GENERAL INFORMATION

In a quiet and picturesque glen which runs into the western slopes of the Aravalli hills is a remarkable complex of Jain temples of Ranakpur, one of the five main holy places of the Jain sect.

Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the centre is the main temple dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabdeo with a chaumukha or four-faced shrine dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls of the temple, which contain 1444 pillars of which no two are exactly alike.

Every conceivable surface of the walls pillars, and ceilings is carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images. The quadruple image of Adinath stands in the main sanctuary, which is open on all four sides. Rising in three storeys, it has four subsidiary shrines with a total of 80 spies supported by 420 columns. There are also 24 mandapas or particos and spires. The entire temple is an archtestration of pillars, porticos, domes and spires.

In front of the Chaumukha temple are two more Jain temples. One of these is dedicated to Parsvanath and was built in the 14^th century. The exterior bears some erotic carvings.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR

Udaipur 80 km is the convenient airport.

RAIL

Falna 35 km is the nearest railhead on the Delhi-Ahmedabad sector.

ROAD

Ranakpur is well connected from Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaipur