Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Spirituality, Seeking Experience and Religious Site
• Entrance Fee: Free of charge
• Visiting Time:  6 AM to Noon (for Jain devotees), Noon to 5 PM (for tourists)
• Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours 

Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu, are located about two and a half kilometer away from the famous hill station. The complex consists of five temples built at different times in history by followers of the Jainism faith. The five temples are- Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple, Shri Adi Nath Temple, Shri Parshav Nath Temple, Shri Rishabdaoji Temple, and Shri Nemi Nath Ji Temple. These temples are dedicated to the five Jain saints or Tirthamkars and present to visitors the epitome of marble architecture in the area. Perhaps the most beautiful Jain shrines across the world, these temples are well known for their intricate carvings and ornamented pillars. A visit to the Dilwara temples will make the visitors experience and appreciate the art that dominated the area around 12^th century A.D.

Traveler Tips

• Cameras are not allowed inside the premises so tourists should take care to respect the religious sentiments by not breaking the rule.
• Do not carry any items made of leather of wear leather shoes or belts while visiting the temples.
• Though Mount Abu is in Rajasthan, this hill station is relatively cooler and you do not to worry about the weather.
• Confirm the entry timings prior to your visit with the temple staff to make sure you are not disappointed when you reach there.
• As the temples are located at a little distance from the city, you can choose to hire a taxi to take you there.
• The temples are surrounded by beautiful gardens and the architecture itself is exquisite, so expect your visit to be a little longer than an hour if you wish to see the place well.
• It is recommended that you hire a guide while on the tour to the Dilwara Jain Temples to make sure that you can fully immerse yourself in this wonderful historic and spiritual experience.

Things to Do

• Take a walk in the gardens situated in the temple premises to experience peace and calm.
• Experience the rich past of Jainism by visiting these temples and understanding the stories behind them.
• Visit the town and have a rich royal experience that you can rarely find anywhere except in Rajasthan.
• Go for trekking and hiking in the lush hills near the temples. There are a number of trekking day trips available in the area. You can also hike the nearby Shanti Shikhar hill on a detour from the temple to experience mesmerizing views.

Availability of Guides

Though you can hire guides provided by the temple authorities if you are traveling in groups, it is recommended that you explore the place by yourself as touring with a guide will be time bound and you may not be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the Dilwara Temples.

Best Time to Visit

 As Mount Abu is a hill station, the climate remains idyllic for most the part of the year. In winters the temperature reaches around 10 degrees, in monsoons, the temperatures fall between 17 to 24 degrees, and in summers it stays below 30 degrees Celsius.

How to Reach

The temples are located around 3 kilometers away from the city center so it is very easy and feasable to hire a taxi or to take a bus. You can also travel to Dilwara Temples in one of the many bus services that run all across the state.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About Dilwara Temples

• The Dilwara site has five different temples dedicated to five different Jain saints or tirthankars.
• All the five temples were built during different times in history by differnt people, including a Solanki king of Gujarat, Mandlik, and Bhima Singh.
• The ceiling of the Mahaveer Swami Temple has a number of beautiful pictures that represent the age-old art and Jain mythology.
• Vimal Vasahi Temple has an Elephant Cell that consists of a large number of elephant sculptures. On these elephants are the riders, the members of the Vimal Shah family carved out of stone.
• The temples had been destroyed by the wrath of rulers like Allauddin Khiji and the repairs were undertaken almost ten years later, in 1321. Another constant yet lasting destruction came through the passage of time. The next restoration was done in 1906, and later from 1950 to 1965.
• The effect of restoration and repair can be clearly noticed as the older marble from the 11^th century has now been yellowed while the newly restored areas have a whiter glint.
• The temple authorities have a dining hall set up near the temple for the devotees.
• Two stamps were issued by the Indian Postal Department in 2009 depicting the famous Dilwara temples and their stunning architecture.

Nearby Attractions

• Nakki Lake
• Adhar Devi Temple
• Sunset Point
• Shanti Shikhar
• Guru Shikhar
• Bhrama Kumari World Spiritual University
• Honeymoon Point
• Bharat Maa Naman Sthal
• Government Museum
• Doodh Baori
• Toad Rock
• Bailey’s Walk
• Shri Raghunath Ji Temple

Nearby Restaurants

• Hiraji Tea Stall
• Ashok Restaurant
• Mayur Fast Food
• Jain Bhojanalaya

The five Dilwara Jain Temples hold prominence as one of the most revered temples for Jain devotees and as a fine example of architecture and art prevalent in from the 11^th to 13^th century A.D. These temples, situated near Mount Abu, make up for a perfect day trip with your family and friends. Whether you are a devotee, a history buff, or just a tourist wanting to experience India at its fullest and finest, the Dilwara Jain temples are a must-visit.