Ranakpur Jain Temple in Udaipur is one of the most renowned architectures of the world. Located in the Pali district of Rajasthan, it is one of the top 5 prime places of worship for Jain community.

The holy place was erected in the 15th century during the rule of moderate and talented Rajput Emperor Rana Kumbha. The heavenly complex constitutes of the main temple built in AD 1439 and four additional shrines. The basement is spread across a huge area of 48,000 sq. feet. The main temple comprises of 24 pillared halls and 80 domes. These are supported by uniquely carved 1,444 pillars. The prime attraction of these finely carved pillars is all of them look different. They are further engraved beautifully with the posture of mythical goddesses playing flute. The two massive bells weighing 108 Kg are placed in the assembly section. It is said that sound of the bells is so loud that it resonates in the entire shrine area.

Placed in the pockets of lush-green forests, charming hills, and swift flowing rivers, the shrine is of Chaumukha or four-faced type. This makes it one of the most fascinating religious places in India and the world. The pilgrimage center is dedicated to the first Tirthankara Adinath. The stone carving here is so fine that it appears more like a lace work.

Ranakpur Jain Temple of Udaipur is also known as Adishwar temple and was built by a Jain businessman Sheth Dhanna Shah.  It is believed that the idea of the pattern of shrine architecture is encouraged from Nalinigulm Viman (a blissful airplane) which Sheth Dhanna Shah saw in his dream. The intensity of the carving of Chaumukha shrine is so intense that it is known as one of the most composite erections in the country. All the credit for the intricate design goes to Dipa Shipli. The construction was initiated in 1367 and took 65 years from then to reach the final stage.

The eye-catching heavenly beauty rooms 400 columns that are matchless in their own way. The light effect near these columns is so exotic that the color of these columns appears to change gradually from golden yellow to pale blue every hour during daylight. The upper and lower section of the marvelously built domes is coupled by brilliant sculpture of Hindu deities. The main chamber houses a distinguished four-faced image of Lord Adinath made out of white marble. The pillars are placed so perfect that none of one can easily view the image of Lord Adinath from any point of the temple.

History

The ruling Mewar dynasty of the 15th century was a great supporter of Jain community and their ambitions of building shrines. It is said that Sheth Dhanna Shah saw a celestial airplane, Nalinigulma Vimana, in his dreams. With an ambition to realize this dream, he approached the then emperor Rana Kumbh to ask for a suitable chunk of land. The generous emperor readily agreed on the condition that the shrine should be named after him. Sheth Dhanna Shah nodded to the condition. And the shrine was accordingly named as Ranakpur Jain Temple.

To erect the structure he dreamt of, Sheth Dhanna Shah invited designs from leading architects in the country. None but Dipa Shilpi’s design matched with the expectations of Sheth Dhanna Shah and the construction began accordingly in 1367. It took as much as 65 years to complete the pioneering architecture. The shrine located on the banks of Maghai provide supreme enchanting ambience.

Architecture

Ranakpur Jain Temple of Udaipur is a fabulous monument built out of light-colored marble. The shrine dwells in an area of 60X62 meters. Beautifully carved domes, turrets, and shikhara add to its magnificence.  The 1444 marble pillars strongly support the erection. It is said that one cannot easily count the pillars due to the pattern in which they are placed. Also, each pillar has a unique look and is inscribed with extraordinary carvings of mythical goddesses and every statue faces one or the other statue. Each pillar has a height of about 40 feet.

Another attraction worth seeing is the massive marble rock carving depicting 108 snakes. It is said that finding the end of their tails is very difficult. The image of Lord Adinath faces the four cardinal directions. His largest image is placed near the main entrance.

The ceilings display a captivating view due to superb lace-like foliate scrollwork well-arranged in a geometric pattern. The domes feature ultra-fine carvings in concentric bands. The Chaumukha denotes the conquest of Lord Adinath over the four cardinal directions. The construction is estimated to have cost Rs. 99 lakhs at that time.

How to Reach Ranakpur Jain Temple of Udaipur

The shrine is not very far from Udaipur. It is well-connected by railway, roadway, and airway.

By Air

Udaipur airport is the nearest to the shrine and is located at a distance of 60 Km towards its South. The airport has good connectivity with all the major Indian cities.

By Rail

Udaipur railway station is the nearest. Phalna is another great option to get down at but the frequency of trains here is much less as compared to Udaipur.

By Road

There are several government and private buses running between Udaipur and Ranakpur. Once you reach Udaipur, it takes hardly three hours from there to reach the shrine.