Ranakpur Jain Temple
:- Religious site.
Located in village of Ranakpur near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan,Ranakpur Jain temple is One of the five major Jain pilgrimage sites.
Ranakpur Jain Temple or Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara is a Jain temple dedicated to first Tirthankara Adinath which is also known as Rishabhanatha. Ranakpur Temple is one of the largest and most important temples of Jains. Some other temples - Parsavanath temple,Surya Temple & Amba Mata Temple are also located in the same Premises.
History -
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built by an affluent Jain businessman Dharna Shah. under the patronage of the Humane & gallant Rajput Ruler Rana Kumbha in the 15th century.Architect was Deepak. The construction of the temple started in 1389 and it continued till 1458 CE. According to some other sources the construction of this temple was started in the year of 1446 and was completed in the year 1496. It took fifty years for the completion of the temple & approximately two thousand seven hundred and eighty-five workers were indulged. When Dharma Shah went toRana Kumbha with his plan, the king not only gave him land to build the temple but also advised him to build a township near the site. The construction of the temple and the township began at same time. The temple and town was named Ranakpur after then ruler Rana Kumbha.It is said that this temple was built at the cost of one million rupees.
It covers an area of nearly 48,000 square feet area, and has 29 halls, 80 domes and 1444 marble pillars, each of them intricately and artistically carved, yet no two of which are similarly carved.
Architecture
The Jain Temples of Ranakpur are certainly creditable for their splendid architecture. This temple was mentioned in the list of the 77 nomeinees for the Seven Wonders of the World because of its divine and splendid ancient architectural design.There are 24 halls, 80 domes & 426 columns.Incredible fact about these columns is also this that they change their color from golden to pale blue after every hour during the day. The marvelous Ranakpur Jain temple is three storied and completely made out of light-coloured marble.
The Splendid building of the temple consists of four entrances. Their are four images of Adinath are contained by main chamber of the temple. The temple has 84 underground chambers which were built to protect the Jain idols from the Mughals.In prayer Hall there are two bells of 108kg each.
Chaumukha temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath, who is the first 'Tirthankara' of the Jains
In every direction myriad pillars can be found. But the most stunning fact is this that all pillars have aranged in such a way that none of them obstructs the view of Darshana' (glimpse) of Lord Adinath. The God can be easily viewed by any corner of temple. Hight of pillars is approximately 40 feets. Every pillar is carved in unique way that's why no two pillars have similar design. According to legends pillars can not be counted.
Entry Fee and Timing
There is no entry fee for visiting Ranakpur Jain Temple.
This temple is open every day.Timimg for visiting the temple is from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The temple is open after noon for those who want to go and pray in the temple.
How to Reach
By train - The closest railway station from the Ranakpur Jain Temple is 36 km far & in Falna, Pali district.
By flight - The nearest airport in Udaipur which is about 93 km away from Ranakpur.
Further distance can be easily travelled by car or bus.
Distance to Udaipur - 93 km
Distance to Jodhpur - 156 km
Distance to Jaipur - 357 km
Nearby -
Except Uduipur & Jodhpur the only hill station of Rajasthan - Mount Abu is also located nearby just at a distance of 160 km. This forested mountain range seems like oasis in the Great desert of Rajasthan. Golden Temple of Falna is just 36 km away from Ranakpur.
Things to Keep in Mind while Visiting Ranakpur Jain Temple
It is not just a place for travelling it is a pious place or pilgrimage for jains so one should be fully or semi-fully covere(except children) , bare shoulders and shorts are prohibited . Leather items like belts, shoes, wallets etc are not allowed inside the temple.
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