Image Source: Aamir Sodha
About Dilwara temple
Use of white marble is quite extensive in the Dilwara temple. Its entire temple complex is built using white marble. It’s not like other Jain or hindu temple that focus more on outward appearance and sculptures. Dilwara temple focuses more inward in the form of intricate carving especially on ceilings, pillars, walls, and domes.
The level of details you see in ornamental patterns, floral motifs, deities and geometric designs are unparallel. A combination of exquisite marble architecture and intricate carvings makes it one of the best Jain temples.
Unique Temple Layout and Structure
Most temples in India have grand exteriors, but Dilwara temples have plain and simple outer walls. The real grandeur is inside, which is rare in temple architecture. Following the Jain philosophy the temple architecture
Emphasise simplicity on the outside and grandeur inside.
Intricate Ceilings and Domes
The ceiling of the temple is decorated with carvings of lotus flowers, celestial dancers (apsaras), and mythological scenes. Lotus design on hanging domes (Corbelled Domes) makes you wonder how artisans were able to build them.
Unlike most Hindu temples, where shikhara (towers) dominate, Dilwara temples focus more on horizontal detailing, with highly ornate ceilings. Carving on the ceiling makes it look like a work of lacework rather than stone.
The precision of carvings makes it look like marble lacework rather than stone. It ensures that light and shadow play beautifully across the marble surfaces.
Pillars and Doorways
Various stories and deities are depicted beautifully carved on each pillar of the temple. The work of art is so amazing it looks like a miniature . Unlike many temples where pillars are functional and simple, Dilwara has no two pillars that look the same. Designed with a different floral pattern, each doorways no two doorways will look the same.
Floating Appearance of the Marble Idols
A special polishing technique is used in marble idols of Tirthankaras. It’s polished so finely that it gives a mirror-like reflection and the idol seems to float in air. An ethereal effect comes into display that is not possible if sandstone or granite were used like in other temples of india. It’s not commonly found in other Jain or Hindu temples.
Advanced construction techniques
Stability is provided to the temple with an advanced interlocking system. No binding material like cement or mortar is used in the temple. It relied on precisely cut marble that fits only when symmetry and alignment are fit. Each dome and pillar follows an exact geometric pattern that even modern architects can admit.