India, Religion, Travel

The Celestial Jain Temple of Ranakpur

Posted by Sid's Photologue on October 31, 2015March 1, 2026

In the heart of the remote and enchanting valley of the Arvalli ranges & located around 90 km NW of Udaipur; is the Jain Temple of Ranakpur

Majestic yet in complete harmony with mother nature, this magnificent monument of devotional architecture seems bathed in celestial bliss……

Rajasthan is famous for its rich and prolific art treasures. Some of its architectural monuments are considered among the best in the world. The Ranakpur Jain Temple excels them all as an exquisite work of art and architecture.

Sculpted in the foothills of Aravalli ranges, skirted on one side by the rivulate Maghai and enveloped in the solitude of the surrounding forest; this structure of solemn grandure honours Lord Aadinath Rushabhdev – the first Tirthankar and the founder of the Jain religion.

The idea of constructing a temple was conceived by Dharma Shah, a local Jain businessman in the court of Kumbha Rana, the provincial ruler. As the legend says – one night in his dream, Dharma Shah had a vision of ‘Nalinigulma Viman’ which is considered to be the most beautiful among the celestial planes. Shah decided that the temple should resemble this heavenly plane…..

Many renowned artists and sculptors were invited & they submited their plans and designs. But none could even remotely capture Shah’s dream image of the plane. At last, the construction began in 1446 as per the design of an easy-going sculptor named Deepak & completed in 1496. It took over 50 years of hard work and devotion to bring the Minister’s dream down to earth in the form of a magnificent temple – in an image of the Viman of the Gods !!!!

The most outstanding feature of this temple is its infinite number of pillars. This temple can be called a ‘Treasure house of Pillars’ or ‘a City of Pillars’. In whichever direction one might turn one’s eyes meet pillars and pillars – big, small, broad, narrow, ornate or plain…….

The ingenious designer has arranged these pillars in such a manner that none of them obstructs the view of a devotee wishing to have a glimpse of the God. From any corner of the temple one can easily view the Lord’s idol. These innumerable pillars have given rise to the popular belief that there are about 1444 pillars in the temple !!!

The temple is also known as ‘Chaturmukh’ temple – the one with four sides. Facing each of the 4 entrances, are the four huge white marble idols of Lord Adinath that are around 6 feet tall ! The construction of the 4 faceted temple and quadrupled image of Lord symbolize the Tirthankar’s conquest of the four cardinal directions and hence the cosmos!!

In spite of the complexity, the vast expanse and the loftiness of the temple, the architectural balance and symmetry are exquisite. The sculptures lie scattered like precious jewels. The innumerable elegant & delicately carved pillars………

…….& a large number of Shikhars, (the spires) make a unique pattern of spirituality lining the canvas of the blue sky !!!

Supported on 40 feet high pillars; the artistic Torans (the festoons) suspends like ornaments studded with precious stones from the magnificent dome with its delicately carved pendants. One can not take their eyes off these marvelous creativity !

One simply can not take their eyes off these marvelous architectural creativity !

‘Kalpavruksh’ – The Wishing Tree

There are a total 84 shrines embellishing the temple….soliciting and inspiring man to strive for emancipation from the 84 lakh cycles birth and death and attain eternal salvation !!

The domes, the ceilings, the walls….every stone has been replete with innumerable carvings to its core, depicting famous incidences from the past……

….a scheme that makes one oblivious of materialistic feeling of ecstasy & fills him with the sublimity of the Divine Bliss. A bliss that reminds him his humble position before the God…..A bliss where one can not help but bow down in reverence before the Creator himself !!

Visiting such Temples, makes one realize how insignificant and imperfect one really is before his infinite Creator; inspiring one to rise above false pride and ego and to become aware of one’s true place in the Divine scheme of things…….

The artists have given them life and movement with the magic touch of their chisels. While trying to comprehend their mute language & marveling at their workmanship, the beholder gets lost in history!!

One Comment Add yours

Candia says:

November 1, 2015 at 5:16 am

Beautiful. Look forward to seeing more of your photos.
Thanks for following my posts.

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