Ranakpur

Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region.

A trek through dense jungle-land and several litres of bottled water later, you'll happen upon the 15th century Jain temple complex of Ranakpur. Along the way, practice dropping your mouth open in awe . . . it'll come in handy.

For the main temple here is reputed to have 29 halls that cover over 4,000 square yards. Its dome is supported by as many as 1,444 pillars, each of which is carved in a distinctive style and pattern.

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.

Tourist Attractions in Ranakpur

Ranakpur Jain Temple

The Ranakpur Complex hold an exceptional beauty, which is well worth seeing, and makes for a convenient stop between Jodhpur and Udaipur. It is tucked away in remote and quite valley of the Aravalli Range.

Jain Temples

Quite a few Jain Temples in the close vicinity of Ranakpur have also gained the respect of the followers of the faith. The Muchhal Mahavir temple in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary is famous for its statue of Lord Mahavira with a moustache. Also, the two statues of elephants protecting the gateways have a special charming appeal about them.

Phalna, a nearby town has the Jain Golden Temple. Its significance lies in the fact that it was the first temple to be built by the people of the Jain community. During its construction, 90 kg of gold was donated by the Jain women of Falna itself for the embellishment of the idol as well as the temple on the whole.

Sadri

Situated approximately 8 km from Ranakpur is Sadri. The main draws of Sadri include a few magnificent temples, and an old dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar temple and the Chintamani Parsvanath temple are the oldest and the most ancient of the temples situated here.

Ghanerao is well known for a number of Hindu temples. The most impressive temple is that of Gajanand. The temple houses a life-size statue of the goddesses Ridhi and Siddhi.

On the either of the statue are the images of Lord Hanuman and Bhairon Baba. Then there is a temple of Lord Mahavira, dating back to the 10th century, is also worth going a visit. The town also has a castle, now converted into a hotel.

Narlai

Lying approximately 6 km from Ranakpur, Narlai is situated at the base of a hillock, on the top of which is a colossal statue of an elephant. Narlai is known for a number of Hindu and Jain temples. One of the temples is that of Adinath, the Jain first tirthankar.

The outer 'mandap' of the temple has beautiful mural paintings on its ceiling which still retain their original splendour.A perfect place for serene walks, Narlai also houses a good baori (step-well).

Muchhal Mahaveer

Muchhal Mahaveer is a temple situated in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, the Jain temple is a contemporary of the Ranakpur temple, and is approximately 5 km from Ghanerao. . It is the only temple where Lord Mahaveer is depicted with moustache. There are many local legends about it.

Two elephant statues, superb examples of architecture, stand as guards on the gateways of the temple. You can also take a peek at the tribal life of Rajasthan by visiting Garasia tribal villages famous for their colourful costumes situated nearby.

How To Reach Ranakpur

Fly Away: Udaipur is the nearest airport, about 90 Km away. Regular flights connect Udaipur to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. You can take buses or taxis from Udaipur.

On Tracks: An excellent network of roads links Udaipur to other cities in Rajasthan and neighboring states.

On Wheels: Udaipur is the nearest Railway station, which is connected to other major cities such as Jaipur, Ajmer and Delhi.