Ranakpur is amongst the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region.

HISTORY

Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. These temples were constructed in the AD 1439. It is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district, 39 kms. away from the Phalna railway station. Ranakpur is reached after passing lush green valleys and streams and the heart capturing views drive away any fatigue of the journey. The Ranakpur Jain Temple were built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kgs. whose sound echoes in the entire complex.

ENTERTAINMENT

Ranakpur Jain Temple
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century

LOCATION

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

By Air

The airport nearest to Ranakpur is in Udaipur. It is 60 km south of Ranakpur. There are flights to Delhi, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Jodhpur, and Mumbai from Udaipur.

By Rail

The nearest major railway station to Ranakpur is at Udaipur. There are regular trains for Delhi, Chittorgarh, Ajmer, and Jaipur from the Udaipur station.

By Road

Ranakpur is easily accessible by road from Udaipur. Amongst the major tourist destinations connected with Udaipur are Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota/Bundi, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Ahmedabad, Varodara, Mumbai, Delhi, Indore, and Mt Abu.

CLIMATE

In Summer : 42 C (Max) - 22 C (Min)
In winter : 20 C (Max) - 11 C (Min)
Rainy Season : from July to Mid Sept, and very humid (Upton 90%)
Rainfall : 55 centimeters
Our suggestion : Best time to visit : Sept. to March.

The Muchhal Mahavir temple is situated about 5 km from Ghanerao in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. Its outstanding feature is the statue of Lord Mahavira with a mustache. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateways are beautiful examples of temple decoration. In the vicinity are the Garasia tribal villages famous for their colorful costumes.

Kumbhalgarh is a historical site around 30 km northeast of Ranakpur. It is the most important fort in the Mewar region after Chittaurgarh. The other important place to visit in Kumbhalgarh is a wildlife sanctuary known for its wolves.

The Ranakpur Jain Temple were built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century AD. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. ft area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls and appropriate domes supported by over four hundred columns. There are 1,444 columns in all, which are intricately carved. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kgs. whose sound echoes in the entire complex.

Sadri, at a distance of 8 km is famous for some intricately designed temples and an old Dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar temple and the Chintamani Parsvanath temple are the oldest of the temples situated here.

dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata are among some remarkable temples at Desuri around 16 km from Ranakpur. An old mosque situated here is also worth a visit. A temple dedicated to Parsuram Mahadeo, nestled in the hills, is located nearby.

Another nearby place, Ghanerao, has plenty of Hindu temples, worth visiting. Most amazing is the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi. The statue in the main shrine is guarded by idols of Hanuman and Bhairon on either side.