Jain Temples of Ranakpur

Ranakpur is a small town located in the valleys of Aravalli ranges. Ranakpur is 90 km or 2 hour drive from Udaipur in Rajasthan. Jain temple complex is the main highlight of the Ranakpur town. It is one of the five most revered Jain pilgrim destination in India. The temple attracts thousands of visitors from all over India and world.
These temples were constructed during the period of Rana Kumbha in 15th century. Rana Kumbha donated vast stretch of land to business man Dhanna Shah to realize his dream of contructing a huge temple.
Temple complex is enclosed by a strong wall. Chaumukha temple is the main temple of the complex and is dedicated to Tirthankar Rishabdeoji. Chaumukha temple has a four-faced statue of Rishabdeoji in the inner sanctum. There are four more shrines in the temple having vast halls of 24 pillars and 8 domes which is supported by more than 400 columns. There are 1444 columns in the temple which are intricately carved and the amazing thing about them is that not even two are same. Construction of the temple is very complex with four entrances which leads to the chambers inside. Design of the temple is so complex that it took more than 60 years to complete.
There are two more temples worth visiting in the complex, Parsavanath temple and Sun (Surya) temple. Also, there is a temple dedicated to Amba mata in the complex area. Sun temple has an exquisitely carved idol of Sun God in a chariot driven by seven horses.
There are some more Jain temples nearby Ranakpur. The Muchhal Mahavira temple in Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary is a famous Jain temple having a massive statue of Lord Mahavira with a moustache. Jain Golden temple is another temple near to Ranakpur in Falna town.

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