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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 Temples: The main tourist
attractions of Ranakpur are its famous temples. Situated
approximately 90km from Udaipur, the Ranakpur temple complex
is a must see. The main Chaumukha temple (Four-Faced Temple)
is dedicated to Adinath, the first tirthankar. The two other
Jain temples in the complex are dedicated to Neminath and
Parasnath. There is also the Sun temple and the Amba Mata
temple near the main complex.
Sadri: Situated approximately 8 km from
Ranakpur is Sadri. The main draws of Sadri include a few
magnificent temples, the oldest of them being the Varahavtar
Temple and the Chintamani Parasvanath Temple. There is also an
old dargah, Dargah of Khudabaksh Baba here.
Desuri: The town of Desuri is approximately
16 km from Ranakpur. It is famous for a number of temples. The
most remarkable ones are those dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord
Hanuman and Navi Mata. There is also an old mosque here that
is worth a visit. Nearby Desuri, situated in the hills, is a
temple dedicated to Parsuram Mahadeo.
Ghanerao: Ghanerao is well known for a number
of Hindu temples. The most impressive temple is that of
Gajanand. The temple houses a life-size statue of the
goddesses Ridhi and Siddhi. On the either of the statue are
the images of Lord Hanuman and Bhairon Baba. Then there is a
temple of Lord Mahavira, dating back to the 10th century. The
town also has a castle, now converted into a hotel.
Narlai: Lying approximately 6 km from
Ranakpur, Narlai is situated at the base of a hill. Narlai is
known for a number of Hindu and Jain temples. One of the
temples is that of Adinath, the Jain first tirthankar. An
ancient temple, it has beautiful frescoes on the ceilings of
the outer mandap. A perfect place for serene walks, Narlai
also houses a good baori (step-well).
Muchhal Mahaveer: Muchhal Mahaveer is a
temple situated in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, and is
approximately 5 km from Ghanerao. The temple houses the statue
of Lord Mahavira with a moustache. Two elephant statues,
superb examples of architecture, stand as guards on the
gateways of the temple. You can also take a peek at the tribal
life of Rajasthan by visiting Garasia tribal villages situated
nearby.
Climate
Ranakpur weather is that of a tropical type. The summers are
quite hot with the average temperature falling in the range of
42.0° C (max) to 22.0° C (min). The climatic conditions of
Ranakpur, Rajasthan in winters are only a little bit colder.
The average temperature is somewhere between 20.0° C (max) to
10.6° C (min). The monsoon season does not receive much
rainfall. The climate of Ranakpur experiences annual total
rainfall of around 55 cm only. The best time to visit Ranakpur
is during the period of September to March.
How to Reach Ranakpur
By Air: Udaipur is the nearest airport, about
90 Km away. Regular flights connect Udaipur to cities like
Delhi and Mumbai. You can take buses or taxis from Udaipur.
By Road: An excellent network of roads links
Udaipur to other cities in Rajasthan and neighboring states.
By Rail: Udaipur is the nearest Railway
station, which is connected to other major cities such as
Jaipur, Ajmer and Delhi |
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