Ranakpur - Jain Temple Marvel

Now in our air-conditioned car, we said good-bye to Jodhpur and began our journey to Ranakpur. Located about 90 km (56 miles) NW of Udaipur, a spectacular Jain temple is set in this secluded wooded valley. Just hours away from the desert town of Jodhpur, it felt like we were in a different country. The area around the 15th century Ranakpur temple complex was well manicured, consisting of large swatches of grass, flowers, flowering trees, and bushes. Taking our sandals off, we quickly tiptoed over the scorching cement and onto the carpet of the steps. In front of us was the great Chaumukha Mandir (Four-Faced Temple dedicated to Adinath), one of the five great holy sites for Jains. It is also considered perhaps the most impressive example of Western Indian architecture. The marble carving mastery was apparent already at the ornate sculpted entrance. Inside the temperature was immediately cooler. The play of light through the intricately carved pillars enveloped the temple in feelings of serenity. Considering that there are 1,444 pillars, it’s even more amazing to see that each is unique, carved with different patterns of floral, animal, and figurative reliefs. Looking upward, the filigree carving on the concentric ceiling pendants was visually stunning. It was a detail-lover’s photographic nirvana.

Through one large opening I paused to enjoy the view of the surrounding landscape. Hearing a slight buzz, I was shocked to see two immense beehives clinging to the façade of the temple. Considering the Jain’s protection of all life, I wasn’t surprised that they left the hives on the temple. Before leaving the complex, I took a quick look around the Hindu Sun Temple, also carved from white marble.

After a meal at a charming hotel restaurant in the woods, we headed onwards to Udaipur. The area was well-suited for agriculture. Here we saw fields of alfalfa and others with grain, the women bundling sheaths together. Others carried bundles of twigs on their head, their smiles partially hidden behind large nose rings similar to what I saw in the Bishnois village. Water buffalo grazed in hilly pastures surrounded by stone fences. Yoked cows slowly turned a large wheel located in a field of haystacks. A very peaceful scene.

See more photos of Ranakpur on Flickr

Tweet

Pin It