Delwara Jain Temple
The famous Delwara Jain temples are 2.5 km away from the Mount Abu, which in ancient Hindu and Jain scriptures is referred to as Arbudgiri. The Delwara temples were dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars and also served as storehouses of illustrated manuscripts and treatises.
Vimala Shah, Vastu Pala and Teja Pala contributed a lot toward the development of Jain art and architecture. The Jain temples at Mount Abu are built in the Nagara style of temple architecture
The ornamental detail spread over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvelous and has to be seen to be believed.
About Luna Vasahi Temple
Ornate Sculptures @ Luna Vasahi - Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu, India
The magnificent Luna Vasahi temple dedicated to the 22nd Jain Tirthankara Shri Neminathji, was built in 1231 A.D by two porwal brothers Vastupal and Tejpal both ministers of Raja Virdhaval, a ruler of Gujarat.
The temple built in memory of their late brother Luna was designed after the Vimal Vashi temple.
Historically, this is the last of the monuments built in the Solanki Dynasty.
Architecture of Luna Vasahi Temple
The main hall or Rang mandap has a central dome from which hanfs a big ornamental pendent featuring elaborate carving.
You will notice, arranged in a circular band are 72 figures of Tirthankars in sitting posture and just below this band are 360 small figures of jain monks in another circular band. The Hathishala or elephant cell features ten elaborately carved marble elephants.
The Navchowki features some of the most magnificent and delicate marble stone cutting work of the temple. Each of the nine ceilings here seems to exceed the others in beauty and grace.
The Gudh mandap features a black marble idol of the 22nd Jain Tirthankara Neminath. The Kirthi Stambha is a big black stone pillar that stands on the left side of the temple. The pillar was constructed by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar. The remaining three temples of Dilwara are smaller but just as elegant as the other two.
There is a small cell, in between the trees, dedicated to the worship of foot-prints of ‘Dada Sahib’ Jain Acharaya Shri Jindutt Suri.
