Ranakpur Jain Temple, in Ranakpur village, Pali district, Rajasthan, is a sacred shrine for Lord Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara. Set in the Aravalli hills near the Maghai River, 90 kilometers from Udaipur, it’s a masterpiece of Jain faith and art. It is also known as Chaturmukha temple. Built in the 15th century, its white marble pillars draw pilgrims and travelers to admire its quiet beauty. The temple in fact is one of the largest Jain temples and is considered one of the five holiest Jain shrines in India and is also a part of Gorwad Panch Tirth.
History of Ranakpur Jain Temple
The Ranakpur Jain Temple started in 1437 AD, built under Mewar’s Rana Kumbha. A Jain merchant, Dhanna Shah, saw Lord Adinath in a dream, instructing him to build a grand shrine. Rana Kumbha gave land in Ranakpur, once called Daranaka, as a stone plaque near the gate says. Architect Deepak led the work, carving 1444 pillars over 50 years. Mughal raids damaged parts, but Jain traders rebuilt it in the 1800s, adding walls for safety. The Anandji Kalyanji Trust now cares for it, hosting around 5000 visitors daily and 15,000 during Mahavir Jayanti. In fact, a story tells of a drought ending after prayers here, spreading the temple’s fame.
Architecture of Ranakpur Jain Temple
The temple covers 48,000 square feet in Ranakpur’s green hills, near sal trees and the Maghai River. Built in the Maru-Gurjara style, it sits on a 5-meter stone platform. Its 80 white marble domes, glowing in sunlight, reach 60 feet. The main sanctum, 12 meters by 12 meters, holds a 6-foot four-faced Adinath idol, carved from white marble. The temple has 29 halls, 426 columns, and 1444 pillars, each carved differently, per trust counts. Four 10-meter entrances with arched gates lead to a 4000-square-meter courtyard. Smaller shrines for Parshvanath and Neminath, each 5 meters wide, stand nearby. A 200-meter path goes to the river for holy baths and the marble, from Aravalli quarries, stays cool, a relief to the devotees.
Sculptures and Carvings
The temple houses a 6-foot four-faced Adinath idol, cut from one marble block in the 1400s, dressed with flowers and sandal paste. Each face looks a different way, showing Jain teachings of balance. A 3-meter-wide 108-headed serpent carving guards the sanctum. The 1444 pillars, 10 feet tall, show dancers, gods, and flowers, no two the same. Wall panels, 1 meter by 0.5 meters, depict Tirthankaras and Jain symbols, etched in gold. The main hall’s ceiling, 15 meters high, has a lotus carving like an open bloom. Side shrines hold 3-foot black and white marble idols of Parshvanath and Neminath. A 2-meter marble elephant statue, gifted by Rana Kumbha, stands outside the temple.
Rituals and Worship
The Ranakpur Jain Temple is a key spot for Jain worship, especially during Mahavir Jayanti (April) and Paryushana (August/September). Lord Adinath, or Rishabhdev, blesses devotees with peace and wisdom. Jain priests do daily pujas, starting with abhishekam, bathing the idol with milk and water, then offering rice and flowers. Evening aartis use 500 ghee lamps, with silent chants, unlike Hindu temples. Mahavir Jayanti sees the idol wearing silver crowns, and 1000 kilos of rice are offered yearly. Rituals follow Digambara Jain ways, with quiet prayers and no music. A tale says the idol glowed during a 1600s famine, bringing rain, adding to its holiness. Also, the marble halls which are cool and calm, are perfect for meditation.
Things to Do at Ranakpur Jain Temple
Join Prayers: Attend pujas, especially during Paryushana, to see Jain rituals and get rice prasad.
See the Temple: Look at the 1444 pillars, lotus ceiling, and serpent carving. Outer areas are good for photos.
Walk the Grounds: Stroll the garden and river path, where deer and peacocks wander.
Visit Nearby Sites: See the Sun Temple (1 km), a 13th-century shrine with carved wheels, or Sadri’s Parshvanath Temple (8 km).
Try Local Food: Buy puja items or eat Jain thalis with no onion or garlic at stalls.
Visiting Information for Ranakpur Jain Temple
How to Get There
The temple is in Ranakpur, 90 kilometers from Udaipur, with several ways to travel.
By Plane: Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, 92 kilometers away, links to Delhi (1.5 hours, ₹3000–8000) and Mumbai (2 hours, ₹4000–10000). Taxis or buses take 2 hours.
By Train: Falna Railway Station, 38 kilometers away, connects to Delhi (10 hours, ₹200–800) and Jaipur (5 hours, ₹150–600) via trains like the Aravali Express. Taxis or autos take 45 minutes.
By Road: NH-62 joins Ranakpur to Udaipur (90 km, 2 hours) and Jodhpur (160 km, 3 hours). Buses cost ₹50–150; taxis cost ₹1000–2000. Autos charge ₹100–200. Parking is available.
Best Time to Go
November to February, with cool air (10–25°C), is best. Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushana draw 15,000 visitors, per trust logs, with quiet rituals. Early mornings are usually calm. Summers (April–June, 30–40°C) are hot while monsoons (July–September) make roads muddy but hills lush.
Rules for Visitors
Dress Modestly: Men should wear shirts with trousers or traditional dhotis. Women are expected to wear sarees or salwar suits with dupattas. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, or any leather items, as these are strictly prohibited.
Footwear: Please remove your shoes at the designated kiosk. Wearing socks is recommended, especially on cool marble floors.
Prohibited Items: Smoking, alcohol, non-vegetarian food, onions, and garlic are not allowed within the temple premises.
Photography Rules: Photography is allowed in the outer areas, but taking pictures inside the sanctum requires prior permission from the priest.
Wildlife Note: Be mindful near the garden—deer often roam the area and may attempt to snatch food from visitors.
Conclusion
The Ranakpur Jain Temple in Pali, Rajasthan, is a white marble haven of devotion. The temple’s peace, amidst Aravalli’s greenery, inspires meditation, attracting scholars and devotees. For those seeking Adinath’s blessings or Rajasthan’s art, this temple is a vital stop in your travel list.
