RANAKPUR (Jain Pilgrimages)-Rajasthan-India.
Cradled in a verdant valley in the valley of Aravalli Hills, on the banks of the river Maghai, stands one of the five holiest places of the Jain faith, 15th century
Ranakpur, Just 96 km from Udaipur-Rajashan & 23 km from falana railway station of New Delhi-Ahemmdabad Railway Line,
Ranakpur is renowned for its magnificent temples of dazzling white marble.
The four-temple complex, far away from any town or village, is completely in harmony with the ascetic ideology of Jainism.
There are none of the irritants that abound near most pilgrimage centers: no jostling crowds,
no congested bazaars,
no aggressive vendors, no badgering guides, no beggars
just peace and serenity that are very conducive to worship.
An inscription in the temple reveals that it was built by "DHARANA SHAH", minister of RANA KUMBHA OF MEWAD STATES OF RAJASTHAN & an also affluent & reputed Jain merchant.
Legend has it that he was inspired by a dream in which he saw a heavenly vehicle, prominently mentioned in Jain scriptures.
He sought audience with Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar, for land on which to translate his dream into a temple of unparalleled beauty.
The ruler was delighted with the proposal and donated a large tract of land in the Aravalli foothills for the purpose. Construction began under Depa, a famous but reclusive architect, and creation of the marble marvel took all of 50 years.
On completion, it was dedicated to LOURD AADINATH/RISHABHDEVA-WHO IS KNOWN AS FOUNDER OF JAINSM & CIVILIZATION ON EARTH & the first of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras (TEACHER).
Awesome Dimensions-: The sheer magnitude, dimensions, and aesthetic grace of the main temple are awe-inspiring. The four-faced temple is open on all sides and soars three storeys into the sky. The sanctum sanctorum enshrines the four-faced image of Adinath/Rishabhdeva, visible from all four sides.
The temple structure sprawls over 48, 000 square feet with its 29 halls, 86 chapels, five spires, 20 domes. It is supported on 1, 444 graceful pillars, each carved differently from the others.
The images of the 24 tirthankaras are carved on the porticoes around the shrine, with each mandap possessing a spire, adorned with little bells,
on the top. With every gust of passing breeze, the temple corridors echo the tinkle of the bells. The temple is embellished with carvings so fragile that they give a lace-like effect.
In stark and compelling contrast to the joyful, delicate and elegant opulence of the interior, the external appearance of the temple complex is one of solidity and strength.
There are three other smaller temples, two of which are dedicated to the 23rd JAIN Tirthankar, "shri Parasvanath" and 22nd Jain Tirthankar "shri Neminath".
Both face the main temple.
Their friezes of erotic carvings are reminiscent of the sculptured walls of Khajuraho.
The fourth temple, the Surya Temple, is dedicated to the sun god. Its polygonal walls are embellished with carvings of warriors on horses and solar deities riding chariots.
Three centuries after consecration of the temple, the ravages of war devastated the region’s peace and prosperity.
The temple declined as the region came under the influence of bandits and anti-socials.
During the last 75 years, however,
Ranakpur has been rescued and restored to its’ ancient, pristine architectural and spiritual glory.
Ranakpur is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district of rajasthan, 23 kms. away from the Falna railway station of NEW DELHI-AHAMDABAD Railway line.
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 & you can listen in 4 km. surunding area.
Places to stay & Eat-
JAIN DHARMASHALA [Pilgrims boarding & lodgins] Telephone no.91-2934-285019-
The jain dharmashala within the temple complex run by Shri anandji kalayanji pedhi(jain trust) but its for jain only.A basic accodamotion is available on donation.in bhojanshala the veg thali is available at just Rs12.00 only.
2.RTDC’s Hotel SHILPI-Telephone no.91-2934-285074- This is conveniently located near the temple.rooms has with bath from Rs.300 to Rs.600. for cash conscious, there’s a dorm for Rs.50.a veg.thali is just Rs.55.
3.ORCHARD RETREAT-Telephone no.91-2934-285151-Iis is a top end hotel, 4km from Rankapur and the best place to stay.Set in a lush mango orchard, it offers accommodation in cottages for Rs.1190/2100.Heartly buffet meals are available .lunch or dinner costs Rs.300.
A WORLD FAMOUS ARCHITECT ’JAMES FERGUSSON’ WRITE ON RANAKPUR-
"INDEED, I KNOW OF NO OTHER BUILDING IN WORLD, OF THE SAME CLASS, THAT LEAVES SO PLEASING AN IMPRESSION, OR AFFORDS SO MANY HINTS FOR GRACEFULL ARRANGEMENTS OF COLUMNS IN AN INTERIOR."
ITS A REAL WONDER..........THAT I SAW.....................!.