Ranakpur - INTRODUCTION
This famous temple city in Rajasthan is known as a peaceful haven for followers of Jainism. In fact, it is one of the five most important Jain pilgrimage sites in the country. Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha, who had leased a huge amount of land to a Jain businessman for building of temples, way back in the 15th century.
Ranakpur is renowned for its carved Jain temples in amber stone. The main temple - covering an area of about 48,000 sq. ft., with 29 halls and more than 1,400 distinctly-carved pillars - is a marvel of construction. The four images of Adinath are enshrined in the main temple called 'Chamukh', that is open on all four sides. Images of tirthankaras are carved on the mandaps with a shikhar on top of all 24 of them. Supported by 420 columns, the three-storeyed temple has four small shrines with 80 spires. The temple's assembly hall has two huge bells weighing 108 kg each. When rung, the sounds of these bells engulf the whole complex.
Parsvanath and Neminath temples face the main temple. The cravings in the temple bear a resemblance to Khajuraho.
The complex also includes temples of Sun God and Amba Mata. The Sun temple houses opulent cravings of solar deities and warriors on horses.
Ranakpur - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
| Area | 5 sq. km. |
| Altitude | 486 meters |
| Languages | Hindi, English, Rajasthani |
| Best Time to Visit | September to March |
| STD Code | 02934 |
Climate
Summer: 42.0 degrees Celsius 22.0 degrees Celsius
Winter: 20.0 degrees Celsius 10.6 degrees Celsius
Rainfall: 55 cm
Location
A remote valley in the Aravali range is home to Ranakpur. 98 kms away from Udaipur, the city is situated in Pali district and is well connected through roads to various other places in Rajasthan.
EXCURSIONS
Sadri
Eight kilometers from Ranakpur, Sadri is best known for the Varahavtar Temple and the Cintamani Parsvanath Temple - two of the most ancient temples situated here. An old dargah of Khudabaksh Baba is also one of the must see places in Sadri.
Desuri
Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata don the temple count here. The Kumbhalgarh tehsil of Rajasmand is home to a temple of Parsuram Mahadeo that is built in the hills. An old mosque also finds a mention as far as sightseeing in Desuri is concerned.
Narlai
Boasting of a number of Hindu and Jain temples, Narlai lies at the base of a hillock. A colossal statue of an elephant is situated atop this hill. The Adinath Temple is the pride of this place. The paintings on the outer ceiling of the temple have not lost any of their charm. There is a gargantuan granite rock with a small temple on top that is situated just opposite to the Rawla Narlai Hotel. The place also has a good baori (step-well).
Ghanerao
A small town that houses the temple of Gajanand that has splendid and enormous statue of goddesses Ridhi and Sidhi. Hanuman and Bhairon guard the statue from both sides. An ancient castle has been converted into a hotel and draws a huge number of guests.
Falna
The Jain Golden Temple in Falna is the first temple constructed by the Jain community. The temple is special because Jain females from Falna alone contributed about 90 kgs of gold for the beautification of idols in the temple. There are various other temples in the own as well.
Muchchal Mahavir
This temple has the unique statue of Lord Mahavir with a moustache. The Muchchal Mahavir Temple is situated about five kilometers from Ghanerao in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. The gateways are guarded by two elephant statues - masterpieces of craftsmanship.
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