The architectural styles of India’s temple crafts has been very well studied by historians, scholars. Even in modern times tourists, both Indian and foreigners marvel at the way these structures were constructed in an era with limited resources. The first thing about our temples that catches eyes of viewers is their perfect geometry and intricate stone carvings. Our temples represent either Nagara or Maru Gurjar style of constructions. Coming to Rajasthan, we are also lucky to to have many beautiful temples build centuries ago and still fascinate onlookers. One such example is Ranakpur Jain temple. It is located along the western slopes of famous Aravalli hill ranges of central Rajasthan.
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Historical records inform us that this temple was built by in 15th century by a Jain businessman who was also a minister in Royal court of Maharana Kumbha in Mewar area, which now covers central and southern part of Rajasthan state in NW India. The entire project was implemented with the permission of the then ruler.This temple is in fact a complex having many shrines like Chomukha temple, Parshvanath temple, Amba Mata temple, Surya or Sun temple. But Chomukha is important and main temple here. As the name indicates Chomukha four faced having 4 doors, it is dedicated to Tirthankar Adinath, considered to be first Tirthankar of Jain community. The main body is set upon an elevated platform. All doors lead to main hall where 4 faced deity is positioned, it is a symbol of concern of Tirthankar for directions which ultimately become our cosmic world. The central dome is supported on 48 vertical columns, joined together by horizontal spires. Surrounding the main dome are numerous shrines having cupolas resting on pillars. In all there are 1400 columns in this entire temple. The central dome as well as columns have fine stone carvings representing different subjects of universe. It is to be understood that every column has different carving, and no columns are similar in look except its diameter and height.
Stone carvings at Ranakpur and Delwara(Mount Abu) are similar in style as they were made in same era. It is also important to mention that Ranakpur stone carvings has very few parallel examples in our country. The greatness of artisans is fully appreciated when one visits this place. Another attraction in this complex is Parshvanath temple which is dedicated to Tirthankar Nemi Nath. All the temples in Ranakpur complex have been built with off white coloured Marble stone.
Now question arises how in western part of Rajasthan state and when to visit this tourist place. Details have been given in many travel brochures but a recap is also necessary here.
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Location- 95kms. From Udaipur, Rajasthan state along Udaipur –Jodhpur state highway. It is 145kms. From Jodhpur. There is regular bus service from Jodhpur-Udaipur, one also hire a private taxi. Nearest town for this temple is Sadri, a tehsil headquarter.
Nearest airport is Udaipur 95kms. Jodhpur airport also has connectivity with Delhi and Mumbai.
Best time to visit- July to March. You need light woollens in day time and regular woollens if you want to have night stay. Photography of outer part of temple, columns is allowed here, photography of deities is banned. So keep this in mind.
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Lodging and boarding- Day to day working of temple complex is operated by a trust of Jain community, in this campus there is a well furnished Dharamshala for pilgrims, for families cottages are also available at reasonable tariffs. Trust also runs regular kitchen where one can have tea, snacks, lunch and dinner. About 200 mts. From main gate Rajasthan government tourist department also operates a tourist bungalow which also provides lunch and dinner. If one does not want to stay near temple one can go to Sadri town,7kms.away, which also has many budget hotels for tourists. And other restaurants are also located there for food.
Tourists, both Indians, and foreigners come here throughout the year and take back happy memories.
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