Ranakpur Jain Temple – A majestic abode

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Dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha, the Ranakpur Jain Temple in the Pali district of Rajasthan is a vision of sheer majesty and spectacular Indian architecture. Located a short distance from Udaipur, Ranakpur Jain Temple will bring to mind ancient empires and ginormous palaces signifying untold opulence and finesse. The intricate architecture that this temple features is one of the first things you will notice when you visit here. The second important thing about the Ranakpur Jain Temple is that it is one of the five major Jain pilgrimages sites.

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History of the temple

Legend goes that a rich businessman by the name Dharma Shah started construction of this temple in the 15^th century after he got a divine vision under the patronage of Rana Kumbha the then ruler of Mewar. The temple honours Tirthankara Adinatha, the first Tirthankara and founder of the Jain religion. The construction of the temple is documented in a 1437 CE copper-plate record and inscriptions in the temple.

Architecture of the temple

In the temple complex, there are several other temples as well. You will find the Chaumukha temple, Parsvanath temple, Amba Mata temple and the Surya temple. The temple is nothing short of a masterpiece. Flaunting 24 pillared halls with 80 domes supported by 400 columns, the Ranakpur Jain Temple is an imposing structure. Each of the columns is gracefully designed and no columns feature similar designs. The prayer hall or mandap has two 108 kg bells that make a beautiful sound when moved.

Ranakpur temple was nominated among the top 77 wonders when the new Seven Wonders of the World were being chosen. Even if it didn’t make it to the top seven, it still remains one of the most beautiful and grandiose structures in India. Have you visited this temple before? How was the experience?