Everything About Ranakpur Jain Temple (Ranakpur, Rajasthan)
The combination of religion and architecture, the Jain temple is very important to notice. Jain community has very strong roots of their principles, with the strong roots they portray their religion very authentically through architecture. When it comes to architecture Jain architecture has again one historic structure we have to explore. Rankpur Jain temple in Rajasthan, is an example of the contribution of artistic architecture. This temple is also known as Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara. Let’s uncover the rich history and design of the Ranakpur architectural monument.
Location – Where is the Ranakpur Jain Temple?
The Rankpur Jain temple is located in the village of Ranakpur near Sadri in Pali district of Rajasthan. Pali district is between Udaipur and Jodhpur. Temple is surrounded by lush green Aravalli hills. To explore this temple it’s ideally required to take a one day tour.
History – The Story behind the Dream and Its Grand Creation:
A wealthy Jain businessman Dharna Shah, dreams about a gorgeous celestial chariot. With a firm decision to construct a magnificent temple, and to dedicate this temple to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha. In 1389 CE, with support of Rana Kumbha the ruler of Mewar, provided the land for the temple and construction of significant architecture was started.
Dwepa is a skilled architect chosen as designer by Dharna Shah. A 1436 CE copper plate, and the Sanskrit text Soma – Saubhagya Kavya the old inscriptions, records that the construction of temple took many years. After completing the construction of the ground floor Jain monk, Acharya Soma Sundar Suri led the temple’s opening ceremonies. It takes almost 50 years and 2,785 workers craftsmanship build such a monument.
Architecture of the temple – The story of Marbles:
This temple is well-known for its detailed carvings and distinctive architecture. It was constructed as the Nalini-Gulma Vimana, this is the vehicle which was seen by Dharna Shah in his dreams. This temple is built in Māru-Gurjara architecture. The design of the temple inspired Pittalhar temple, Dilwara. The Ancient Mirpur Jain Temple in Mirpur, Rajasthan, served as the model for the temple’s architecture and stone carvings.
The garbhagriha of the temple is the main Chaumukha Adinatha. The sanctum’s four entrances lead to the Dancing Hall, or Rangamandapa. Which is connected to a two-story mandapa. Connected to Balana and Nalimandapa, two more two-story mandapas. Sub-shrines are enclosed by a wall that encloses this courtyard. Additionally, the wall is free of projections such as minor deity and devakulikas. The central shikhara is the largest of the temple’s five shikharas. As the Samavasarana, the temple’s Shikhara represents Mount Meru, the mountain that forms the axis of Jambudvipa. The temple is rich with its carvings and art. White marble and symmetricity add the beauty to this temple.
The Main Temple
The temple is dedicated to Tirthankar Adinath. A six-foot-tall, white, chaumukha idol of Adinath with four heads pointing in four different directions can be found inside the garbhagriha. This temple is considered as one of the largest Jain temples and the five holiest Jain shrines in India and part of Gorwad Panch Tirth.
The white marble structure is spread over 48,000 square feet. This temple consists of 426 columns, 144 pillars, 80 domes and 29 halls. In 144 pillars no two pillars are the same and all pillars have detailed carvings. The 84 bhonyra called subterranean rooms of the temple were constructed to shield the Jain statues from the Mughals. The carving of a tirthankar’s mother resting on a cot is seen on one of the pillars. The largest image is located on the western side of the main entrance’s axis.
Single marble slab idol Parshvanatha is famous for its beautifully carved. The idol features 1,008 snake heads and many tails, but the end of the tails cannot be found. Two elephants are shown purifying Parshvanatha. Girnar and Nandishwar Dvipa, important spots in Jain mythology, the temple also features a unique carving of Ashtapad that shows eight Tirthankaras in a row.
Management – Restoration and Improvement:
A number of improvements were made to the temple. The Archaeological Survey of India acknowledged in their annual report for 1907–08 that the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi completed the final renovation at the start of the 20th century. The Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi trust has been currently taking care of the temple. For tourists’ benefit, the temple provides facilities like dharamshala and a bhojanashala.
Want to explore this place?
Let’s find the routes available to reach the Ranakpur Jain Temple. Temple located approx. 90 Km from Udaipur Airport. The nearest railway station to this temple is Falna Railway Station which is around 35 km away. The road connectivity is also available for this temple. By road this temple is nearest to Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Mount Abu.
Facts – that Amaze Visitors:
The known facts about the temple which always keep wondering to the visitors. According to folklore, one pillar is incomplete every time it is completed, and the pillar collapses the following morning. Also people noticed the temple’s white marble shifts from a light blue in the morning to yellow in the evening.
Final Thoughts:
The Ranakpur Jain Temple is a representation of art and history in addition to being a site of religion. This temple will astound you whether you are a curious tourist, a lover of architecture, or a spiritual seeker.
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