A magnificent location in the form of the Ranakpur Jain Temple from the fifteenth century can be found hidden away in the Aravalli Hills' woodlands. The Ranakpur Temple in Rajasthan is elegantly positioned on the banks of River Maghai, about 90 km from the city of Udaipur in the Pali district.
This temple is one of the finest examples of Indian architecture, with delicate decorations like those on a quality piece of embroidered fabric. In addition, the Ranakpur Temple is one of the biggest and most important Jains' places of worship.
This temple was built in the early fifteenth century, according to a Sanskrit scripture by the name of Soma-Saubhagya Kavya and a copper-plate inscription that was found inside the complex. The Ranakpur Temple, an architectural marvel in and of itself, was created by Dhanna Shah, a Porwal from Ghanerao, with the support of Rana Kumbha, the then-ruler of Mewar.
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According to legend, Dhanna Shah, a successful trader and important minister in Rana Kumbha's court, had a dream one night about a celestial chariot. The following morning, he awoke with a burning desire to construct a temple in the form of a car in order to realize his vision. He immediately informed the king of his goal and begged for his support. The king agreed to the request since he liked the idea, but only if the building would bear his name.
The merchant started looking for someone who could help him turn this vision into stone sometime about 1394 C.E. He finally mustered the confidence to ask an eccentric ascetic named Deepak for assistance. After days of meditation, Deepak arrived with a sketch that was so beautiful and divine it appeared to have been created by the Gods themselves.
The Ranakpur Temple was created after nearly 50 years of arduous work by thousands of artisans and sculptors.
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The massive temple structure, raised entirely in softly colored marble, stands atop a base of subterranean vaults, sprawling in an area of over 48,000 square feet. Entering into the temple complex, it is difficult for someone to not be mesmerized by the vivacity and scale of its designs.
The moment you step into Ranakpur Temple is the very moment you begin unraveling its veritable splendor; rays of light steal through carved pillar-corridor, emanating their warmth into the cups of ornate domes overhead.
Encompassed by this temple complex are the Parshavanath Temple, Chaumukha Temple, Surya Temple and the Amba Mata Temple. The Chaumukha Temple is the principal temple that houses the main deity, Lord Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara.
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