Nestled in the remote valleys of Arvalli Range, skirting
the river Manghai Ranakpur in Rajasthan is an important
canter of Jainism pilgrimage. Ranakpur is named after
Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached
when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for
the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously
carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of
the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional
in beauty. Situated at a distance of around 60 km from
Udaipur, these temples were constructed in the AD 1439.
Dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first of 24 Jain Saints,
the main Ranakpur Jain Temple took over 50 years to
make. This Chaumukh or four-faced temple covers n massive
area of 48,000 sq. feet and has 24-pillared halls and
eligible domes supported by over 400 columns. Two huge
bells weighing 108 kgs are hung in the assembly hall
whose sound echo along the corridors with every gust
of passing wind.
Besides this, there are three other smaller temples
within the precinct. Two of these temples, facing the
main temple have erotic carvings and are dedicated to
the Jain saints Parasvanath and Neminath. The fourth
is the Surya Temple, dedicated to the sun god. Its multilateral
walls are inflated with carvings of warriors on horses
and solar deities riding chariots.
Sadri, Kumbhalgarh and temples at desuri are some of
the other major tourist attractions near Ranakpur and
a must see for all those visiting the place. You can
also have a feel of this place on Tour Packages for
Ranakpur, India.
Recommended Itineraries
Historical Palaces and Havelis Tour of India
India Tours and packages offer Tour Packages for Ranakpur.
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