MOUNT ABU
The Fount of Indian Culture

Each of 52 cells enshrining one Thirthankar is equally alluring and befitting to the grandeur of main shrine. The portico and the roof contain elaborate relief,, illustrating from Jain and Hindu mythologies. Herein lies the catholicity of Hinduism, and that accounts for the unprecedented ,popularity of these superb master pieces. Despite the monotonous repetition of the same motif for each of the 52 cells, the art of plastic decoration exuding from every pore of the sculptured piece beckons million looks. There is a small shrine dedicated to Ambica, the Guardian Goddess of Vimal Shah, the peerless prince among the builders of temples of the world. Another worth seeing place, the guide shows is the Hathisala, or Elephant Room housing the statues of huge elephants wrought in white marble and fittingly caparisoned - a grand spectacle that recalls to the memory, the Iravatham of Devendra. It also houses the life size statues of Vimal Shah, the builder with the members of his family. Ironically, the entrance leading to this rare world of enchantment is quite unimpressive and does not heard the luxurious banquet, the interior readily serves to every visitor, nor does any tower piercing into the blue skies to lure the viewers from distance. The sober exterior belies the wealth of interior ornamentation. Its uniqueness does not end there, but begins with the mysterious genesis of its construction.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]