The Adinath Jain Temples of Ranakpur - Rajasthan, India
The village of Ranakpur is located in a valley between Jodhpur and Udaipur and widely known for two temples. A marble Jain Temple and much older Sun Temple which lies opposite the former.
If you're interested in finding out what the Jain religion is, and I know I was since this is a famous Temple, Jainism is... a dualistic religion founded in the 6th century B.C. as a revolt against current Hinduism. It emphasizes the perfectibility of human nature and liberation of the soul, esp. through asceticism and nonviolence toward all living creatures. I hope you understand this. Must confess that I'm still at sea...
There were quite a few rules posted outside the temple with instructions for visitors. This included no photographing of images, proper dress, non-vegetarian food allowed, etc...View image...and a few other rules that didn't apply to us. There are many distinctive features in the grand temple with one of the most important being the exquisitely detailed carvings that appear on practically every temple surface.
This important 15th century Jain temple has domes, turrets and cupolas and is seated majestically on the slope of a hill. The Jain Temple is dedicated to Adinath, has multistoried porches and balconies and can be compared to the size of a Gothic cathedral! Adinath Temple has entrances at the four compass points, and images of Adinath facing in each direction in the central chamber. Adinath Temple has 1,440 white marble pillars holding up the temple with each pillar carved differently. No two pillars are the same.
In the Meghanada Mandapa on the northern side of Adinath Temple (I tried to find out exactly what a "meghanada mandapa" is with no success) is a large marble elephant dating back to 1687 with the mahout mounted on the elephant's back while Maidevi, the mother of Adinatha, stands besides him. This is one of the most important sculptures in the temple. (See photograph above.)
There are many other carvings and sculptures throughout Adinath Jain Temple of Jain saviors, plant and floral motifs along with additional temples in the small but picturesque gardens.
Ranakpur is located about 50 miles north of Udaipur and I wouldn't exactly say it is an easy road trip, but worth doing for Adinath Temple's unique architecture.
