Thread by @truejainology

Thread on Dilwara Jain Temples.

It's not a Temple,it's a living example of science of stone carving ,a magic weaved into stone.

Unfortunately, these incredible works of art have not been publicized much and remain relatively unknown even to most Indians.

Vimal Vasahi Temple - This Temples was built Vimal shah commander-in- chief of Solanki ruler Bhim dev.

It took more than 14 years to build this temple by 1500 artisians & 1200 labours , with cost of whooping 19 crores, yes u heard it right 19 crores that too 1000years ago.

While entering the door of Vimal Vasahi we get the glimpse of the grandeur of sculpted marble,exquisite carvings of ceilings ,pillars & arches of the dream like far beyond any one's expectations.

Do spare a thought for architect "kirtidhar" who accomplished this wonder of world.

Among the Vimala Vasahi’s many carved ceilings, the largest & most stunnimg is found at the center of the pillared hall preceding the main shrine.

Twenty-five feet in diameter and thirty feet from the floor below, it features the sixteen "Vidyadevis" .

Divinity at every inch.

Even the pendant lotus motifs that extend downward from the center of the ceiling were imaginatively elaborated by sculptors.

This is an astonishing piece of work. It symbolizes the divine grace coming down to fulfill human aspirations.

This is complex structure of beams, brackets, and pillars that support the famous ceilings of the Vimala Vasahi’s pillared hall.

Further back one can see a beam adorned with images of a dancers dancing to the beat of the drummers that flank them...
Truely DIVINE.

Many of the ceilings in the pillared hall consist of elaborate floral and geometric patterns.Viewed from below,this ceiling appears as an elaborate starburst.

By zooming one can find jina carved on each of the beams framing the
central circle..such incredible intricacy.

One of the most beautiful , graceful & Divine intricately carved murti of Devi chakreshvari.

This intricate doorway leads into the enclosed core of the Vimala Vasahi, it leads straight to the Jina Rishabhanatha enshrined within.

One have to be here to witness the divine vibes which matches every inch of human artistry ..

The ceiling in Pillared Hall, viewed from directly below.

Just staring at pictures makes us feel like it's out of this universe.just think of being there.

Luna Vasahi Temple- This is another splendid shrine of white marble made by two brothers Vastupal & Tejpal who where minister of solanking ruler bhimdeva

The Temples cost huge 15 crores of rupees,the architect was Shobandev & the temple is dedicated to 22nd jina Neminatha.

This is shrine of 3rd jina Sambhavanatha surrounded by pillars, brackets & beams of white marble, sculpted in stunning
detail.

It's incredible shining brilliance of
its stone to white conch shells will just make u like "how on this earth such details on marble is possible"

This has to be the star attraction of this Temple.

This grand ceiling is supported by 12 decorated pillars spanning more than 20 feet in diameter,its most prominent features are the sixteen carved Vidyadevis & intricately sculpted lotus pendant motif that hangs from its center

There are total 146 ceiling panels supported by the pillars at the Luna Vasahi Temple.

Each ceiling is unique, a testament to
the skill and creativity of the artists who worked on the temple.

This ceiling depict important scenes from the life of Shree Krishna which is also revereed figure in Jain tradition as a cousin of the Jina Neminatha.

How intricately every important details of his life is carved.

The is another Jaw-dropping artistery
it illustrates episodes from the life of
the 22nd Jina Neminatha, to whom the Luna Vasahi Temple is dedicated.

The artists who carved the ceiling, which spans some 8 feet in width didn't spared a single inch..astonishing isn't it!

Fight of Bharat & Bahubali is beautiful carved on one of its ceiling.

The minute details are mesmerising to say the least .

The central aisle that leads to
the main image of 22nd Tirthankara Neminatha is line with the most
elaborately carved pillars of the temple.

This magical entrance is the approach to the principal shrine of the Jina.

Doorway leading into templeʼs
Garbhagraha.

Its difficult to believe that this carving is done on stone and not on some soft wood.

This is Beautifully carved Devrani Jethani na Gokhale which has intersting folk fares too.

Here one can see some of the most delicate marble stone cutting work, each excelling the other,the crisp thin shell like treatment of the marble are veritable dreams of beauty.

In to the maze of Unbelievably Ornate Pillars.

Just feel the chisel.

The temple was destroyed by army of alauddin Khilji during 13th century but thankfully was restored back to its glory by rich merchant "Shravak Pethad" in 1321 CE.

Only a barbarian will think of destrorying such beautiful creation of Human hand.

One more Interesting fact about Dilwara temples is that artisans were paid according to the amount of dust they collected, encouraging them to carve ever more intricately ..

Perhaps Carving is not the right word for these temples....chiselling would be more appropriate.

One must be here to see and appreciate the impossibly delicate carvings. Words are no match to express the level of craftsmanship seen here.

Naman to all those blessed artisians who had created such divine art without any expectation of name & fame.

Hats of to the incredible dedication & genius of these sculptures.

Cc : @my_rajasthan @davidfrawleyved @TVMohandasPai @ShefVaidya @vajrayudha11 @artist_rama @DigitalMapsAW @ancientorigins @incredibleindia @mariawirth1 @ReclaimTemples @MNageswarRaoIPS @ips