Dilwara Vimal Vasahi Jain Temple- Rajasthan

Address

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

Deity

Sri Adinatha

Introduction

• Location: About 2.5 kilometers from Mount Abu, Sirohi District, Rajasthan, India.
• Significance: Known for their exceptional architecture and intricate marble carvings, some consider them more impressive than the Taj Mahal.
• Key Temple: Shri Adinath Temple (also known as Vimal Vasahi Temple).
  • Construction Date: Built in 1031 A.D.
  • Builder: Vimal Shah, a minister of the Solanika ruler of Gujarat.
  • Dedication: Dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Shri Adinath Ji (Rishabha Dev).

Puranic Significance:

• Temple Name: Shri Adinath Temple, also called Vimal Vasahi Temple.
• Construction Period: Mainly built in 1032 A.D., with additional structures added in subsequent centuries.
• Architectural Highlights:
  • Material: Carved entirely out of white marble.
  • Design: The temple is known for its elaborate and intricate carvings, including lotus-buds, petals, flowers, and scenes from Jain mythology.
  • Structure:
    • Open Courtyard: Surrounded by a corridor with numerous small shrines (devakulikas) and smaller idols of tirthankaras.
    • Gudh Mandap: A hall with decorated ceilings, housing two idols of Parshvanatha and the main idol of Adi Nath.
    • Navchowki: A collection of nine rectangular ceilings with various carvings supported by ornate pillars.
    • Hastishala (Elephant Courtyard): Features a row of elephant sculptures, constructed by Prithvipal, a descendant of Vimal Shah.

Special Features:

• Intricate Carvings: The temple is renowned for its detailed stone carvings on pillars and ceilings, depicting various aspects of Jain iconography and mythology.
• Open Courtyard: Surrounded by beautifully decorated corridors.
• Guda Mandapa: A hall with numerous images of Shri Adi Nath, showcasing detailed artwork.

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

lightuptemple