{ India Tours } -- { North
India Travel Guide } -- { Ranakpur }
Ranakpur
BriefThe tranquil pilgrimage town of the Jains, Ranakpur is also known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community. These temples are enclosed within a wall. Sprawling over 48,000 sq. feet, the central Chaumukha or four faced temple, is an astounding creation, with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars, all distinctly carved and enshrines the four faced image of Adinath. The gentle breeze wafting through the corridors move the bells, creating celestial music.
History
These temples were created in the 15 century AD, during the reign of Rana Kumbh. The central Chaumukha, or four-faced temple, is dedicated to the venerated Tirthankara Rishabhji. Images of 24 Tirthankaras, are carved on the mandaps, or porticoes, in a corridor, around the shrine, with each mandap, having a shikhar, or spire adorned with little bells on the top. The gentle breeze wafting through the corridors, move the bells on the top, creating celestial music all around the complex. Rising in three storeys, the temple has four small shrines, with 80 spires, supported by 420 columns.
Culture
Two temples, dedicated to the Jain saints Parshavanath and Neminath, face the main temple. The temples have beautiful carvings similar to that of Khajuraho. Another temple worth visiting is the nearby Sun temple, an 8th century AD temple dedicated to the Sun god. The temple has polygonal walls, richly embellished with carvings of warriors, horses and solar deities riding splendid chariots. It speaks of a rich legacy in temple architecture.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
Ranakpur is very hot and dry in summer and extremely cold in winter. It lies around 96 km from Udaipur at an altitude of 237 meters.
How to Reach
Ranakpur is well connected by air, rail and road. By air, Maharana Pratap Airport of Udaipur, at 80 km is the nearest and convenient airport and is well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Rajkot, Aurangabad, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. By rail, Falna at 35 km. is the nearest railhead on the Delhi-Ahmedabad sector and is connected with Delhi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Agra, Lucknow and Mumbai. By road, a good network of bus services joins Ranakpur with many nearby places.
Tourist Places
Muchhal Mahaveer
This Jain temple is situated about 5 km from Ghanerao, in the Kumbhalgrah Sanctuary. It's distinctive feature is, the statue of Lord Mahavira with a moustache. The two statues of elephants, guarding the gateways are splendid examples of architecture. In the vicinity are the Garasia tribal villages, famous for their colourful costumes.
The Kumbhalgarh
Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 meters high from the sea level, this mountain fortress in the wilderness, is the principal fortification after Chittaurgarh. This massive fort encompasses a 36 km long wall, has seven majestic gates and seven ramparts one within the other. Rounded bastions and soaring watchtowers, offers a superb birds eyeview of the countryside surrounding the fort. Most of the ruins within the fort, are of temples dating back to the Mauryan period and of Jain temples of various periods.
Other
BADAL MAHAL (KUMBALGARH )- The most picturesque of all palaces within the Kumbhalgarh fort, is the Badal Mahal or the Palace of the Clouds. The palace has got it's name, for being the highest of all the structures.
DESURI - Three Jain temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata are among some noteworthy temples at Desuri. An old mosque situated here is also worth a visit. A temple dedicated to Parsuram Mahadeo, nestled in the hills, is also close by.
FALNA - The railhead for Ranakpur, Falna has some beautiful temples too.
GHANERAO - Ghanerao abounds in Jain and Hindu temples. Most notable is the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddesses Ridhi and Sidhi. Hanuman and Bhairon guard the statue on either side
KUMBALGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - The 586 sq. km. sanctuary, supporting a rich variety of wildlife like the panther, sloth bear, wild boar, four horned antelope and scientifically bred crocodiles in the lake are the major attractions.
NARLAI - Lying at the base of a hillock, on the top of which is a colossal statue of an elephant, Narlai has many Hindu and Jain temples. The temple of Adinath is an ancient one .
SADRI- It is famous for some beautiful temples, and an old Dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varaha Avtar Temple and the Chintamani Parshavanath Jain Temple, are the most ancient of the temples situated here.
SAWAI MADHOPUR - The gateway to the world-renowned Ranthambhor National Park, the famous tiger reserve; Sawai Madhopur is an important town with its own history. Remanants of marvellous architectural monuments, ponds and lakes, enlighten avid lovers of the subject.
Get Answers from our Experienced Travel Consultants now
