Dilwara Jain Temple: Location: Four of the world’s seven main religions are believed to have originated in India. Jainism is one of the oldest Indian religions. Today, approximately 5 million Indians practise Jainism. The states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka are where Jainism’s influence is most prominent. India is home to over 10,000 notable Jain temples. In this context, we shall discuss the Dilwara Temple or Delvada Temple of Mount Abu, one of the most well-known Jain religious sites in India. In this blog, we will learn more about the Dilwara temple, including its location, history, and architectural significance.
The inner sanctuary of the Dilwara temple is embellished with intricate sculptures, such as the lotus pendant and the ceiling of concentric rings. The carvings raise questions about the quality of craftsmanship of the period’s artisans. The fact that this ruler was so paternalistic and inspired and encouraged the artists to carve as much as possible demonstrates how fortunate they were. To accomplish this, the king compensates them based on the quantity of dust collected from the stone carvings. Consequently, larger carvings generate more dust, which impacts the price. This explains the meticulousness of the work.
Location of the Jain Temple at Dilwara
The Dilwara Temples are a group of Jain temples belonging primarily to the Svetembara sect of Jainism. They consist of five major temples located at an elevation of 1,200 metres atop Mount Abu, about two kilometres from the town of Mount Abu in the Sirohi district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. This is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Rajasthan, with thousands of visitors each year. It is located approximately 227 kilometres from Ahmedabad and 495 kilometres from Jaipur. The distance between Delhi and the temple is approximately 762 kilometres. Mount Abu- Udaipur Airport is 163 kilometres from the nearest airport.
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The significance of the Dilwara Jain Temple to history
The Dilwara temple was constructed by two Jain men named Vimal Shah and Vastupala Tejpal in 1031 A.D., during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty, and was concluded in 1582 A.D. It consists of five major temples dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras. Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Mahavir Swami, Parshavnath, and Pithalhar are the five temples. This is the second most sacrosanct Jain pilgrimage site, which is devoted to Rishava Adinatha. Numerous Jain temples have been constructed in various regions of Rajasthan, but the Dilwara temple stands out as the most significant and spectacular of them all.
The significance of the Dilwara Jain Temple’s architecture
The temple was constructed using Maru Gujarat Architecture, which was prominent in western India between the 11th and 15th centuries. All of the structures in the temple are made of white marble, which contributes to its attractiveness. There is an ablution area where pilgrims can bathe prior to performing puja for the deities. More than 360 statues of various Jain gods and Tirthankaras are housed in the open rangamandapa, a sanctuary in the outer temple used for performances of drama and dance.
The marbles used are often considered to be of higher quality than those used in the Taj Mahal due to their exquisite appearance and excellent quality. The walls, ceilings, doorways, and pillars of the temple are embellished with ornate decorations. The temple is currently administered by Seth Shri Kalyanji Anandji Pedhi Sirohi, who is also responsible for the preservation of numerous other Jain sites across the nation. This location attracts tourists from all over the globe due to the temple’s architecture.
The temple is accessible to tourists daily between 12 PM and 5 PM. However, there are no time restrictions for entering the temple for Jains. Inside of the temple, photography is rigorously forbidden. The temple’s contact number is +91 02974 237324.
How do you get to the Jain Temple of Dilwara?
The airport closest to Mount Abu is Udaipur Airport in Rajasthan, which is approximately 163 kilometres distant. The railway station closest to the temple is the Mount Abu railway station, which is approximately 3 kilometres distant. To reach the temple from the Udaipur Airport, one can take a bus or train to Mount Abu.
Lodgings close to the Dilwara Jain Temple
A large number of hotels and guesthouses are located close to the Dilwara temple of Mount Abu, where tourists can remain and visit the stunning temple surrounded by verdant hills and mountains. Padmavati Hotel, Arbudanchal view homestay, Hotel Raj Darbar, Green Hill Homestay Hotel, etc., are some of the most prominent hotels in the vicinity of the temples. The average daily hotel rate ranges from 1,140 to 2,943 rupees.
India has been influenced by Jainism for a very long time. Several historical architectural remnants demonstrate the beauty and uniqueness of Jain structures. The Dilwara temple is no exception, as it is frequently regarded as the most attractive and magnificent Jain temple in India due to its exquisite design and the use of the finest quality marble to adorn its interiors.
The environment encircling the Temple is also an important tourist attraction. In addition to the Dilwara temple, there are several other heritage sites in India that showcase the wealthy Jain culture. Mount Abu’s Dilwara Jain Temple is, therefore, one of the most aesthetically pleasing and historically significant Jain sites in India.
FAQs
Where exactly is the Dilwara Temple located?
The Dilwara temple is located on Mount Abu in Rajasthan’s Sirohi district.
How many temples are located in Dilwara?
There are five significant temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras.
What are the Temple’s visitation hours for tourists?
The temple is open from noon to five o’clock for visitors.
Does the Dilwara Temple charge an admission fee?
The entrance to the temple is entirely free, and there are no entry fees.
Why is the Dilwara Temple of Mount Abu so popular?
Mount Abu’s Dilwara temple is considered the most attractive Jain temple in India due to the use of marble and the uniquely beautiful designs of the temple’s pillars, halls, and entrances. It is also the second most popular pilgrimage destination for the Jain faith. Therefore, the Dilwara temple is so well-known in India and attracts so many tourists each year.
Who constructed the Dilwara temple?
During the reign of the Chalukya dynasty, Vimal Shah and Vastupala Tejpal constructed the Dilwara Temple.
When was the Dilwara temple constructed?
Mount Abu’s earliest temple, Dilwara, was constructed in 1031 A.D.
