Delwara ‘the group of temples’ is renowned temples which are the greatest draw at Mount Abu. The temples’ sober exterior belies the wealth of the inner ornamentation. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries these temples are a marvel in white marble. One can’t resist without being stunned after watching the super fine filigree work. More of it,  if you give a thought, how did human made it possible to carry such huge boulders of marble at this height from sea level even there were no means of transport and roads. You will simply left with an answer, its magic or god himself might have come to build this super fine structure. Not less than a wonder there are five main temples in the main group.

(1)                        The temple of Vimal Sah popularly known as Vimal Vasashi was dedicated to Adinath or Rishabdeo constructed out of white marble from Arasoori Hill, it is an outstanding example of jain temple architecture. It satnds within a quadrangular court and houses a shrine with a large bronze image of Adinath, Preceded by mandapa(portico) supported by 48 pillars. The eight central pillars form an octagon holding up a dome with its circular rims and richly carved roof.

(2)                        The Luna Vashi Temple is situated a little above the Vimal Shah Temple. Two brothers, Tejpal and Vastupal, who have gone down in Indian architectural history as greatest builders of all times, constructed this temple. They were the ministers of King Viradhaval. They constructed many more temples of which only the Neminath Temple of Girnar still remains. The Solankis constructed the Luna Vashi Temple in 1231 A.D., the brothers were closely involved in this project. Stylically, however, the Luna temple is similar to the Vimal Shah Temple.

(3)                        The Ranga – Mandapa – The Dance pavilion was constructed between 1147 – 1149 A.D. and is the most exquisite structure in the temple complex. Since the interior had to be free of supporting pillars, it could be surmounted with a shikhara tower, instead a white vaulted dome was used. This is a largest extent example of the style of a construction during the Solanki period.

(4)                        The Sanctum – The tourist cannot proceed beyond this point. However, from here threw the Gudha Mandapa, the sanctum sanctorum and the bright statue of first Tirthankara is visible. The entrance of the cella is flanked by  two standing Parsva Rishabnath is deliberately need to appear impersonal and not human.

(5)                        The Ambulatory – 52 deva kulikas i.e. subsidiary shrines have been arranged on elevated platforms around the central edifice, each with the statue of a Tirthankara; this date backs to different periods, some much later the others. The holy figures of 52 symbolized for the Jains the four internal Tirthankaras and in addition to them, 24 belonging to the past and present eons. Beside these, some larger cells have been added to south – west.

Hasti Shala – Elephants were used to carry marbles from Ambaji to Mount Abu for the construction of the temples. To commemorate their contribution, Hast Shala ( The Elephant Courtyard ) was constructed.

Delwara Jain Temples are open for the tourist from 1200 hrs. to 1700 hrs. for free and no photography is allowed inside the temple complex.