Ranakpur Jain Temple: Location, Timing, History, Architecture, Distance

Ranakpur Jain Temple: Jainism, also referred to as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religion. Spiritual conceptions and the history of Jainism can be traced through the succession of twenty-four Tirthankaras. Today, Jainism is practised throughout India, with the highest concentrations in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Ranakpur Jain Temple is a magnificent representation of Jainism, one of India’s earliest religions. It is dedicated to Adinatha or Rishabha, the first Jain Tirthankara, and is a Shvetambara Jain Temple, a tribute to its architectural brilliance, inventiveness, and engineering prowess. This blog provides information on its location, entrance fees, hours of operation, and the quickest route to get there.

About Ranakpur Jain temple

The beautiful white marble structure, known as “The White Temple of Ranakpur,” is situated on the shores of the Maghai River and against the Aravalli Hills. The Ranakpur Jain Mandirs date back to the 15th century, during the tenure of Rana Kumbha, king of the Mewar Kingdom, and are named after Rana Kumbha, who supported the temple and contributed to its construction. Additionally known as the “Chaumukha Jain temple”

History

The construction of the Jain temple at Ranakpurr began in 1389 and lasted until 1458 CE. According to another source, the structure endured until 1496. According to the audio commentary provided to temple visitors, the temple was constructed over the course of fifty years by approximately 2,785 individuals. Darna Shah, a local Jain merchant, was inspired to build a magnificent temple in the 15th century after dreaming of a celestial chariot.

Darna Shah commissioned a number of renowned painters and sculptors to submit designs and sketches for the temple, but none mirrored the splendour he had envisioned in his fantasy. Then, an architect named Deepak from Mundara presented Darna with a proposal that captivated him. He requested land from Rana Kumbha, the province’s monarch at the time, in order to build his structure. Not only did Rana give Darna the property, but he also advised him to construct a village around the shrine.

Localization

Ranakpur is a village in the Desuri tehsil close to Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan in western India. It is roughly in the middle between Jodhpur and Udaipur. 162 kilometres from Jodhpur and 91 kilometres from Udaipur, in a valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. Tourists have the option of driving or taking the transport. If you choose to fly, the closest airport is Udaipur Domestic Airport, and the distance between Udaipur and Ranakpur Temple is approximately 93 kilometres, or 2.5 hours. The nearest train station to Ranakpur’s Jain Temple is located 36 kilometres away in Falna. One can even travel to the Ranakpur Jain Temple from Jodhpur or Jaipur, which are 156 and 357 kilometres distant, respectively.

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Best times to visit the Jain Temple in Ranakpur

During the summer, Ranakpur’s temperature can reach 42 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature during the winter is 11 degrees Celsius. Winter is the ideal period to visit this temple in Ranakpur, from October to March. There is no entrance fee to the Jain Temple of Ranakpur. However, for cameras and mobile phones, this is a negligible cost of approximately Rs 100. Priests within the temple will aid travellers by describing the temple’s significance and history, though they may request a gift in exchange.

The temple is available for individuals who wish to pray there after noon. The temple is open to visitors between the hours of noon and five o’clock.

Architecture

The main temple is 48,000 square feet in size and is constructed on an elevated platform known as Pithika or Jagati, a common characteristic of Indian temple architecture. There are four entrances to the temple, one in each of the cardinal directions. For security purposes, a flight of stairs leads from the ground floor to doors that are purposefully modest and narrow. Except for the four cardinal entryways, the exterior wall constructed around the temple is devoid of embellishment. The primary entrance to the temple is located on the western side. A staircase leads to a three-story “Balanaka,” or entrance chamber.

On the upper floor, a dome dominates the foyer. The exterior walls of the temple are bare, and only by peering up can one see the 84 shikharas of the Devakulikas, which are the lesser temples encircling the temple’s interior.

The primary Shikhara is in the centre. Lesser shikharas rise like spires into the azure sky and encircle the principal shikhara, which rises above the sanctum sanctorum. The numerous domes atop the four Meghnad Mandapas or halls that flank the sanctum sanctorum are partially visible from the ground.

The Garba Griha, also known as the sanctum sanctorum, has four entrances facing each of the four cardinal directions. The four Ranga Mandapas are immediately adjacent. When entering the temple through any of its entrances, one enters the Meghnad Mandapa, which leads to the Ranga Mandapa, which in turn leads to the Garba Griha door. However, only the primary entrance on the western side is accessible.

Large, small, broad, slender, ornate, or plain pillars and pillars are visible in any direction. However, the shrewd architect has arranged them so that none of them obstruct the pilgrim’s view as he seeks a Darshana’ (glimpse) of God.

How do you get to the Jain Temple of Ranakpur?

Kumbhalgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where visitors can learn about the fort’s history and admire its magnificent views. In Ranakpur, 33 kilometres from Kumbhalgarh Fort and 97 kilometres from Udaipur, is the sacrosanct Ranakpur Jain Temple.Udaipur to the Jain temple at Ranakpur

There are 352 kilometres between Udaipur and the Ranakpur Jain temple. The distance between Udaipur and the Jain temple is approximately 429.5 kilometres. It will take approximately 6 hours and thirty minutes to travel. The shortest route from Udaipur to the Ranakpur Jain temple costs between $6,500 and $14,000 and takes 4 hours and 47 minutes via taxi and flight. The cheapest way to travel from Udaipur to Ranakpur Jain temple is by train via Skar. Which takes 9 hours and 14 minutes and costs between 1,200 and 2,500 rupees.

If you are in Rajasthan, you must see this magnificent piece of art. Visit this famed Jain temple to see the exquisite Parshvanatha statue carved from a single slab of marble. The idol has 1008 serpent heads and a large number of tails; to learn more fascinating details about it.

FAQ about the Ranakpur Jain Temple

Who constructed the Ranakpur Jain temple?

In Rajasthan, Darna Shah, a Jain merchant, constructed the Ranakpur Jain Temple.

Where is the Jain temple in Ranakpur?

Ranakpur is located in the Pali district of Rajasthan, India, close to Sadri.

How many pillars are there in the Jain temple at Ranakpur?

There are 1444 pillars inside the Jain temple at Ranakpur.

How to reach the Jain temple in Ranakpur.

The nearest airport is Udaipur Domestic Airport, and the distance between Udaipur and Ranakpur Temple is 93 kilometres, or approximately 2.5 hours.

What are the entrance expenses to the Jain temple in Ranakpur?

There is no entrance fee to the Jain Temple of Ranakpur. However, for cameras and mobile phones, this is a negligible cost of approximately Rs 100.