DILWARA TEMPLE, MOUNT ABU

Aravalli are the oldest of mountain ranges in India. They are older than the Nilgiri, they are older than the Himalayas. Located in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is the highest peak between the Vindhyas and the Himalayas. Mount Abu has been described as the most sacred place on earth. In the Puranas, the region has been referred to as Arubaranya, meaning the forest of Arub. Abu is a diminutive of this ancient name. Jain scriptures record that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Trithankara, visited Mount Abu and blessed the city. The Dilwara temples are an epitome of worship through human craftsmanship. Some experts consider the extraordinary architecture and the marvellous stone carvings architecturally superior to Taj Mahal. These temples were built between the 11th and the 13th century AD. The monumental details of the marble stone carvings, the minutely carved ceilings and the sculpted pillars are phenomenal. The Dilwara temple complex consists of five major sections or temples devoted to five Jain Trithankaras. The Sri Mahavirswami temple was constructed in the year 1582 and is devoted to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Trithankara of the Jain. The Sri Parshatnath temple was built between the year 1458-59 AD by Mandlik. This temple has the tallest shrine along with four large mandapas. The carving on the pillars of this temple is yet another example of these Jain temple architectural superiorities. The Peetalhar temple is also known as Sri Rishabhdaoji temple. This temple was built by Bhima Shah, a minister from the Gujarat dynasty. In this temple, most of the statues are built using pittal or rather brass metal. The Sri Naminadji temple also known as Luna Visayi temple was built in the year 12,030 by two brothers Tejpal and Vastupal. The temple was built in the memory of their late brother Luna. The pillars of this temple were built by Maharana Kumbha of Nivar. The Sri Adinath temple also known as the Vimal Visayi temple was built by Vimal Shah, the minister of Tsunamika who was the ruler of Gujarat in 1031 AD. The temple is the oldest of all and is dedicated to Sri Adinathji, the first Jain Siddhankara. This temple has an open courtyard surrounded by corridors all beautifully decorated with marble carved stones. Cells inside the temple contain tiny images of Jain saints. The wealth of these temples attracted many other rulers. The Dilwara temples were attacked by Aurangzeb and his men many times. Once he managed to break into the walls of the western side of the temple but he was unsuccessful in his mission.