Dilwara Jain Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Jains. Situated about 2.5 km from the hill station of Mt. Abu in Rajasthan, the Dilwara Temples are renowned for their elegant marble beauty and exquisite work. I was told by the locals that architectural work and carvings are comparable to the one in Taj Mahal. So I started my hike up the hills to view this marvel with my own eyes. Built between 11^th and 13th century AD, these temples have been a major attraction for their intricate marble carvings and architectural excellence. The surrounded mango trees and lush green hills add to the beauty of this marble wonder and offer a magnificent sight to the entire temple complex.

Dilwara consists of five Jain temples with minutely carved ceilings, panels and pillars having their own unique identity. These temples are

Vimal Vasahi Temple- built in 1021 AD by Vimal Shah, this white marbled temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara. It houses an open courtyard defined by 58 cells or kulikas containing tiny images of the Tirthankara. There is a huge gold-brass caste image of Adinath I the main shrine known as the Gudh Mandapa. The temple is 98 feet high and its ceilings are carved exquisitely with engraved designs of flowers, petals and Jain deities.

Luna Vasahi Temple- It is dedicated to the 22^nd Tirthankara, Shri Nemi Nathji. It was built in 1230 AD by two brothers named Vastupal and Tejpal in the memory of their late brother Luna. The main hall or Rang Mandapa holds a central dome standing on eight carved pillars. A big ornamental pendant is hanged to it featuring elaborate carvings. There are 72 figures of Tirthankara made in a circular band and below this are 360 small idols of Jain monks, all of them are minutely carved. The main cell or Garbhgriha is another fascinating attraction which houses the massive idol of Neminath. There is Hathishala or the elephant cell polished and modeled.

Pittalhar Temple- It was built by Bhima Shah who was the minister of Sultan Begda of Ahmedabad. It is dedicated to Rishab Devji whose massive statue cast in five metals is placed inside the temple. Most of the statues in the temple are made of brass or pital, so it is named as Pittalhar. There is a Gudh Temple, Garbhagriha and Navchowki inside the temple.

Parsavanath Temple- Dedicated to Lord Parsavanath, this temple is also known as Khartar Vasahi Temple. It was built in 1458-59 AD by Mandlik and his family. It comprises of the tallest shrine at Dilwara Temples with four big mandapas depicting the architectural perfection of the Jain Temples.

Mahaveer Swami temple- It is small temple which was constructed in 1582 AD. It is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24^th Jain Tirthankara. The upper walls of the temple are endowed with beautiful pictures which were painted by the painters of Sirohi.

Dilwara Temples are excellent examples of Jain architecture and culture. The Dilwara Jain Temples are open from 12 P.M. to 3 P.M. for travelers for free and No photography is allowed inside the temple complex. It was worth a hike. The serene and peaceful atmosphere was great to revive my soul.

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