Mount Abu, Rajasthan‘s only hill station, was originally a centre for the Shiva cult but by the 11th century it had become an important Jain centre of pilgrimage. The Jain community found patronage in the Rajput regimes and over the next two centuries some of India’s most spectacular marble Temples were built at sacred mountain tops.

Delwara group of Jain temples is build of white marble and of these, ywo are absolute must see for any traveler to Rajasthan, the Vimala-Vasahi[Neminath] Temple. The Vimala Vasahi was built about 1021 by Vimal Shah, a minister to the Gujarat Raja Bhimdeo. Legend has it that he was blessed by Goddedd Ambika to bulid a magnificent temple but had to pay a very exorbitant price for the Land giving the Brahmin land owners sufficient Gold Coins to cover the entire area.

Since the exterior of the buildings is quite austere, but the lavish interior is incredible. The marble carving on the gateway is just overwhelming. A classic, the temple has a colonnaded hall and as passage around it, with 52 Small Shrines against the image of a Jain Tirthankar. The image of Adinath adorns the inner sanctum. The Large dome of the main hall with its flower pendent surrounded by embellished rows of musicians, dancing nymphs, elephants and warriors is especiaaly impressive. The elaborate screens, curved scroll arches and pillars are just stunning.