Ranakpur Jain Temple is one of the most impressive and sacred temples of Jainism, a religion that emphasizes non-violence, compassion and harmony. Located in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, this temple complex is a masterpiece of stone carving and a testimony of the devotion and skill of the medieval artisans.
If you are looking for a spiritual and cultural experience in India, Ranakpur Jain Temple should be on your bucket list. Here are some reasons why you should visit this magnificent temple and how to plan your trip.
History of Ranakpur Jain Temple
The history of Ranakpur Jain Temple dates back to the 15th century, when a wealthy Jain merchant named Dhanna Shah had a vision of building a temple dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara or spiritual teacher of Jainism. He sought the permission and patronage of Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar, who granted him a vast piece of land in the valley of Ranakpur. Dhanna Shah then hired a renowned architect named Deepaka to design and construct the temple according to his vision.
The construction of the temple took about 50 years and involved thousands of craftsmen and sculptors who worked tirelessly to create a stunning structure out of marble. The temple was named after Rana Kumbha, who also donated some villages for its maintenance. The temple was attacked and damaged several times by invaders and natural calamities, but it was restored and renovated by the Jain community over the centuries. Today, it stands as one of the most beautiful and well-preserved temples of India.
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Architecture of Ranakpur Jain Temple
The architecture of Ranakpur Jain Temple is a marvel of engineering and artistry. The temple complex covers an area of 48,000 square feet and consists of four main shrines, 29 halls, 80 domes and 1,444 pillars. The main shrine is a four-faced temple (chaumukha) dedicated to Adinath, which has four entrances facing the four cardinal directions. The temple has three stories and a height of 102 feet. The dome above the main shrine is adorned with intricate carvings depicting celestial beings.
The most remarkable feature of the temple is its pillars, which are carved with exquisite designs and motifs. Each pillar is different from the other and has its own unique pattern and style. Some pillars have geometric shapes, some have floral motifs, some have animal figures and some have human forms. The pillars also change their color from golden to pale blue depending on the time of the day and the angle of the sun rays.
The temple also has several other shrines dedicated to other Tirthankaras such as Neminath, Parshvanath and Mahavir. There are also temples dedicated to Surya (the sun god) and Amba Mata (the mother goddess). The temple complex also has a museum that displays some ancient idols, manuscripts, coins and other artifacts related to Jainism.
Significance of Ranakpur Jain Temple
Ranakpur Jain Temple is not only a stunning example of architecture but also a symbol of spirituality and faith. It is one of the five major pilgrimage sites (panch tirth) of Jainism and attracts thousands of devotees every year. The temple represents the core principles of Jainism such as ahimsa (non-violence), anekantavada (multiple perspectives) and aparigraha (non-attachment). The temple also showcases the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan and India.
The temple is considered to be auspicious and sacred by the Jains, who believe that visiting it can grant them salvation or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The temple also hosts several festivals and ceremonies throughout the year, such as Mahavir Jayanti (the birth anniversary of Mahavir), Paryushan (the annual fasting period) and Kartik Purnima (the full moon day in November). The temple also offers various services and facilities for the pilgrims such as accommodation, food, library, meditation hall, etc.
How to Reach Ranakpur Jain Temple
Ranakpur Jain Temple is located in Pali district of Rajasthan, about 90 km north of Udaipur and 160 km south-west of Jodhpur.
The nearest airport is Udaipur Airport (UDR), which has flights from major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, etc. The nearest railway station is Falna Railway Station (FA), which is about 35 km away from the temple and has trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, etc.
The temple is also well-connected by road with Udaipur, Jodhpur, Mount Abu and other nearby towns and cities. You can hire a taxi, a bus or a car to reach the temple from these places.
Also read: A day trip to Enormous Jawai bandh and Mesmerizing Ranakpur jain temple
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Ranakpur Jain Temple is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The temple is open from 7 am to 7 pm every day, except for the afternoon hours (12 pm to 4 pm) when it is closed for non-Jains. The entry fee for the temple is free for Jains and Rs. 50 for non-Jains. You can also hire a guide or an audio guide to learn more about the temple and its history.
Best Places to Stay Near Ranakpur Jain Temple
Ranakpur Jain Temple is a popular tourist attraction and a sacred pilgrimage site, which attracts many visitors throughout the year. If you are planning to visit this temple, you might want to stay in a comfortable and convenient accommodation nearby.
There are many options available for hotels and resorts near Ranakpur Jain Temple, ranging from budget to luxury. However, if you are looking for premium hotels and resorts that offer the best facilities, services and amenities, here are some of the best places to stay near Ranakpur Jain Temple:
Mahua Bagh Resort:
This is a 4-star resort located about 7 km from Ranakpur Jain Temple. It offers spacious and elegant rooms with balconies that overlook the lush green mountains and a peaceful atmosphere. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a spa, a gym and a kids’ play area. The resort also organizes various activities such as cycling, trekking, birdwatching and cultural shows for the guests.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Ranakpur Safari Resort:
This is a 3-star resort located about 2.6 km from Ranakpur Jain Temple. It offers cozy and comfortable cottages with modern amenities and rustic decor. The resort also has a restaurant, a garden, a terrace and a library. The resort also arranges for safari tours, camel rides, horse riding and village walks for the guests.
To book a stay at this property click here.
WelcomHeritage Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat:
This is a heritage property located about 3 km from Ranakpur Jain Temple. It offers charming and luxurious cottages set amidst an orchard of mango, lime and pomegranate trees. The property also has a restaurant, a swimming pool, a tennis court and a badminton court. The property also hosts cultural events, folk dances and puppet shows for the guests.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Fateh Safari Suites:
This is a 4-star resort located about 9 km from Ranakpur Jain Temple. It offers stylish and spacious rooms with balconies that offer panoramic views of the Aravalli hills and the Kumbhalgarh Fort. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a spa and a conference hall. The resort also provides various activities such as wildlife safari, birdwatching, hiking and cycling for the guests.
To book a stay at this property click here.
King’s Abode:
This is a 3-star resort located about 2.7 km from Ranakpur Jain Temple. It offers elegant and cozy rooms with balconies that overlook the garden or the pool. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a spa and a games room. The resort also organizes cultural programs, bonfires and barbecue nights for the guests.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Ranakpur Jain Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves architecture, culture and spirituality. It is a place where you can witness the beauty and glory of ancient India and experience the peace and harmony of Jainism.
It is a place where you can enrich your mind, body and soul with the divine grace of Adinath and his teachings. It is a place where you can discover yourself and your connection with the universe. It is a place where you can find your true bliss.
We hope this information helps you in finding the best place to stay near Ranakpur Jain Temple for your trip. We wish you a happy and memorable visit to this temple and its surroundings…
