Dilwara Luna Vasahi Jain Temple- Rajasthan

Address

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

Deity

Sri Mahaveer Swami, Sri Neminath Ji

Introduction

• Location: Approximately 2.5 kilometers from Mount Abu, Sirohi District, Rajasthan, India.
• Number of Temples: Five Jain temples.
• Significance: Renowned for exceptional architecture and intricate marble carvings. Some experts believe the temples rival the Taj Mahal in architectural brilliance.
• Key Temples:
  • Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple: Constructed in 1582, dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
  • Shri Neminathji Temple (Luna Vasahi Temple): Built in 1230 by the Porwad brothers, Tejpal and Vastupal, dedicated to Lord Neminath.

Puranic Significance:

1. Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple:
   • Construction: 1582.
   • Deity: Dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
   • Architectural Features:
     • Relatively small structure.
     • Upper walls adorned with paintings from 1764 depicting scenes of court life, dancing girls, animals, and nature.
     • Carvings include flowers, pigeons, court scenes, horses, elephants, and other intricate details.
     • Marble slab outside the shrine features 133 miniature tirthankara images with a larger central image.
2. Shri Neminathji Temple (Luna Vasahi Temple):
   • Construction: 1230 A.D.
   • Founders: Built by Tejpal and Vastupal, two brothers.
   • Deity: Dedicated to Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism.
   • Architectural Features:
     • Rag Mandapa: Contains 360 miniature Jain tirthankara idols meticulously carved in marble.
     • Idol: The idol of Shri Neminath is made of black marble among the white marble carvings.
     • Pillars: Built by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar.

Special Features:

• Architectural Excellence: The temples are celebrated for their superior architectural design and intricate marble carvings.
• Comparison to Taj Mahal: Some experts regard the Dilwara Temples as having superior architectural value due to their detailed craftsmanship.

Festivals:

• Mahavir Jayanti: Also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, it is one of the most important festivals celebrated at the temples, marking the birth of Lord Mahavira.

Century/Period/Age

12th century

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Mount Abu

Nearest Railway Station

Abu Road Station

Nearest Airport

Udaipur

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