96 kms from Udaipur is Ranakpur, one of the five holy centers of the Jain community. Built
in the 15th century A.D., these temples loom larger than life. The central 'Chaumukha' or
four-faced edifice is dedicated to the venerated Tirthankara Rishabdev. Open on all four
sides, it enshrines the four-faced image of Adinath. Sprawling over 48,000 sq ft the
temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars all distinctly carved.
24 Tirthankaras are paid their due homage with their images carved on the mandaps or porticos in a corridor around the shrine. Each mandap rises in a 'shikhar' or spire adorned with little bells on the top. The gentle breeze wafting through the corridors make the bells chime creating a celestial atmosphere around the complex. Rising three storeys, the temple has four small shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns. Two painstakingly curbed temples, similar to those in Khajuraho, are dedicated to the Jain saints 'Parshvanath' and 'Neminath'. Another one worth visiting is the nearby Sun Temple built around the 8th Century A.D. dedicated to the Sun God. With polygonal walls, richly embellished with carvings of warriors, horses and solar deities riding splendid chariots, the temple is possibly one of a kind to behold.
Excursions
Sadri (8 kms): Famous for some beautiful temples and an old dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar Temple and the Chintamani Parshvanath Jain Temple are the most ancient of the temples situated here.
Desuri (16 kms): 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 Parshuram Mahadeo, nestled in the hills, is also close by. It is situated in the Kumbhalgarh tehsil of Rajsamand.
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. The statue is guarded by Hanuman and Bhairon on either side.
Narlai (6 kms): 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. The outer 'mandap' of the temple has beautiful mural paintings on its ceiling which still retain their original splendour.
Muchhala Mahaveer: This Jain temple is situated about 5 kms. from Ghanerao in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. Its distinctive feature is the statue of Lord Mahavira with a moustache. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateway are splendid examples of architecture. In the vicinity are the Garasia tribal villages famous for their colourful costumes.
Falna (35 kms): The railhead for Ranakpur, Falna has some beautiful temples too.
Kumbhalgarh: The imposing fort – a principal bastion of Mewar after Chittaurgarh, has some interesting temples.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: The 586 sq km sanctuary supports a rich variety of wildlife - panther, sloth bear, wild boar, four horned antelope and scientifically bred crocodiles in the lake are the major attractions.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO REACH RANAKPUR
Air: Udaipur 80 kms is the nearest airport.
Rail: Falna 35 kms is the nearest railhead on the Delhi-Ahmedabad sector.
Road: A network of bus services joins Ranakpur with many nearby places.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Climate: Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer: 42.0 °C 22.0°C
Winter: 20.0 °C 10.6°C
Rainfall: 55 cms.
Best Season: August - February
Clothing: Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Woollen
Languages: Hindi, English & Rajasthani
24 Tirthankaras are paid their due homage with their images carved on the mandaps or porticos in a corridor around the shrine. Each mandap rises in a 'shikhar' or spire adorned with little bells on the top. The gentle breeze wafting through the corridors make the bells chime creating a celestial atmosphere around the complex. Rising three storeys, the temple has four small shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns. Two painstakingly curbed temples, similar to those in Khajuraho, are dedicated to the Jain saints 'Parshvanath' and 'Neminath'. Another one worth visiting is the nearby Sun Temple built around the 8th Century A.D. dedicated to the Sun God. With polygonal walls, richly embellished with carvings of warriors, horses and solar deities riding splendid chariots, the temple is possibly one of a kind to behold.
Excursions
Sadri (8 kms): Famous for some beautiful temples and an old dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar Temple and the Chintamani Parshvanath Jain Temple are the most ancient of the temples situated here.
Desuri (16 kms): 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 Parshuram Mahadeo, nestled in the hills, is also close by. It is situated in the Kumbhalgarh tehsil of Rajsamand.
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. The statue is guarded by Hanuman and Bhairon on either side.
Narlai (6 kms): 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. The outer 'mandap' of the temple has beautiful mural paintings on its ceiling which still retain their original splendour.
Muchhala Mahaveer: This Jain temple is situated about 5 kms. from Ghanerao in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. Its distinctive feature is the statue of Lord Mahavira with a moustache. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateway are splendid examples of architecture. In the vicinity are the Garasia tribal villages famous for their colourful costumes.
Falna (35 kms): The railhead for Ranakpur, Falna has some beautiful temples too.
Kumbhalgarh: The imposing fort – a principal bastion of Mewar after Chittaurgarh, has some interesting temples.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: The 586 sq km sanctuary supports a rich variety of wildlife - panther, sloth bear, wild boar, four horned antelope and scientifically bred crocodiles in the lake are the major attractions.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO REACH RANAKPUR
Air: Udaipur 80 kms is the nearest airport.
Rail: Falna 35 kms is the nearest railhead on the Delhi-Ahmedabad sector.
Road: A network of bus services joins Ranakpur with many nearby places.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Climate: Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer: 42.0 °C 22.0°C
Winter: 20.0 °C 10.6°C
Rainfall: 55 cms.
Best Season: August - February
Clothing: Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Woollen
Languages: Hindi, English & Rajasthani