Ranakpur Jain Temple- Rajasthan

Address

Ranakpur Jain Temple, Desuri, Ranakpur Rd, Sadri, Rajasthan 306702

Deity

Rishabhanatha

Introduction

• Ranakpur Jain Temple, also known as Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara, is a Śvētāmbara Jain temple in Ranakpur, Rajasthan.
• Dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha (Adinath), the first Tirthankar of Jainism.
• Built in the 15th century by Darna Shah, a Jain businessman, after a divine vision.
• One of the largest and most significant Jain temples, with multiple temples like Chaumukha, Surya, Suparshvanatha, and Amba within the complex.

Puranic Significance

• Construction began in 1389, under the patronage of Mewar ruler Rana Kumbha, and architect Dwepa led the project.
• The temple’s design was inspired by a celestial vehicle seen in a dream by Darna Shah.
• A 1436 CE copper plate and Sanskrit texts document its history.
• Inscriptions credit architect Deepaka for completing the temple in 1439 under Dharanka’s direction.
• Construction spanned 50 years, involving 2785 workers, finishing in either 1458 or 1496.

Special Features

• Known for intricate carvings and Māru-Gurjara architecture.
• The temple design represents Nalini-Gulma Vimana, a heavenly vehicle.
• Main shrine has a Chaumukha (four-faced) Adinatha idol, symbolizing the Tirthankara’s control over the four cardinal directions.
• Features 1444 uniquely carved marble pillars, 29 halls, 80 domes, and 426 columns.
• One pillar remains incomplete due to a legend that it collapses each time it’s built.
• Contains a famous Parshvanatha idol with 1008 snake heads, carved from a single marble slab.
• The structure spreads over 48,000 square feet and includes 84 underground chambers to protect idols from Mughals.
• The temple’s architecture influenced the Pittalhar temple, Dilwara in 1459 CE, and Palitana temples in 1681.

Century/Period/Age

15th century

Managed By

Anandji Kalyanji Trust – Rajasthan

Nearest Bus Station

Falna

Nearest Railway Station

Falna

Nearest Airport

udaipur

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