The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. They are an overwhelming blend of simple beauty and exquisite elegance. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway. The simplicity in architecture verily reminds one that Jainism as a religion "encouraged honesty and frugality". The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temple complex.Although the Jains built some beautiful temples at other places in Rajasthan but none come close to these in terms of architectural perfection. The ornamental detail spread over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous and has to be seen to be believed.
About Dilwara Jain Temple
The world famous Dilwara Jain temples are known for the fine marble work to carve the Jain tirthankar idols. These idols all over the temple are very exquisitely designed. The temples were built during 11th to 13th century AD, a time when Jainism was very popular and was rising higher. The temples are a fine offering to the tourists. Many experts are of the view that these temples have better architect than the Taj Mahal. The hallmark of these Dilwara Temples is the crisp translucent shell-like treatment of marble, which surpasses anything seen elsewhere. The elagance and beauty of these idols can only be felt only after seeing them and not at all by hearing or reading about these temples. The architecture is marked by carvings that are not just ethereally beautiful in form but are often presented in a highly poetic context. For instance, one of the marble nayikas (maidens) is depicted as having just emerged from her bath. Droplets falling from her long hair are shown being drunk by a swan sitting at her feet.
