The town was named Ranpur after the King Kumbha Rana. Ranpur is popularly known as Ranakpur. In the heart of the remote and enchanting valley of the Arvalli mountain range, skirting the rivulet Maghai, stands, in solemn grandeur, the Chaturmukh Jain Temple of Rishabhadev (or The Ranakpur Jain Temple).

This three-storeyed marble edifice, which is placed on a lofty plinth, is enveloped in the solitude of the surrounding forest. This majestic monument of devotional architecture seems bathed in celestial bliss.

The Ranakpur Temple is at a distance of about 96 kms from Udaipur. It is probably the most complex and extensive of Jain temples in India, covering 40,000 square feet (3600 mtrs). There are buses and private taxis connecting Ranakpur from Udaipur.

The construction of the temple which had begun in 1446 Vikram Samvat, (roughly 600 years ago) took more than fifty years, to complete. It is estimated that about ninty nine lakhs of rupees were spent on the construction of the temple.

The artistic sculptures, lie scattered like precious jewels. The myriad ornate `Toranas' or festoons with minute and delicate carvings are delight to see.

The innumerable elegant and lofty pillars and a large number of Shikharas, (spires) which make a unique pattern on the face of the sky.

Places to See in Ranakpur

Ranakpur Jain Temple
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century.

Parshavnath Temple
The marble temple of Parshvanath is also known as the 'Patriyon ka Mandir'. The temple, which is famous for its black stone image of the Jain saint Parsvanath was built in the mid 15th century. Surrounded by high hills, this beautiful temple is also famous for its pierced stone windows with ornamental designs. Besides, there are many other beautiful temples and places you can visit when you travel to Ranakpur, which can be an amazing experience.

Temples at Desuri
Three temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata are among some noteworthy temples at Desuri around 16 km from Ranakpur. An old mosque situated here is also worth a visit. A temple dedicated to Parsuram Mahadeo, nestled in the hills, is also close by. Ghanerao Ghanerao abounds in and Hindu temples. Most notable is the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddesses Ridhi and Siddhi. The statue is guarded by Hanuman and Bhairon on either side

Kumbhalgarh Fort
The imposing fort-a principal bastion of mewar after Chittaurgarh has some interesting jain temples.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
The 586 sq km sanctuary supports a rich variety of wildlife panther, sloth bear, wild boar, four horned antelop and are the major attraction.

Excursions near Ranakpur

Sadri (8 km)
Famous for some beautiful temples and an old Dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar Temple and the Chintamani Parasvanath Temple are the most ancient of the temples situated here.

Ghanerao
Ghanerao abounds in and Hindu temples. Most notable is the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddesses Ridhi and Siddhi. 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 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 splendor.

Muchhal Mahaveer (5 km)
This temple is situated about 5 km 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.

How to Reach Ranakpur

Air: Udaipur 80 km is the nearest airport.
Rail: Falna 35 km is the nearest railhead on the Delhi-Ahmedabad sector.
Road: A network of bus services joins rankpur with many nearby places.

Hotels in Ranakpur

- Hotel Fateh Bagh - Hotel Maharani Bagh

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