Dilwara Vimal Vasahi Jain Temple- Rajasthan

Address

Dilwara Vimal Vasahi Jain Temple Dilwara Rd, Dilwara, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501

Diety

Sri Adinatha

Introduction

The Dilwara Temples or Delvada Temples are a group of Five Jain temples located about 2+1⁄2 kilometres from the Mount Abu settlement in Sirohi District, Rajasthan. Dilwara temples are known to have excellent architecture and incredible work of marble carvings. Some experts even think that Dilwara temples have better architecture than the Taj Mahal. Shri Adinath Temple or Vimal Vasahi Temple – This is the oldest temple among all other temples in the complex and dedicated to first Jain Tirthankara Shri Adinath Ji. It was built by Vimal Shah, Minister of Solanika ruler of Gujarat in 1031 A.D. Inside of the temple there are small images of Jain saints which have exclusive work of minute art carving on marble.

Puranic Significance

Built-in between the 11th and 13th centuries AD by Chalukya dynasty, Dilwara Jain temples are simple and general looks from outside but its extravagant doors of entrance tell about its architectural superiority. The Adinatha or Vimala Vasahi Temple is carved entirely out of white marble and was mostly built in 1032 by Vimal Shah, a minister of Bhima I, the Chaulukya king of Gujarat. The outer mandapa is an addition of the next century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rishabha. The temple stands in an open courtyard surrounded by a corridor, which has numerous cells containing smaller idols of the tirthankaras. 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 mythology. The figures of animal life, life journey from dream to incarnation of tirthankars are carved. There are 59 devakulikas(small shrine) facing the main image of Rishabhanatha. There are 7 additional cells are found, 1 cell houses image of Ambaji and 2 cells of Munisuvrata. The mulnayak idol of Rishabhanatha is finally carved with attendant deities and images of 4 tirthankar carved, giving the idol name Saparikar Panchtirthi. The Navchowki is a collection of nine rectangular ceilings, each containing carvings of different designs supported on ornate pillars. The Gudh mandap is a simple hall after stepping inside its heavily decorated doorway. The Gudh mandap, houses two idols of Parshvanatha in Kayotsarga position. Installed is the idol of Adi Nath or Lord Rishabdev, as he is also known. The mandap is meant for Aarti to the deity. The ceiling has carvings of horses, elephants, musician, dancers and soldier. The Hastishala (Elephant courtyard) was constructed by Prithvipal, a descendant of Vimal Shah in 1147-49 and features a row of elephants in sculpture with the members of the family riding them.

Special Features

The intricate stone carving on the marble pillars and ceilings is truly awe-inspiring. Outside of the temple, there is an open courtyard surrounded by corridors all beautifully decorated with marble carved stones. “Guda Mandapa” which is a hall decorated with numerous images of Shri Adi Nath, is another attraction in this temple.