Jains Today in World

SR No.: 001794
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Pirre Paul AMIEL
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 360
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, History, Religion, E000, & E005
File Size: 24 MB

Page 129

92 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Dilwara, name of the small village near, which are the most beautiful of all Jain sanctuaries, with a profusion of extremely refined decorations.
On this 1220 meters high mountain, the temple (vasahi) called "Vimala Vasahi" (beginning of the with century) dedicated to Ādinātha and built by Vimal Shah, Minister of King Bhimadeva deserves special mention. It is in a courtyard that is surrounded by a wall with 52 chapels under porticos that shelter each the statues of a Tirthankara. One can admire its "torana", its dome, its "mandapa”, its marvellous sculpted pillars, and its ceilings of unequalled splendour. In the “mandapa", musicians, dancers and celestial deities emphasize the charm of the architecture.
Two brothers, Vastupāla and Tejapāla, Ministers of King Vīrapāla, made built in 1287 AD the second marvellous temple, called Luna Vasahī, in memory of their other brother Luniga. Dedicated to Nemi the sanctuary houses his statue in black stone and of an extraordinary artistic richness.
A third temple to visit is called "Bhima Shah", built in the XIV "h century, with a statue of Ādinātha made of five different metals. A fourth one, we have already spoken of it, dedicated to Pārsva, has four entries (caturmukha). A fifth one is dedicated to Mahāvīra. To also see the temples called "Pitalhar" and "Kharatarvasahi".
There is too, at this place, a museum that preserves noteworthy statues. Nearby, are board and lodging possibilities for tourists and visitors, together with information office, bank, post, health centre and police station. During Indian holidays it is very busy, here.
Achalgadh, at 7 kms from Dilwara, Jain temples dating from the XVth century, ancient caves and two pleasant "āśrama",