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Dilwara Temple,
Mount Abu
The Jain temples at
Dilwara, near Mount Abu are considered to be masterpieces of temple
architecture.
The Vimalvashi temple was built by the commander Vimalshah on the
order of King Bhimdev in 1031 A.D. It took around 1,500 workers,
several years to build. There are forty eight pillars, sixteen pillars
have the images of females figures in dancing poses. The rang mandap
is a beautiful piece of architecture.
The images that can be seen are Saraswati, Lakshmi as well as scenes
from the princely courts of Ayodhya and Takshashila. Navchauki is a
platform divided into nine parts. The artistic roots are decorated
with elephants and goddesses.
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.
Apart from these, the temples dedicated to Rishabhdev, Parshvanath and
Lord Mahavir are also classical examples of art.
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