Ranakpur Jain Temple – Divine Place to Experience the Jainism
Ranakpur Jain temple is a beautiful and fine architect temple in Rajasthan. Ranakpur temple is a famous Jain temple in Rajasthan located near Sadri town in Pali district, Rajasthan. The famous attraction of this temple is 1444 pillars and architecture levels.
Ranakpur is the famous temple in one of the five Jainism centers. Let’s know the reasons behind the Ranakpur temple why it attracts a large number of tourists.
History of Ranakpur Jain Temple
This famous Jain Temple was constructed by a Jain businessman Dharna Sah in the 15th century. Through his dream, he decided to build a Jain temple which was dedicated to the first Tirthankara Lord Adinath. Dharna Sah got permission for the construction of the temple from the ruler of Udaipur Rana Kumbha. But in return, he wanted to name the temple after his name. That’s why the temple got the name as Ranakpur.
The ruler of Udaipur, Rana Kumbha donated 48,000 sq feet for the temple. Dharna Sah beautifully carved the temple with different architectural skills. The interesting thing about the temple is it was in the form of celestial vehicle. Nearly, 50 years has taken to complete this temple. Ranakpur temple is the best Jain temple with different architectural skills and sculptures.
Even this temple was invaded by the Mughals and once it was used as the home for dacoit. After some days, it was re-discovered and renovated for tourist attractions and harmony. This temple was enrolled as the nominee of the new seven wonders of the world.
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Attractions of Ranakpur Jain Temple
There are many attractions in Ranakpur Jain temple like architectural styles, different temples, sculptures, etc. The main attraction of this temple is architectural style and fine carvings on the walls. Major attraction of this temple is the Chaumukha marble temple.
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Marble Wonder
The marble wonder of Ranakpur Jain temple is the Chaumukha temple. The name Chaumukha means four faces (Chau-four and Mukha-faces). This is a three-storied beautiful building with unique and interesting features by Dharna Sah. The unique feature is when you enter the temple you will feel cool and chill. The creator of this temple Dharna Sah built this temple in the form of Nalinigulum Vimana it means a celestial vehicle.
As said before the temple has four doorways. The interesting thing about these doorways is you can use anyone but you will end up in the courtyard. The famous attraction of this temple was the four-faced idol of Lord Adinath. The four dimensions of the idol explain the key missions of Jainism. So many attractions in this temple attract tourists to visit.
This marble wonder shades in different ways at different timings and each shade is unique and attractive. The temple comprises 29 halls and 80 domes which are filled with bright natural phenomenon light during the all day. In one word, Ranakpur temple is an architectural marvel and famous Jainism center.
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Architectural Skills
In any old monuments, the main attraction is its architectural style. In the same manner, Ranakpur temple is another perfect example of the architectural style of Jainism. The interesting part is uncountable pillars in this temple. The count of the pillars are 1444 and but it is difficult to count because they are completely different.
The pillars in this temple are completely carved in a different manner without similarities. Carvings of pillars are the peak level of architectural skills in this temple. After pillars, the multi-curved ceilings take away look towards them. Ceilings of this temple are beautifully carved and designed with very miniature designs, geometric designs etc. Not only, pillars and ceilings of the temple some other beautiful carvings like Marble elephant etc are the attractions of Ranakpur temple.
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Preaches through sculptures and carvings
So many sculptures and different fine carvings are the symbol of architectural style and preaches of Jainism. Many carvings and sculptures in this temple speak about the lessons and preach of various preachers. The main attraction is the carving of a serpent which protects the Lord Parshvanth. This carving speak about the story between the Lord Parshvanth and the snake.
These are the attractions of the Ranakpur Jain temple. This temple is the best and unique place to experience the talks of Jainism. The deities that are worshipped here are the Adinath, Neminath, Parshvanath, Surya, and Amba Matha. Among them, Adinath temple means Chaumukha is famous.
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Some important points to be remembered before visiting
There are some restrictions and formalities to enter the temple. Let’s know the things to be followed before visiting the temple.
- Tourists are not allowed to temple by wearing bare shoulders and shorts. But scarves are available at the ticket counter to cover the shoulders.
- Leather articles like belts, wallets, and shoes are not allowed. Tourists can store them in rented lockers.
These are the points strictly to be followed before entering the temple.
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Best time to visit Ranakpur Jain Temple
As we know Rajasthan is a desert city. So the temperature in Ranakpur is very high nearly 420C that’s why visiting Ranakpur during summers is not fine. The best time to visit is in winter months of October to March. During this time the temperature is comfortable for tourists.
Timings and Charges Ranakpur Jain Temple
The timings are from 12 Noon to 5:00 PM every day. Tourists are allowed after 12 noon to the temple for prayers. There was no entry fee but small charges for cameras of an amount of 100 Rs.
Priests inside the temple will help tourists to explain the all corners of the temple. But in return, they will ask for a donation to the temple. Even the priests are able to talk in French and other foreign languages.
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How to reach Ranakpur Jain Temple
The best way to reach this temple is by roadways. Ranakpur is near to Udaipur so choosing regular buses or taxis from Udaipur is the best and distance is 93 Kms. The nearby airport to Ranakpur is the Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur. The nearby railway station is the Falna and distance from Falna road to Ranakpur is 34 Kms.
These are the travel modes to Ranakpur temple. Among them, tourists choose roadway for easy access.
By the things noted above you can understand the importance of Ranakpur temple. If anyone wants to know about the Jainism this temple is the perfect place to be civilized through sculptures and carvings. The architectural style of this temple cannot be explained in words that’s the greatness of Ranakpur temple. Whenever you visit Ranakpur never miss this temple.
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