Dilwara Temples

The Dilwara Temples of India are located about 2½ kilometres from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These Jain temples were built by Vimal Shah and designed by Vastapul-Tejpal, Jain laymen, between the 11th and 13th centuries AD and are famous for their use of marble and intricate marble carvings. The five marble temples of Dilwara are a sacred pilgrimage place of the Jains. Some consider them to be one of the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world. The temples have an opulent entranceway, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality. The temples are in the midst of a range of forested hills. A high wall shrouds the temple complex.Although Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan, some believe that none come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spreading over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous.Five TemplesThere are five temples in all, each with its own unique identity. Each is named after the small village in which it is located. These are: Vimal Vasahi, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabha.Luna Vasahi, dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankara, Neminatha.Pithalhar, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar, Rishabha.Parshvanath, dedicated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Parshvanatha.Mahavir Swami, dedicated to the last Jain Tirthankara, Mahavira. Among all the five legendary marble temples of Dilwara, the most famous of those are the Vimal Vasahi and the Luna Vasahi temples.