Dilwara Sri Parshvanatha Jain Temple- Rajasthan

Address

Dilwara Sri Parshvanatha Jain Temple Dilwara Rd, Dilwara, Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501

Deity

Sri Parshvanatha

Introduction

• Location: About 2.5 kilometers from Mount Abu, Sirohi District, Rajasthan, India.
• Significance: Renowned for their exceptional architecture and intricate marble carvings, often considered superior to the Taj Mahal by some experts.
• Key Temple: Dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, built by Sangvi Mandlik and his family in 1458–59.

Puranic Significance:

• Temple Name: Shri Parshvanath Temple.
• Construction Period: 1458–59 AD.
• Architectural Highlights:
  • Material: Originally constructed with grey stone; later adorned with marble, some of which was sourced from the remaining stones of Vimala Vasahi and Luna Vasahi temples.
  • Structure: The tallest of all the Dilwara temples, consisting of three stories.
    • Ground Floor: Features four large mandapas each housing a Chaumukha idol of Parshvanatha.
    • First Floor: Contains idols of Chintamani Parshvanath, Magalakar Parshvanatha, Manoratha-Kalpadruma Parshvanatha, and one illegible Parshvanatha, all depicted with a hood of nine cobras.
    • Second Floor: Houses Chaumukha idols of Sumatinatha, Parshvanatha, Adinatha, and Parshvanatha, along with a statue of Goddess Ambika.
    • Third Floor: Contains a Chaumukha idol of Parshvanatha.
  • Decorative Elements: The outer walls feature ornate sculptures in gray sandstone, depicting Dikpals, Vidhyadevis, Yakshinis, Shalabhanjikas, and other figures similar to those found in Khajuraho and Konark.

Special Features:

• Intricate Carvings: The temple is famous for its detailed stone carvings on pillars and ceilings, showcasing images from Hindu and Jain mythology.
• Architectural Distinctiveness:
  • Ceilings and Pillars: Decorated with carvings of petals, lotus buds, and flowers.
  • Corridors and Courtyards: Richly decorated with carved arches and porticos.
  • Mandapas: The temple includes four large Mandapas, making it unique among Dilwara temples.

Festivals:

• Mahavir Jayanti: Celebrated as one of the most significant festivals, marking the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara.

Century/Period/Age

11th and 13th centuries AD

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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