Ranakpur
Ranakpur
Beautiful
sculptured Jain temples mark the glory of this renowned place. Marked as one
of the five holy places for the Jain community, these were created in the 15
the century. During the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall.
The central Chaumukha [four faced temple] is dedicated to Adinathji the temple
is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars all distinctly carved
and no two being alike is a amazing evidence of the genius sense of architecture
that enhances the charm of the place. Every temple has this conceivable surface
carved with equal delicacy.
The ambience of Ranakpur is mainly highlighted by the location and the almost
divine architecture, giving the same hue as its counter part - the great Dilwara
Temple's. in Mt-Abu. Facing the main temple are the unique temples -Parasvanath
- Neminath with exquisite figures carving similar to that Khujaraho sculptures.
Another temple worth visiting is the nearby 'Sun Temple' dedicated to the 'Sun
God' (Surya-the master of all the planets and the provider of light to the whole
universe) adorned with polygonal wall, richly embellished with the carvings
of warriors, horses and solar (Nakshatras, grahs') deities riding splendid 'chariots'
the vehicle of the 'Sun God'- which accordingly to the Hindu Mythology is the
God of prosperity and a shining destiny in this world. Many throng this shrine
for these blessings. Overall Ranakpur is known as ' The tranquil pilgrimage
town'. For the buffs a ride to the outskirts like ' Sadari' - 'Desuri'- 'Ghanerao'-
'Narhai', serves the purpose of their satisfaction.
