Udaipur >> Excursions >> Ranakpur

Distance from Udaipur: 96 Kms

Ranakpur homes fascinating complex of Jain temples located in a quiet and picturesque valley, deep in the Aravallis, about 96 kms from Udaipur. Built in marble by Seth Dharna Shah who belonged to a Rajasthani Jain family, these temples have a unique style and design. The ceilings are carved with fine, lace-like foliate scrollwork and geometric patterns. The domes are carved in concentric bands and the brackets connecting the base of the dome with the top, are covered with figures of deities. They consist of 1444 engraved pillars and intricately carved stonework. The shikhars (or spires) form an impressive sight against the skyline. The figures of dancing goddesses, beautifully engraved on these pillars are an absolute architectural wonder. The best feature about these pillars is that no two pillars are alike in design and sculpture. Not only the pillars but almost every surface is carved with great intricacy.

Dedicated to Lord Adinath and including his image in the form of a Chaumukh, which is a four sides marble statue, this site really is one not to be missed. The magnificent temple of Ranakpur is one of the five main holy places of the Jains, showcasing the finest examples of Jain architecture in this country.

The Adinath temple of Ranakpur is also called Dharavihar temple after its builder, Dharna Shah. He was one of the ministers of Maharana Kumbha, who at the age of thirty two years, retired from the world to practice celibacy. In a dream he sawa marvelous heavenly vehicle, the Nalini- Vimana (Lotus flight) that impressed him so much that he suggested to the king to construct a temple in this shape. The Maharana agreed and donated land for the temple and township. The main structure of the temple was finally inaugurated in the year 1441 in the presence of Dharna Shah and his Guru Somasundra Suriji and the temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha of Mewar. The architect of this temple was Dipa Shilpi.