Ranakpur

Altitude 486 m
Population 5.49 million
Area 5 sq km
Languages Hindi and English
Best time to visit October to March

The exceptionally beautiful Ranakpur complex, 60 kms north of Udaipur, is one of the largest and most important Jain temple in India. It is tucked away in a remote valley of the Aravalli range and is certainly worth seeing

The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput 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 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 interesting sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath.

The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a temple of the Sun God, are all well worth a visit. One kilometer away from the temple complex is the temple of Amba Mata.

Places To See

»Ghanerao
Ghanerao abounds in Jain and Hindu temples. Most notable is the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddess Ridhi and Sidhi. The statue is guarded by Hanuman and Bhairon on either side

»Ranakpur Temples
These beautiful Jain temples are fine examples of temple architecture. Kankroli Rajsamand, located nearby are known for their scenic beauty

Excursion

»Muchhal Mahaveer :
This jain temple is situated about 5km from Ghanero in the kumbhalgarh Sancyuary. Its distinctive features is the statue of Lord Mahavira with a moustache. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateway are splendid example of architecture in the vicinity are the garasia tribal villages famous for their colourful too

» Desuri
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 Parsuram Mahadeo, nestled in the hills, is also close by. It is situated in the Kumbhalgarh tehsil of Rajsamand.

» Kumbhalgarh :
The imposing fort - a principal bastion of Mewar after Chittaurgarh, has some interesting Jain temples.
Narlai (6km)
Lying at the base of a hillock, on the top of which is a 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 splendor

Falna The railhead for Ranakpur, Faina has some beautiful temples too. (rajasthantravelinfo)