The Holy Temples of Delwārā (Mt. Ābu)

Dr. Kamini Gogri

22.07.2008

Summer School In Advanced Jain Studies

Photos by Thomas Dix 

1.0 Introduction

The Delwārā temple complex at Mount Ābu in the south-west of Rajasthan, close to the border of Gujarat, is one of the most important shrines of the Jainas. The name Ābu is derived from Arbudācala ( Arbudā’s hill) and alludes to the genesis of the mountain. The Jaina temples of Delwārā are located a few kilometers away from the city, in a valley.

1.1 The Vimala Vasahi or the Vimala Śāha Temple: (D-4)

At the beginning of the second millennium, the Solanki dynasty of Gujarat ruled over the west coast of northern India. The Parmāras of Mt. Abu were the tribute paying vassals of the Solankis. One of the Solanki ministers, Vimala, an underling of King Bhima Deva was dispatched to the city of Candravati to quell the rebellion in a princely state. At the end of his mission he asked a Jaina monk how he could atone for the bloodshed. The monk informed him that willful killing could not be atoned for. However, he could earn good virtue by constructing a temple at Mt. Ābu.

Legend has it that the Brahmins were loathing to part with the land on which the Vimala Vasahi temple stands. Vimala’s tutelary goddess, Ambikā, then appeared to him in a dream and showed him the place where an ancient Ādinātha statue lay buried. This he placed before the Brahmins as evidence that the Jainas had also been worshipping there since ancient times. Even then the Hindus relinquished possession of the property only after a fantastic sum had been paid for it; Vimala had to cover the 1,024 square meter area in pieces of gold.

The construction began in 1031 A.D. The shrine masons guild of Badnagara in Gujarat was responsible for drawing up the plan; their architect, Kirtidhara, took 14 years to complete this marvel with the help of 1200 laborers and 1500 stone masons.

While entering the embellished door of Vimala Vasahi, we get the glimpse of the grandeur of sculptured marble, exquisite and exuberant carvings of ceilings, domes, pillars and arches of the temple dream- like far beyond any one’s expectations. It has a sanctum, a Gudha Mandapa, Navacoki, rang mandapa and a circumambulatory corridor having 57 cells. In each cell, image of one or the other idol of the tīrthańkara is installed. In front of every cell, double carved roofs are screened by double arcade of pillars. Cell numbers are marked and the name of the idol installed in it is also written.

One of the descendent of Vimala named Prithvipāla carried out certain constructions and repairs in 1147-49 A.D. and to commemorate the glory of his family erected a ‘Hasti- Śāla’ in front of the temple.

1.1.1 Ranga Mandapa:

A grand hall supported by 12 decorated pillars and nicely carved arches with a central dome in the most exquisite design, luxuriant in ornamentation a punctilious Details having 11 concentric rings of elephants, horsemen, ducks, swans, etc. and groups of ornamental sculpted panels is simply mind boggling covering every niche of the marble. On the pillars are placed the female figures playing musical instruments and above are 16 Vidhyādevis – the goddesses of knowledge- each one having her own symbol. The adorned motifs and ornamental frame works are noticeable. It represents the height of artistic achievements and religious fervor.

(D-1-2-3)

1.1.2 Navacowki:

It comprises of nine rectangular ceilings, each one containing beautiful carvings designs supported on the ornate pillars. There are two big niches containing sculptures of ‘ Ādinātha’ on both sides.

1.1.3 Gudha Mandapa:

Inside the profusely decorated doorway, is installed principle deity- lord Adinatha. There are two standing images of white marble of lord Pārśvanātha in meditation.

1.1.4 Hastiśāla:

This was constructed by Prithvipāla, a descendant of Vimala in 1147-49A.D. In front of the entrance door, equestrian statue of Vimala originally carved of white marble is seen. The whole sculpture was mutilated and was later on repaired by plaster of Paris. Inside, ten marble sculptures of standing statues of elephants, arranged in three rows, beautifully carved, well-modeled and adorned were installed but were destroyed by the Muslim army in 1311.

2.1 Luņa Vasahi:

The temple is situated a little above the Vimala temple. This temple was constructed by two brothers, Tejapāla and Vastupāla, who have gone down in Indian architectural history as the greatest builders of the time. They were the ministers of the King Viradhavala.

Popular legend has it that the brothers buried their money under tree when on a pilgrimage, because of the instability the country. When they dug it out, they discovered more money than had been concealed by them. They were full of consternation. Tejapāla’s wife, Anupama Devi came to their rescue, suggesting they view the entire incident as an omen and construct from their wealth temples in Śatrunjaya and Giranara. Later, as ministers they resolved to constructed a temple in Mt. Ābu in memory of their deceased brother, Luniga and dedicated it also to the 22nd tīrthańkara, Neminātha.

The Luņa Vasahi temple was constructed in 1231 A.D. by the architect Sobhanadeva. (D-1-2-3)

2.1.1 The Ground Plan of Tejapala Temple:

The shrine measures 52 X 28.5m, is a close approximation of its model, although it faces west and is the exact reverse of the Vimala temple- yet, the sequence of the structural parts is the same as in the latter.

Consequently, a description highlighting the differences between the two temples will suffice here. The T-shaped temple stands in a courtyard. This is surrounded by 52- devakulikas screened by a double row of colonnades. Only in the north and south does a cella project a little out of the closed ground plan. At the back there are no shrines, only an enclosed hall with very old jāli work, i.e., a latticed wall with ornamental tracery.

The roof of the sanctum is such a flat phamsana (pyramidal roof) that it barely projects above the complex. In front of the sanctum is the gudha mandapa which does not have any supporting pillars and a columned hall, the navacowki. The eight pillars of the ranga mandapa are connected to each other with scalloped arches and form an octagon made of toranas. The dome, too, is a marvel of polished precision and its keystone is proportionately larger as compared to that of the Vimala’s temple.

(D-4 Ceiling of the Vimala Vasahi)

(D-5-6)

The above note is a compilation from the following sources: Thomas Dix and Lothar Clermont, Jainism and the temples of Mt.Abu and Ranakpur

Source:  International School for Jain Studies.
Photos by Thomas Dix   from  Jainism And The Temples Of Mount Abu And Ranakpur

Summer School In Advanced Jain Studies