North India · Rajasthan
Ranakpur, Rajasthan
Sources: wikimedia
Before you go
One of the great Jain temples of India, in a forested valley between Udaipur and Jodhpur; the temple opens to non-Jain visitors from around midday.
About Ranakpur
- Hills
- Forest
Where it is
Ranakpur is a village in Pali district of Rajasthan, in a forested valley on the western side of the Aravalli range, on the road between Udaipur and Jodhpur.
History
The great Jain temple was begun in the 15th century by Dharna Shah, a Jain businessman, with the support of Rana Kumbha of Mewar, after whom Ranakpur is named. Built in white marble over several decades, it is dedicated to Adinath, the first tirthankara.
People
Ranakpur is a small village where people speak Marwari dialects and farm and herd livestock on the Aravalli slopes. The temple is a living place of Jain worship, and pilgrims stay in the dharamshala beside it.
Known for
- The Chaumukha temple of Adinath
- 1,444 carved marble pillars
- The Surya Narayan sun temple
- Kumbhalgarh Fort nearby
Did you know?
No two of the Ranakpur temple's 1,444 marble pillars are carved alike.
Shrines and sites
- Ranakpur Jain Temple
- Surya Narayan Temple
- Kumbhalgarh Fort
Traditions
- Jain
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