RANAKPUR TEMPLES

The Jain temples of Ranakpur are located in the heart of a beautiful nature reserve. This complex of four white marble temples is one of the five major pilgrimage sites of Jainism. For many, the Temple of Adinath, the largest of the complex, is the finest example of a Jain temple in India. Its visit can be a stop of a few hours to be integrated in a tour with other sites around Udaipur, such as Kumbhalgarh Fort.

The temple of Adinath is dedicated to the First Tirthankar of Jain cosmology. Its construction would be the result of a divine vision that Dharna Shah, a local entrepreneur, had. The building of the temple is perfectly documented. A copper plate records the beginning of the work in 1437. An inscription dating from 1439 left on a pillar of the temple explains that Deepaka, the architect, built the temple. Finally, the text in Sanskrit Soma-Saubhagya Kavya tells in detail the ceremonies that followed the building of the base of the temple. The work was financed by the then ruler of the Mewar, Rana Khumba, who left his name to the village of Ranakpur.

The vast temple crowned with domes, turrets and a majestic shikhara occupies an area of 3,700 m². The 80 domes rest on 1,444 marble columns, all different and finely worked. The building has 29 different halls and the eyes don't know where to look at such an architectural richness. Each statue in the temple faces another statue and these are oriented towards the four cardinal points. The temple respects the principles of chaumukha architecture, with 4 faces. This type of construction oriented towards the cardinal points symbolizes the conquest of the cosmos by the Tirthankar. Don't miss the sumptuous statue of the 108-headed snake carved out of a snowy marble monolith. The overall feeling of peace and wellbeing that emerges from this ensemble will undoubtedly prolong your visit. Pictures of the idols and the heart of the temple are forbidden.

On the same site, the small temples of Neminath (dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankar) and Parsanath (dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar) also have beautiful ornamentation, some of which is erotic. As you leave the complex, take the road on your left. There is the Temple of the Sun, much less crowded but just as pleasant. This one was built in the 13th century before being destroyed and then rebuilt at the same time as the other temples.

The canteen of the temple is open to all, from 11am to 1pm, then from 5pm to 6pm.