Dilwara Temple - What Do You Know About This Ancient Sensation?



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Delvada or Dilwara Temple is situated about 2.5 kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station. It is one of the best and architecturally renowned Svetambara Jain temples in India. A huge number of Tourists and Pilgrims visit this temple every day.

 Mainly visitor’s attraction is its extraordinary architecture. The complex carving on the marble stone and high-quality craftsmanship of the workers is visible in every aspect of this temple which makes it distinct and unique.

What is the story behind this temple? What was the reason for this temple to be established?


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The temple was constructed by 2 brothers, Tejpal and Vastupal in 1230 A.D. Tejal’s wife, Anupama Devi, was a smart and wise woman who always supported her husband in family issues. She was a very religious, compassionate, and sweet-spoken woman. He always respected her decisions or suggestions.

Once, the families of both the brothers decided to go on a pilgrimage. They came to a small village that was not considered a very safe area for the pilgrims because the road was frequented by burglars. 

Thinking that they might meet some burglars on the way, both the brothers decided to bury and hide their wealth in a nearby area. But during digging a hole, they found a big pot filled with jewels and coins from the ground. They were in a complete dilemma about what they should do with this wealth.

Tejal asked his wife Anupama Devi about what they should do with this wealth? She replied that they should take it to the top of the mountain to spread the immense glory of Jainism. Then the brothers came to a decision that they will build a temple on Mount Abu.

Tejal had also dedicated 2 Gokhlas [niches] for 2 women, one to memorialize his wife and the other one to memorialize his sister-in-law. These 2 niches are known as ‘Derani-Jethani na Gokhlas’.

The temple is also called “Luna Vasahi Temple” and it is similar to that of the Vimalsha Temple. Hasti shala, a place built within the temple complex to remember the contribution of the Elephants (helped in carrying the marble to Mt. Abu for the construction of the temples).

Architecture:


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This temple complex has 5 sections dedicated to 5 Jain Tirthankaras. These 5 sections are dedicated to Lord Mahaveer Swamiji, Shri Adinathji, Shri Parshavnathji, Shri Rishabdevji, and Shri Neminathji. Lord Adinathji or Vimal Vasahi’s temple is considered the oldest temple constructed by 1032. 

These five temples were built between the 11th-13th centuries. These complex carvings on the ceilings and marble pillars are truly mesmerizing. Anyone who visits the temple enjoys a sense of peace and experience a divine connection with the Ultimate Power (God). 

The temple displays a lot of pictures from Jain and Hindu mythology. The lotus buds, flowers, and profusion of petals carved on the pillars and ceilings lend a unique look to the temple. Not only this, carved courtyards, arches, doorways are other unique features of the temple.

About Five Amazing Temples:

1. Vimal Vasahi Temple:

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This temple is completely carved of white marble. The temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Lord Adinathji (Rishabdevji). The symbol of Adinathji is “BULL”. The architectures of the temple are simply amazing. 59 small shrines are facing the main image of Rishabhanatha.

2. Luna Vasahi Temple:

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This temple is devoted to the 22nd Tirthankara, Lord Neminathji. The symbol of Neminathaji is “SHANKHA”. The temple was constructed in 1230. The temple was built in the memory of Tejal and Vastupal’s late brother Lunig was designed after the Vimal Vasahi temple. The main rang mandap or hall features a central dome from which hangs a big ornamental pendant featuring elaborate carving. 

72 figures of Tirthankars in sitting position arranged in a circular band and 360 small figures of Jain monks just below that in another circular band is arranged. The hathishala’s special feature is that both the niches have the image of Lakshmi with sculptures of Sambhavanatha and Shantinatha respectively.

3. Pittalhar Temple:


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This temple is also devoted to Adinathji. The temple was built by Bhima Shah, a minister of Ahmedabad during 1316-1432 A.D. A huge metal sculpture of the Rishabdevji is located in the temple made of five different metals. The main metal utilized in this statue is pital, hence the name Pittalhar. Total 107 images are installed in the main Shrine.

4. Shri Parshvanath Temple:

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This temple is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Parshavanathji. The symbol of the god is “SNAKE”. The temple was built by Sangvi Mandlik and his family from 1458 to 1459. It is a three-story building, the tallest of all the other Shrines at Delvada Temple.

 In the doorways, there are sculptures of 17 Tirthankaras and paintings of flowers. The temple depicts the 14 dreams of mother of Tirthankars had before their births.

5. Mahavir Swami Temple:

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This temple is dedicated to the last (24th) Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahavir Swamiji. The symbol of Mahavirji is “LION”. This temple is constructed in 1582. It is a small temple with beautiful carvings of pigeons, flowers, dancing girls, elephants, and horses on its walls. There are pictures painted on the upper walls of the porch, in 1764.

Conclusion:

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I hope you all love this article and find it interesting, and after reading this you will surely try to visit the temple to acknowledge the real beauty of the divine forces and you will not going to be disheartened.


Written By - Priyanka Jain
Edited By - Daniel Deepak Charles

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