The Ranakpur Jain Temple, also known as Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara, holds immense significance as one of the five major pilgrimage centers of Jainism. Spanning an impressive 4,500 square yards and comprising 29 halls, this temple is a magnificent marvel of architecture located in the Pali district of Rajasthan, India. Dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha, the temple is renowned worldwide for its splendid design and has been voted among the top 77 wonders of the world.
The temple pays homage to Adinath, the first Tirthankar of the current half-cycle, or 'avasarpi', according to Jain cosmology. Its construction was undertaken during the rule of Rana Kumbha, a Rajput monarch, in the 15th century. Dhanna Shah, a local Jain businessman inspired by a divine vision, took on the responsibility of building this grand temple. The architectural style and stone carvings of the Ranakpur Temple draw inspiration from the ancient Mirpur Jain Temple located in Mirpur, Rajasthan.
The temple's unique 'chaumukha' design with four faces adds to its charm. The intricate stone carvings and stunning architecture have earned it fame throughout India. One of the temple's remarkable features is the color-changing columns, which transition from golden to pale blue as the day progresses. Moreover, each column boasts distinct and intricate designs, ensuring that no two columns in the temple are alike. Within the prayer hall, two large bells produce harmonious sounds, akin to a delightful melody that resonates with the devotees' hearts.
Rajasthan
Udaipur
Throughout history, the Mewar Dynasty has been a generous patron of the building endeavors of the Jain community. One such instance revolves around Dhanna Shah, a Porwal hailing from Ghanerao, who had a celestial vision and aspired to construct a divine temple. Seeking permission to build, he approached Rana Kumbha, who graciously agreed to allocate him a portion of land for the temple's construction. However, Rana Kumbha had one condition: the temple should bear his name. As a result, the temple site on the banks of River Maghai came to be known as Ranakpur. The architecture of the magnificent Ranakpur Jain Temple was carried out under the guidance of Deepaka, and the construction continued until 1458 CE. Over time, the temple has undergone various renovations, with several families generously supporting the construction of devakulikas (shrines) and mandaps (pavilions) within the temple complex. In the past century, the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi Trust has diligently managed the esteemed temple.
The expansive temple complex of the Ranakpur Temple encompasses four significant shrines: the Chaumukha Temple, the Parsavanath Temple, the Amba Mata Temple, and the Surya Temple. Among these, the Chaumukha Temple holds the most prominence. Dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Adinath, this majestic temple features four faces and is designed in the form of a celestial aircraft. With 29 halls and 80 domes, it boasts 1,444 pillars intricately adorned with dancing goddesses. At the heart of the temple lies the central chamber, housing a remarkable four-faced marble statue of Lord Adinath. The temple's unique architectural style and the quadrupled image symbolize the Tirthankara's dominion over the four cardinal directions, serving as a representation of the cosmos. Its architectural inspiration and stone carvings draw from the ancient Mirpur Jain Temple located in Rajasthan. Spanning an extensive basement area of 48,000 square feet, the Ranakpur Temple complex includes four shrines with pillared halls and domes supported by 1,444 exquisitely carved columns, each with its distinctive design. Elaborate scrollwork and geometric patterns adorn the finely carved ceilings, while the brackets connecting the domes to the floor showcase figures of deities. The temple's foundation comprises three levels, facilitating the accommodation of several pavilions on the base itself. Graceful turrets rise from the walls, each corresponding to a cell on the inner façade. The roof is adorned with five spires and 20 cupolas. Inside the temple's prayer hall, also known as the mandapa, two enormous bells weighing 108 kilograms each produce a harmonious sound that resonates with devotees. Another notable temple within the complex is the Parsavanath Temple, constructed in the mid-15th century. Renowned for its engraved windows adorned with Jain figures, it is also known as Patriyon Ka Mandir and is a must-visit site within the temple complex.
Dal Bati and Churma, Missi roti, Mirchi bada, gatte ki sabzi, ghevar, and kadhi are all must-try delicacies in Ranakpur.
Hindi is widely spoken in Ranakpur but tourists can communicate with locals in English.
Ranakpur can be visited throughout the year but to avoid hot weather conditions tourists can visit around November to March.
