The Dilwara temples at Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India stand in a beautiful green valley surrounded by forested hills. These Jain temples have rather plain exteriors that give no hint of the magnificent world being hidden inside. This symbolizes the Jain belief in the insignificance of outward forms and the importance of a rich inner life. A dazzling interior of pure white marble is carved with such amazing virtuosity that it is hard to believe that such perfection and beauty could be created out of stone by human hands.
Vimal Vasahi was built in the 11th century. The walls, pillars and ceiling of this temple are ornamented with carvings of apsaras, animals, scrolls and the doorways have intricately carved arches. The ceiling of the assembly hall has an exquisite pendant in the center surrounded by figures of nymphs. The dome is designed in concentric circles with carvings of figures, animals and decorative motifs. The lowest ring has 16 figures of goddesses of learning.
this and all the above photos are from here
photo courtesy Dhiraj Kumar
The Luna Vasahi was built two centuries later is even more heavily carved. The temple is ornamented with such brilliantly finished marble carvings that it gives the surface the texture of lace. The most striking creation here is the octagonal dome with overhanging lotus carved with extraordinary precision.
The amazing Dilwara temples are testimony to the incredible artistry of the Rajashani marble carvers who created these masterpieces.
You can see more photos of these amazing temples at the Chris Protopapas's album