The famous Dilwara temples located at Mount Abu in Rajasthan are a sacred pilgrimage centre for followers of which religion?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the cultural and religious geography of India. The Dilwara temples at Mount Abu are world famous for their exquisite marble architecture and intricate carvings. They are often mentioned in questions about Indian art and pilgrimage centres. Knowing which religious community regards these temples as especially sacred helps you link important monuments with the traditions they represent.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The site mentioned is the Dilwara temples.
• They are located at Mount Abu in Rajasthan.
• The question asks for the religion for which these temples are an important pilgrimage place.
• The options are Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism (Parsi faith).
• We assume familiarity with major Indian architectural and religious landmarks.

Concept / Approach:
The Dilwara temples are a group of finely carved marble temples constructed by Jain patrons between the 11th and 13th centuries. They are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras such as Adinatha and Neminatha. Their design reflects the Jain emphasis on purity, simplicity and intricate symbolic art. While India has many important Buddhist stupas, Sikh gurdwaras and Parsi fire temples, the Dilwara complex is specifically and historically associated with Jainism. Therefore, the correct answer must be the religion whose followers consider these temples a major holy site.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the Dilwara temples as a group of marble temples at Mount Abu. Step 2: Recall that these temples are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras and were built by Jain merchants and rulers. Step 3: Understand that they are considered among the finest examples of Jain temple architecture in India. Step 4: Match this information with the options given, focusing on which religion worships Tirthankaras. Step 5: Conclude that Jainism is the correct answer, as Buddhists, Sikhs and Parsis have their own distinct types of sacred buildings elsewhere.

Verification / Alternative check:
Travel guides, art history books and encyclopaedias on Indian architecture consistently describe the Dilwara temples as Jain temples. They often highlight five main temples: Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshvanath and Mahavir Swami, all dedicated to Jain saints. None of these references identify the site as a centre for Buddhist, Sikh or Parsi worship. This consistent description across sources verifies that the complex is a Jain pilgrimage centre.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Buddhism: Important Buddhist sites in India include Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Sanchi, not the Dilwara temples.
Sikhism: Key Sikh pilgrimage centres are gurdwaras such as the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) at Amritsar, not Jain marble temples at Mount Abu.
Zoroastrianism (Parsi faith): Parsis worship at fire temples and do not regard the Dilwara complex as a special religious site.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume that any famous ancient temple must be Hindu or Buddhist if they are not familiar with Jain architecture. Others may confuse Mount Abu with other northern or western Indian pilgrimage centres. A useful strategy is to remember that Rajasthan and nearby regions have several important Jain temple complexes, including Dilwara at Mount Abu and the Ranakpur temples, both strongly associated with Jainism.

Final Answer:
The Dilwara temples at Mount Abu are a sacred pilgrimage place for followers of Jainism.