The Ranakpur Jain Temple

The Ranakpur Jain Temple

Our tour guide says:

“The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The basement is of 48, 000 sq. feet area that covers the whole complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is of Chaumukh or four-faces temple dedicated to Adinath”

Lonely Planet says:

“Ninety km north of Udaipur, Ranakpur is another incredible feat of Jain devotion. Carved, as usual, using milk white marble, the complicated series of 29 halls, supported by a forest of 1444 pillars (no two alike), is the finest in Rajastan, and one of the most important in India. The devotion of its builders in encapsulated in the loving carving, and the pale interior has an unparalled sense of space and harmony.“

We say:

This was a stop on our way to Rohetgar and was absolutely amazing. Even the roof carvings are unique for every section. But Chris’ favorite part was the monkeys!!

This was a view from the Aranyawas Resort just a few clicks from the temple where we waited for the temple to be open to whities. www.aranyawas.com I wish we could have stayed here too! The resort just opened a beautiful pool a few days before we visited. The resort is secluded and nestled in the middle of majestic mountains. The resort has gardens where it grows some of its own food including papaya, amla fruit, and various vegetables and herbs. The food at the resort is inexpensive, delicious, and all vegetarian.

Here is a view of the temple as we approach. Beware! Many landmarks, temples, and palaces charge fees to bring in a camera. We had to check my camera (Lina) in at a desk where they gave me a ticket to get it back. The next time I tried to use my camera, it was broken. Coincidence? Maybe, but unless you want to pay the extra camera fee, leave your camera in the car.

The temple entrance

A sexy lady in front of the temple

The sexy lady is a little dazed by the carvings

Carvings

And more carvings

This is not what it looks like. Those are clothes you pervert!

The view as you enter the temple

One of the larger pillars

One of the ceiling carvings

A view from another temple nearby

Serious Monkey!!

More monkeys!!

A monkey about to strike! (He really did strike)

One guy couldn’t understand why the monkey attacked him. Was it because he was standing less than two feet from it? No, he was wearing lunch! He was wearing a necklace of flowers purchased at the temple. His friend forgot he had his on and was chased down the parking lot until he wisely threw the garland one way and ran the other.