Ranakpur
(The Jain Temples in Aravali)
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.
Location
Ranakpur is tucked away in a remote valley in the Aravali range. It is
situated around 60 km north of Udaipur in Pali district and boasts of one of
the largest and most important Jain Temples in the country. The place is
well connected through a road network to other places in the region.
Climate
The climate of Ranakpur is tropical with the mercury climbing up to a
maximum of around 42°C and a minimum of around 22°C. Winters are
only a little colder with a maximum of around 20°C and a minimum of
around 11°C. The annual total rainfall is around 55 centimeters. Winter
months (October-March) are the best for visiting this place.
Past
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.
Sites to visit
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and
gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The basement is of
48,000 sq. feet area that covers the whole complex. There are four
subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over
four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are
intricately carved with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs
playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an
interesting sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing
108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is a
Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath.
The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a temple of the
Sun God, are all well worth a visit. One kilometer away from the temple
complex is the temple of Amba Mata.
Sites Nearby
Kumbhalgarh
Kumbhalgarh is a historical site around 30 km northeast of Ranakpur. It is
the most important fort in the Mewar region after Chittaurgarh. The other
important place to visit in Kumbhalgarh is a wildlife sanctuary known for
its wolves.
Sadri
Sadri, eight km away, is famous for some beautiful temples and an old
dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar temple and the Chintamani
Parsvanath temple are the oldest of the temples situated here.
Temples at Desuri
Three
temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata are among some
noteworthy temples at Desuri around 16 km from Ranakpur. An old mosque
situated here is also worth a visit. A temple dedicated to Parsuram Mahadeo,
nestled in the hills, is also close by.
Another nearby place, Ghanerao, abounds in Hindu temples. Most notable is
the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddesses Riddhi and
Siddhi. The statue in the main shrine is guarded by idols of Hanuman and
Bhairon on either side.
Muchhal Mahavir temple
The
Muchhal Mahavir temple is situated about five km from Ghanerao in the
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. Its distinctive feature is the statue of Lord
Mahavira with a mustache. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateways
are splendid examples of temple decoration. In the vicinity are the Garasia
tribal villages famous for their colorful costumes.
