Location: 60-km North Of Udaipur,
Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Desuri,
Ghanerao Temples
Best time To Visit: September-March |
Tourism in
Ranakpur
The tranquil pilgrimage town of the Jains
renowned for some marvellously carved Jain
temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of
the five holy places of the Jain community.
60-km from Udaipur; these temples were built
in the 15th century AD during the reign of
Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall.
The central 'Chaumukha' or four-faced temple
is dedicated to the venerated Tirthankara
Rishabhji. Open on all four sides, it
enshrines the four-faced image of Adinath.
The temple is an astounding creation with 29
halls and 1,444 pillars - all distinctly
carved.
Images of 24 tirthankaras are carved on the
'mandaps' or porticos in a corridor around
the shrine with each 'mandap' having a spire
adorned with little bells on the top. The
gentle breeze wafting through the corridors
move the bells creating celestial music all
around the complex. Rising in three storeys,
the temple has four small shrines with 80
spires supported by 420 columns.
Two temples, dedicated to the Jain saints -
Parsvanath and Neminath, face the main
temple. The temples have beautiful carvings
similar to that of Khajuraho. Another temple
worth visiting the nearby Sun Temple, an 8th
century AD temple dedicated to the Sun god.
The temple has polygonal walls, richly
embellished with carvings of warriors,
horses and solar deities riding splendid
chariots.
EXCURSIONS
TEMPLES
Sadra (8 km): Famous for beautiful temples
and an old Dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The
Varahavtar Temple and the Chintamani
Parsvanath Jain Temple are the most ancient
of the temples situated here.
Desuri (16 km): Three Jain temples,
dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and
Navi Mata are among some noteworthy temples
at Desuri. A temple dedicated to Parsurama
Mahadeo, nestled in the hills, is also
closeby. It is situated in the Kumbhalgarh
tehsil of Rajsamand.
Ghanerao: Ghanerao abounds in Jain and Hindu
temples. Most notable is the temple of
Gajanand with a life-size statue of the
goddesses Ridhi and Sidhi. The statue is
guarded by Hanuman and Bhairon on either
side.
Narlai (6 km): Lying at the base of a
hillock, on the top of which is a colossal
statue of an elephant, Narlai has many Hindu
and Jain temples. The temple of Adinath is
an ancient one. The outer 'mandap' of the
temple has beautiful mural paintings on its
ceiling, which still retain their original
splendour.
Muchhal Mahaveer: This Jain temple is
situated about 5 kms from Ghanerao in the
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. Its distinctive
feature is the statue of Lord Mahavira with
a moustache. The two statues of elephants
guarding the gateways are splendid examples
of architecture. In the vicinity are the
Garasia tribal villages famous for their
colourful costumes.
Falna (35 km): The railhead for Ranakpur
Falna has some beautiful temples too.
FORTS
Kumbhalgarh: The imposing fort a principal
bastion of Mewar after Chittorgarh. has some
interesting Jain temples. more...
WILDLIFE
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: The 586 sq.
kms sanctuary supports a rich variety of
wildlife. Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar,
Four-Horned Antelope and scientifically bred
Crocodiles in the lake, are the major
attractions.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Udaipur 80-kms away is the nearest
airport.
Rail: Falna 35-kms is the nearest railhead
on the Delhi-Ahmedabad sector.
Road: A network of bus services joins
Ranakpur with many nearby places.
PLACES TO STAY
RTDC Hotel Shilpi and Dharamshalas at
Ranakpur provide comfortable accommodations
for tourists.
NEARBY CITIES
Sadra: 8-km
Desuri: 16-km
Falna- 35-km
Narlai: 6-km
Udaipur: 60-km
GENERAL INFORMATIONClimate : Max Min
Summer : 42.0°C 22.0° C
Winter : 20.00° C 10.6° C
Rainfall : 55 cms.
Best Time To Visit : September-March
Clothing
Summer : light tropical
Winter : light woollen
Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani
|
