temples in all, each with its own unique identity though together they are named after the small village in which they are located. These are:
The most famous of these are the Vimal Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temple.
1.Vimal Vasahi Temple
This temple carved entirely out of white marble was built in 1021 AD by Vimal Shah, a minister of Raja Bhimdeo. The temple is dedicated to the 1st Jain Tirthankara (teacher or guide) Adi Nath. The temple stands in an open courtyard surrounded by a corridor, which has numerous cells containing smaller idols of the Tiranthakaras. The richly carved corridors, pillars, arches, and 'mandaps' or porticoes of the temple are simply amazing. The ceilings feature engraved designs of lotus-buds, petals, flowers and scenes from Jain and Hindu mythology.
The Rang mandap is a grand hall supported by 12 decorated pillars and nicely carved out arches with a breathtaking central dome. On the pillars are carved female figurines playing musical instruments and 16 Vidhyadevis or the goddesses of knowledge each one holding her own symbol.
The Navchowki is a collection of nine rectangular ceilings, each one containing beautiful carvings of different designs supported on ornate pillars. The Gudh mandap is a simple hall once you step inside its heavily decorated doorway. Installed here is the idol of Adi Nath or Lord Rishabdev, as he is also known. The mandap is meant for 'Arti' to the deity. The Hastishala (Elephant Cell) was constructed by Prithvipal, a descendant of Vimal Shah in 1147-49 A.D and features a row of elephants in sculpture.
2.Luna Vasahi (Shri Nemi Nathji temple)
The Luna Vashi temple is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara Shri Nemi Nathji. This magnificent temple was built in 1230 AD by two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal - both ministers of a local ruler. The temple built in memory of their late brother Luna was designed after the Vimal Vashi temple. The main hall or Rang mandap features a central dome from which hangs a big ornamental pendent featuring elaborate carving. Arranged in a circular band are 72 figures of Tirthankaras in sitting posture and just below this band are 360 small figures of Jain monks in another circular band. The Hathishala or elephant cell features 10 beautiful marble elephants neatly polished and realistically modelled.
The Navchowki features some of the most magnificent and delicate marble stone cutting work of the temple. Each of the nine ceilings here seems to exceed the others in beauty and grace. The Gudh mandap features a black marble idol of the 22nd Jain Tirthankara Neminath. The Kirthi Stambha is a big black stone pillar that stands on the left side of the temple. The pillar was constructed by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar. The remaining three temples of Dilwara are smaller but just as elegant as the other two.
3.Pittalhar Temple
This temple was build by Bhima Shah, a minister of Sultan Begada of Ahmedabd. A massive metal statue of Rishab Dev (Adinath), cast in five metals is installed in the temple. The main metal used in this statue is 'Pital' (brass), hence the name 'Pittalhar'. The Shrine consists of a main Garbhagraha, Gudh mandap and Navchowki.
4.Parshavanath Temple
This temple, dedicated to Lord Parshavnath was built by Mandlik and his family in 1458-59 A.D. It consists of a three storied building, the tallest of all the shrines at Dilwara. On all the four faces of the sanctum on the ground floor are four big mandaps. The outer walls of the sanctum comprise of beautiful sculptures in gray sandstone, depicting Dikpals, Vidhyadevis, Yakshinis, Shalabhanjikas and other decorative sculptures comparable to the ones in Khajuraho and Konark.
5.Mahaveer Swami Temple
This is a small structure constructed in 1582 A.D. and dedicated to the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahaveer. There are pictures on the upper walls of the porch painted in 1764 A.D. by the artists of Sirohi.
HOW TO REACH
The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Udaipur (185 km) from where one can hire a taxi or take a bus. The nearest railway station is Abu Road 29 km away. Abu Road is connected to both Ahmedabad and Jodhpur. Ahmedabad is 222 km via Palanpur. Jodhpur is 264 km via Pali and Sirhoi, taxis are easily available from these places for going to Abu. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Council also conducts tours to the interesting spots in Mount Abu.
