Dilwara Temple

The Dilwara Temples stand with regal pride about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. The Dilwara temples are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are holy places of worship for the Jains, and also repository of numerous manuscripts and dissertations. The Dilwara Temples are monuments of great artistic beauty showcasing a meticulous blend of exquisite beauty and intricate craftsmanship. The marble temples have an ostentatious aperture amidst somniferous surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills.

Great social awakening and religious fervor among the people of Rajasthan characterized the period betwixt 800AD and 1200AD. Jainism (an ancient Indian religion that originated in 600 BC) established its firm foundation in Rajasthan. Matrimonial alliances between the Mughals and the Rajputs, a liberal policy towards Hindus adopted by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, old Hindu shrines being renovated and new ones like the temples of Ranakpur and Dilwara being built demonstrated the kingdom of peace and communal harmony with people from different religions and communities existing in absolute accord.

The period from AD 800 to 1200 was one of great social awakening and religious fervor among the people of this region. Jainism (an ancient Indian religion that originated in 600 BC) found its firm foundation in Rajasthan. With matrimonial alliances between Mughal and Rajput rulers and a liberal policy towards Hindus adopted by the great Mughal Akbar, this was a period of tranquillity in most parts of Rajasthan. Old Hindu shrines were renovated and new ones including the temples of Ranakpur and Dilwara were built during this period.

Lunvasahi temple has the image of the Jain tirthankara Neminath. Sculptures in stone, elaborate carvings, beautiful pillars, dome shaped roofs give a majestic and surreal look to the temple. There are sixteen images of the goddess of knowdege and also carved are glimpses from Lord Krishnas life. The footsteps of Dada Sahab and the kirti Stambha are also worth a mention.

The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Udaipur (185 km) from where one can hire a taxi or take a bus. The nearest railway station is Abu Road 29 km away.

Abu Road is connected to both Ahmedabad and Jodhpur. Ahmedabad is 222 km via Palanpur. Jodhpur is 264 km via Pali and Sirhoi, taxis are easily available from these places for going to Abu. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Council also conducts tours to the interesting spots in Mount Abu.