Temples of Delwada

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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TEMPLES OF DELWADA wanted, Shridevi replied that she did not want a child anymore. Now, it was the turn of the goddess to be taken aback. Vimalsha narrated what he had experienced and said that they wanted to remain childless. Vastupal and Tejpal Two brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal were ministers in the court of King Vir-Dhaval in Gujarat. Tejpal was also a very outstanding commander of the army. Both brothers made their name by their valor and faithfulness. They helped the king to conquer enemies and maintain law and order in the kingdom. Tejpal's wife Anupama-devi was a wise and smart woman, who always helped her husband in family matters. She was sweet spoken and a very religious and compassionate woman. Tejpal had always respected her opinion. Once, the families of both the brothers and many others went on a pilgrimage. They came to a small village. This particular area was not regarded as very safe for the pilgrims because the road was frequented by dacoits. Thinking that they might meet some dacoits on the way, the brothers decided to bury and hide their wealth in the nearby area. They started digging a hole but to their amazement, they unearthed a big pot of jewels and coins from the ground. They simply did not know what to do with this wealth. Tejpal asked Anupama-devi what they should do with this immense wealth. Anupama-devi had no hesitation in replying that this wealth had come from a deep trench but the right place for it was on a high mountain. This would spread the glory of Jainism. Thus, they decided to take it to the top of the mountain and spend it there. The brothers decided to build a temple on Mt. Abu. It is known as Lunig Vasahi Temple. Tirthankar Neminath Bhagawan's Samavasaran has also been carved in this temple. Tejpal had also dedicated two Gokhlas (niches) for two women, one to commemorate his wife and the other to commemorate his brother's wife (sister-in-law). These niches are called 'Derani-Jethani na Gokhlas' (The wives of two brothers are known as Derani - Jethani. Derani is the younger one and Jethani is the older brother's wife). They constructed many more temples of which only the Delwada temple and the Neminath Temple of Mount Girnar exist today. However, the Lunig Vasahi Temple of Mount Abu is similar to that of the Vimalsha Temple. Fifty-two Deva Kulikas (subsidiary shrines) have also been constructed on an elevated platform around the central temple, each with the statue of a Tirthankar. Elephants were used to carry the marble to Mount Abu for the construction of the temples. A place called Hasti Shala is also built within the temple complex to commemorate the contribution of elephants. The contribution made by Vimalsha, Vastupal and Tejpal to the architecture of Jain temples is very inspiring. Their dedication to their religion, and their perseverance and honesty are praiseworthy. Their contribution to Jain architecture is part of our great heritage. Jain STORY BOOK 127