About Dilwara Temples
The Dilwara Temples are a group of five Jain temples set among mango groves and hills near Mount Abu, the only hill station of Rajasthan. They are living places of worship for the Jain community and draw pilgrims from all over India, as well as visitors who come to see their extraordinary marble craftsmanship. Plain on the outside, the temples open into halls and corridors where almost every ceiling, pillar and doorway is carved in fine detail.
The oldest temple, Vimal Vasahi, dedicated to Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), the first Tirthankara, was built in 1031 CE by Vimal Shah, a minister of the Chaulukya king Bhima I of Gujarat. The Luna Vasahi, dedicated to Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara, was built around 1230 CE by the brothers Vastupala and Tejapala, ministers of the Vaghela rulers. The other three temples, the Pittalhar, the Parshvanatha (Kharatar Vasahi) and the Mahavir Swami temple, were added later. Tradition says the marble was carried up the hill on elephants, and that the carvers were rewarded according to the fine marble dust they produced.
Inside, visitors walk through pillared halls and corridors lined with small shrines, each holding an image of a Tirthankara. The domed ceilings are the highlight, especially the great ceiling of the Ranga Mandapa in Vimal Vasahi and the lotus-like pendant in Luna Vasahi, where the marble has been worked so finely that it looks almost translucent. Carvings show Jain stories, dancers, musicians and floral patterns. The Pittalhar temple is known for its large metal image of Rishabhanatha.
Dilwara Temples timings & aarti
Jain devotees can usually worship from early morning. Other visitors are usually allowed from about 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja (for Jain devotees) | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Dilwara Temples
By air
Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur, is about 170 km away by road.
By train
Abu Road railway station is about 30 km away, with frequent buses and taxis up the hill.
By road
A winding ghat road connects Abu Road to Mount Abu. The temples are about 3 km from the town centre.
Festivals at Dilwara Temples
- Mahavir JayantiMar/Apr
- ParyushanaAug/Sep
- Diwali (Mahavira Nirvana)Oct/Nov
- Kartik PurnimaOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected. Leather items such as belts, bags and wallets are not allowed inside, and footwear must be left outside.
- Entry
- Free entry. Visiting hours for non-Jain visitors are limited, and photography is not allowed inside.
- Plan your visit for after noon, when non-Jain visitors are allowed in.
- Mobile phones and cameras usually have to be deposited; photography is strictly prohibited inside.
- Leave leather items in your vehicle or hotel to avoid trouble at the entrance.
- Join the free guided walk offered at the entrance to understand the carvings.
- Weekends and holiday seasons are crowded; weekdays are calmer.
Places to visit near Dilwara Temples
- Nakki LakeScenic lake at the heart of Mount Abu, about 3 km away
- Arbuda Devi (Adhar Devi) TempleCave temple of the goddess reached by steps, about 4 km away
- Achalgarh and Achaleshwar Mahadev TempleOld fort and Shiva temple, about 8 km away
- Guru ShikharHighest point of the Aravalli range with a Dattatreya shrine, about 15 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Dilwara Temple timings for tourists?
Non-Jain visitors are usually allowed from about 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Mornings are reserved for Jain worship.
Is photography allowed in Dilwara Temples?
No. Photography is not allowed inside, and cameras and phones usually have to be deposited at the entrance.
Who built the Dilwara Temples?
Vimal Vasahi was built in 1031 CE by Vimal Shah, and Luna Vasahi around 1230 CE by the brothers Vastupala and Tejapala. The other temples were added later.
Is there an entry fee at Dilwara Temples?
Entry is free, but visiting hours for non-Jain visitors are limited.
How to reach Dilwara Temples?
Take a train to Abu Road, about 30 km away, and then a bus or taxi up to Mount Abu. The temples are about 3 km from the town centre.
What is the aarti time at Dilwara Temples?
Morning puja (for Jain devotees): Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Dilwara Temples?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected. Leather items such as belts, bags and wallets are not allowed inside, and footwear must be left outside.
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