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.
