When you see Ranakpur from a distance, it appears as an expanse of greenery, with hills weaving in and out of one another. Far below in the valley, amidst ll this green, stands a gleaming white jewel, radiant in the wilderness. The radiance is the work of the marble-carvers who made Adinath glow with spiritual bliss. They have mad eth white marble come to life, speak, and tell beautiful stories – the legend of Lord Rishabhadeva, who meditated under a rayan tree and left his footprint here; the account of Dharna Shah, the minister of Rana Kumbha, and his vision of a celestial vehicle as a temple to the lord; the tale of Depa, the architect and his team of artists who gave life to the stones. Not to forget Rana Kumbha, who gave land for the temple and his name to this place, Ranakpurr.
Sightseeing Places in Ranakpur
Adinath Temple
Set in a secluded, wooded valley of the Aravalli Hills, the 15th century Ranakpur temple complex, dominated by the great Adinath Temple, is one of the five great holy places of the Jain faith. The grand scale and sheer architectural complexity of the white marble temple distinguish it as perhaps the single most impressive example of Western Indian temple architecture. The temple has an unusual four-sided plan with four separate entrances. Each entrance leads through a veritable forest of columns, and a number of beautifully ornamented halls and chapels, to the central sanctum containing a four-faced image of Adinath.
Each of the temple’s 1,444 pillars is carved with different patterns of floral motifs, and the play of light and shadow on the pillars, as the sun moves from east to west each day, is one of the glories of this monument. Equally stunning is the superb filigree carving on the concentric ceiling pendants, and the exuberant grace of the goddesses who form the support brackets. On one of the columns facing the sanctum, a carved panel with two figures on it depicts Dharna Shah, the builder of the temple, who was a minister of the maharana of Mewar, and his architect, Depa
Fateh Bagh Hotel
The luxurious Fateh Bagh Hotel is a unique hotel; a few years ago, the crumbling ruins of a 200-year old Rajput-style palace near Jodhpur was relocated stone by stone to Ranakpur and converted into a luxury retreat, with a pool, spa and a restaurant. The restaurant offers Indian and Continental food.
Sightseeing Places around Ranakpur
Kumbhalgarh
Like a gigantic brown snake, the great ramparts of Kumbhalgarh Fort wind along the rugged contours of the Aravalli Hills for 36 km. This massive 15th century fort, strategically located at a height of 1,050 m along the border between Marwar and Mewar, was known as “The Eye of Mewar”, because it offered a commanding view of the countryside for miles around. Built by Maharana Kumbha, who also built the great fort of Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh was justly reputed to be the most impregnable fort in Rajasthan. Its ramparts are wide enough for six horsemen to ride abreast, and seven fortified gates, studded with threatening spikes, lead to its entrance.
The crenellated walls of the fort enclose the smaller fortress of Kartargarh, several palaces and temples now in ruins, fields, water reservoirs and stables.
How to reach Ranakpur
By Air
Udaipur is the closest airport. It’s approximately 3 hrs long journey from the airport.
By Rail
Udaipur is the closest railway station.
By Road
The road from Udaipur through Iswal, Gogunda and Saira is usually well-maintained.
