Overview
Ranakpur: The Temple Town of Rajasthan
Situated between Udaipur and Jodhpur, Ranakpur is a revered destination for the Jain community. The town is famous for its intricate stonework in the world-renowned Jain Temple. A fascinating feature of this temple is that its appearance changes from golden to pale blue every hour.
Legend has it that a Jain businessman dreamt of constructing multiple Jain temples here. He requested land from Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar, to build the temples. These temples were completed in 1439 AD and named after Rana Kumbha.
Following are the main attractions of Ranakpur:
Jain Temple: One of the most important devotional sites for the Jain community, this temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath. The 1,444 white marble monolithic pillars, each intricately carved and unique, create a mesmerizing architectural wonder. The temple is also called the "Chaumukha Temple" due to its four-faced structure.
Surya Narayan Temple:
Another notable site in Ranakpur, this temple is dedicated to the Sun God. It is famous for its circular wall projections, and the main attraction is the image of Lord Sun riding a seven-horse chariot.
Aravali: The Aravalli range provides a stunning backdrop for Ranakpur, enhancing the beauty of the white-stone temples and offering tourists breathtaking views.
Muchhal Mahavir Temple: Known for its statue of Lord Mahavir with a moustache, this temple also features two elephant statues at its entrance. Nearby, Garasia tribal villages showcase colorful traditional attire.
Excursions from Ranakpur:
Visitors can explore nearby destinations such as Desuri (16 km), Kumbhalgarh (30 km), and Udaipur (90 km).
Shopping in Ranakpur:
Ranakpur is a small town, so shopping options are limited. Visitors often travel to Udaipur to purchase silver jewelry, pottery, and gemstones.
Best Time to Visit: October to March. Festivals such as Holi, Diwali, and Makar Sankranti are also great times to experience local culture.
How to Reach:
Air: Nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, Dabok, Udaipur, 105 km away.
Rail: Nearest railway station is Falna, 35 km away.
Road: Ranakpur is well-connected to Udaipur via luxury and state-run buses.
