Udaipur Attractions
Marblework at Ranakpur
Jain Temples of Ranakpur
Forty miles (60km) north of Udaipur is the Jain temples of
Ranakpur. It is the largest of its kind in India and boasts some
staggering marble work, on a par with any in Asia. The main temple
was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first tirthankara
Adinath, whose image is enshrined in its central sanctuary. The
temple is two or three storeys high in parts, and its roof, topped
with five large shikharas, undulates with tiny spires that crown
the small shrines to Jain saints lining the temple walls. Within
are 1444 pillars, each sculpted with unique and intricate designs,
and dissecting the 29 halls. The carving on the walls, columns and
the domed ceilings is superb. Friezes depicting the life of the
tirthankara are etched into the walls, while musicians and dancers
have been modelled out of brackets between the pillars and the
ceiling. Visitors may see Jaina monks walking about with masks on
their faces to avoid eating insects; the most important teaching of
Jainism is 'Ahimsa', meaning non-violence, and this is applied to
all sentient beings. Many monks also carry a brush to sweep
surfaces to avoid standing on bugs. Ranakpur's isolated position
means it is not on the major tourist trail, but it makes a good
stop for those travelling between Jaipur and Udaipur.
Address: Ranakpur, Pali district;
Opening time: 12pm to 5pm
