Temples Of Delwada

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided text about the Temples of Delwada, in English:

The "Temples of Delwada" book, published by the JAINA Education Committee, describes the magnificent Jain temples located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. These temples are renowned for their breathtakingly intricate marble carvings, often referred to as "poetry in marble."

The text focuses on two primary temples:

1. The first temple was built in the 11th century AD by Vimalshä at a cost of 180 million Rupees.
2. The second temple, named Lunig Vasahi, was constructed in the 13th century AD by two brothers, Vastupäl and Tejpal, in memory of their elder brother, at a cost of 120 million Rupees.

The book then delves into the stories of these key figures:

Vimalshä: Vimalshä was a prominent commander during the flourishing Solanki dynasty of Gujarat. He was the son of Vir Mahattam and Virmati. After his father became a monk, Vimalshä and his brothers were raised by their mother. Vimalshä, known for his boldness and skill in horseback riding and archery, joined the army. He married Shridevi, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy man.

During King Bhimdev's reign, Vimalshä rose to the position of commander and his brother Nedh became the chancellor. Vimalshä's influence grew, but some envious courtiers falsely accused him of arrogance and ambition to usurp the throne, claiming he wouldn't bow to the king.

Upon learning of the king's suspicion, Vimalshä left the capital and went to Mount Abu (then called Chandravati). He took control of Chandravati after defeating its chief, Dhandhuk, and governed it on behalf of King Bhimdev, showing no desire for personal kingship.

Though happily married to Shridevi, they had no children, which they attributed to past karma. They sought guidance from the Jain Acharya Dharmaghosh-suri, who advised Vimalshä to build a temple at Chandravati as atonement for the violence committed during his wars.

Vimalshä also sought the blessings of Goddess Ambikä Devi for a son and the ability to build a grand temple. The goddess offered him a choice between the two; Vimalshä chose the temple. He then acquired land and began the construction of the temple, a monumental task requiring transportation of marble from afar and hiring skilled sculptors. The temple took 14 years to complete and cost 185,300,000 gold coins. It is described as a spacious, all-marble structure with exquisite, detailed sculptures in its domes, arcs, and panels, considered unparalleled in the world. It is said that artisans were paid in gold based on the weight of marble dust they produced, highlighting Vimalshä's generosity. Vimalshä also contributed to other temples, including the Vimalvasahi temple on Shatrunjay Mountain and temples at Kumbhäriä.

An anecdote illustrates Vimalshä's foresight. While seeking a child with Shridevi, Vimalshä encountered someone demanding a toll to draw water from a well built by his ancestors. This experience made Vimalshä realize the potential for his own descendants to claim tolls for the temple he built. Reflecting on this, he and Shridevi decided they would rather remain childless than have descendants who might exploit their legacy.

Vastupäl and Tejpal: Vastupäl and Tejpal were ministers and loyal ministers to King Vir-Dhaval of Gujarat. Tejpal was also a skilled army commander. Tejpal's wife, Anupama-devi, was wise, religious, and influential in family matters.

During a pilgrimage, the brothers and their families encountered dacoits and decided to hide their wealth. While digging, they discovered a large pot of jewels and coins. Anupama-devi suggested using this wealth to spread the glory of Jainism on a high mountain. Thus, they decided to build a temple on Mount Abu, known as the Lunig Vasahi Temple.

The Lunig Vasahi Temple features carvings of Tirthankar Neminath Bhagawan's Samavasaran. Tejpal also dedicated two niches, called 'Derani-Jethani na Gokhlas', in memory of his wife and his brother's wife. They were responsible for many other temples, though only the Delwada temple and the Neminath Temple on Mount Girnar are mentioned as existing today. The Lunig Vasahi Temple is similar to Vimalshä's temple and includes 52 subsidiary shrines around the central temple. Elephants were used for transporting marble, and a place called Hasti Shala commemorates their role.

The text concludes by praising Vimalshä, Vastupäl, and Tejpal for their inspiring contributions to Jain temple architecture, their dedication to their religion, perseverance, and honesty, highlighting their work as a significant part of India's heritage.