Everybody has a special place in their heart for places of worship. These places are excellent for achieving inner calm. One such place is Ranakpur Jain Temples nestled within the forests of the Aravalli hills in a magnificent location in Udaipur, Rajasthan. This paradise for Jain devotees is well-known for its exquisite marble sculptures and spiritual significance. Not only devotees looking for peace are attracted to this 15th-century monument but architectural geniuses are also drawn to this place for cultural absorption and appreciating its amazing architecture. In this blog, we’ll explore this mysterious and auspicious place of devotion.
Ranakpur Jain Temple Mystery:
In Jain cosmology, Adinatha is the first Tirthankar of the current half-cycle and is worshiped at the Ranakpur Jain Temple near Udaipur. Tirthankars are sages in Jainism who are respected and worshiped as they overcome the rebirth and the cycle of life on their own. Adinantha was the first propagator of Jain Dharma out of 24 sages in Jainism. There are several mysteries about this temple. including:
- A legend states that one night, a wealthy merchant and minister named Dharna Shah had a dream about a celestial chariot. That’s when he decided to build a temple shaped like a chariot.
- Another version holds that Dharna Shah invited many artists and sculptors to submit their designs, but none of them captured the complete essence of his dream. At last, a poor Mundarian sculptor named Deepak finally presented a plan that seemed to fulfill Dharna Shah’s dream.
- To demonstrate that nothing is perfect or without flaws in this world, one of the pillars in Ranakpur Jain Temples is purposely constructed slightly crooked.
- On either side of the temple, two elephants with seemingly endless tails are carved. Parshavanth, 23rd Tirthankar of Jain Dharma appears to be purified by the elephants.
- According to another legend, a divine force helped in the construction of the temple which took over 50 years to complete.
Architectural Significance:
The 14th and 15th centuries saw the beginning and completion of the construction of the Jain Temples in Ranakpur. It was named after the king of this town which is known as Ranakpur now. It has 24 domes with 84 rooms in the basement. This sacred place has five temples namely Chaturmukha Temple, Suparshvanath Temple, Surya temple, Seth ki Baadi Temple, and Chougan temple. It has 1,444 pillars with intricate Shikar Raj Meena carvings. The temple has a geometric design and two bells that weigh 108 kg each and generate a melodic sound. The ceiling of the basement of the temple which is 48,000-square-foot wide is carved with geometrical patterns and scrollwork. Windows of the temple are crafted beautifully and mosaic patterns are carved on the floor. Within the temple is a solitary marble rock carving of snakes and their tails. The primary deity of the temple is visible from every angle because of its unique and distinctive construction.
Ranakpur Jain Temple Timings:
It’s advisable to visit Ranakpur Jain Temples during the winter season as it’s the best time to explore this auspicious and incredible shrine. Ranakpur Jain Temple timings are 6:30 am to 8:15 pm for darshan and 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm for tour.
Ranakpur Jain Temple Tickets:
There is no requirement for an entry ticket to see this stunning temple located in Rajasthan. However, you’ve to pay a fee for bringing cameras or mobile phones to the temple premises. Indian nationals have to pay a fee of Rs 100, while foreign nationals have to pay Rs 200 as an entry fee with mobile phones. If you’re carrying a professional camera with you then you’ve to pay an extra fee of Rs 100. As it’s a temple, wear clothes that are fully or semi-covered and washed. Visitors must not eat anything or use the washroom while wearing the worship clothes. However, devotees are permitted to drink water while wearing them. Also, footwear and socks are forbiddable to be taken inside the temple premises.
How to Reach Ranakpur Jain Temples:
You can reach Ranakpur Jain Temple near Udaipur, Rajasthan by air, train, or road.
- The closest airport to Ranakpur Jain Temples is Udaipur Domestic Airport situated at a distance of 93 kilometers from there. After reaching the airport, you can take any public transport, a bus or a cab to the temple.
- If you’re planning a trip by train, then you must know that the nearest railway station is about 36 kilometers from the temple.
- After reaching Udaipur, you can take a bus which will take at least 2 hours to reach Ranakpur. If you’re traveling with your vehicle, drive from Jodhpur or Jaipur, which are about 156 kilometers and 357 kilometers away, respectively.
Explore This Auspicious Jain Temple With Rajasthan Tours India:
There are a lot of things you need to arrange before visiting this auspicious place of worship in Rajasthan. If you’re traveling to this place for the first time you need the assistance of a trustworthy and reliable guide to make your visit memorable and remarkable. A Hospitality Club providing tour and travel services to travelers since 2009 can be your perfect partner for planning this trip.
The company has a subsidiary namely Rajasthan Tours India offering travel-related services to travelers not only nationally but internationally. From finding the best accommodations to arrangements of air/plane/bus ticketing, their reliable team is always ready to assist their customers.
Conclusion:
Ranakpur Jain Temples is not just a sacred place for Jain devotees, but also a significant place for people who believe in different religions. You don’t have to worry if you’re not acquainted with anyone from Ranakpur or visiting the town for the first time. Make Rajasthan Tours India your partner in the spiritual trip of exploring the beauty and mystery of this mystical place.