History of Ranakpur
Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. Situated at a distance of around 60 km from Udaipur, these temples were constructed in the AD 1439.
Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. Situated at a distance of around 60 km from Udaipur, these temples were constructed in the AD 1439.
The construction is well documented in a 1437 CE copper-plate record, inscriptions in the temple and a Sanskrit text Soma-Saubhagya Kavya. Inspired by a dream of a celestial vehicle, Dhanna Shah, a Porwad, commenced its construction, under the patronage of Rana Kumbha, then ruler of Mewar.
This charming village has derived its name after Rana Kumbha.Well-known for some excellently carved 15th century Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holiest places of the Jains and flaunts outstanding natural beauty. Dharna Sah, who happened to be a Jain businessman, approached Rana Kumbha when he had the vision of his great temple to request a portion of land for its construction. The magnificent Jain temples were built during the rule of the open-minded and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha during the 15th century. The basement of the complex covers 48,000 sq. feet area and features four additional shrines, twenty four pillared halls and domes supported by more than four hundred columns. There are 1,444 columns and all of them are intricately carved with different appearance.
The Ranakpur Jain Temple were built under the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century AD. The Ranakpur Jain temples is one of the most beautiful Jain temple. An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000 square feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1444, all of which are intricately carved, no two being alike. These temples are about 400 years old and even today these temples are well preserved in a perfect condition.
The architectural design of the Jain temple Ranakpur is not only fascinating but also symbolic. It has four sides or four faces (Charmukha). The construction is symbolic of the Tirthankar’s conquest of the four cardinal directions and therefore the cosmos. While each face of the Jain temple is identical in terms of features, no two pillars in the temple are the same. The architect for the temple, referred to in stone inscriptions as Depaka, was evidently a genius. For him, art was an expression of his soul and a prayer, rather than a means of earning money. An ascetic himself, he was impressed by Dharnasha’s lifestyle and religious conviction, which was the reason why he agreed to take on the monumental assignment.
This charming village has derived its name after Rana Kumbha.Well-known for some excellently carved 15th century Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holiest places of the Jains and flaunts outstanding natural beauty. Dharna Sah, who happened to be a Jain businessman, approached Rana Kumbha when he had the vision of his great temple to request a portion of land for its construction. The magnificent Jain temples were built during the rule of the open-minded and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha during the 15th century. The basement of the complex covers 48,000 sq. feet area and features four additional shrines, twenty four pillared halls and domes supported by more than four hundred columns. There are 1,444 columns and all of them are intricately carved with different appearance.
The Ranakpur Jain Temple were built under the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century AD. The Ranakpur Jain temples is one of the most beautiful Jain temple. An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000 square feet. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls. The total number of columns is 1444, all of which are intricately carved, no two being alike. These temples are about 400 years old and even today these temples are well preserved in a perfect condition.
The architectural design of the Jain temple Ranakpur is not only fascinating but also symbolic. It has four sides or four faces (Charmukha). The construction is symbolic of the Tirthankar’s conquest of the four cardinal directions and therefore the cosmos. While each face of the Jain temple is identical in terms of features, no two pillars in the temple are the same. The architect for the temple, referred to in stone inscriptions as Depaka, was evidently a genius. For him, art was an expression of his soul and a prayer, rather than a means of earning money. An ascetic himself, he was impressed by Dharnasha’s lifestyle and religious conviction, which was the reason why he agreed to take on the monumental assignment.
Ranakpur Culture
Two temples, dedicated to the Jain saints Parshavanath and Neminath, face the main temple. The temples have beautiful carvings similar to that of Khajuraho. Another temple worth visiting is 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. It speaks of a rich legacy in temple architecture.
Festivals
Ranakpur, a village located in Desuri tehsil near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan welcomes you all to the grand festival of 2011 “The Ranakpur Festival” starting from 10th to 13th November. Department of Tourism, Rajasthan, is organizing this festival which comprises of holy chanting, cultural programmes, conventional Kathak performances and Classical Bharat Natyam performances.
The evening cultural programme is scheduled to start from 6.30 pm at the Surya Temple. Also find the detailed programme schedules for Ranakpur Festival Events.
10th November: Bharat Natyam by
11th November: Kathak by Shobna Narayan
12th November: Bhajans by Shuba Mudgal
13th November : Performance by Rajasthani Folk Artists.
Two temples, dedicated to the Jain saints Parshavanath and Neminath, face the main temple. The temples have beautiful carvings similar to that of Khajuraho. Another temple worth visiting is 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. It speaks of a rich legacy in temple architecture.
Festivals
Ranakpur, a village located in Desuri tehsil near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan welcomes you all to the grand festival of 2011 “The Ranakpur Festival” starting from 10th to 13th November. Department of Tourism, Rajasthan, is organizing this festival which comprises of holy chanting, cultural programmes, conventional Kathak performances and Classical Bharat Natyam performances.
The evening cultural programme is scheduled to start from 6.30 pm at the Surya Temple. Also find the detailed programme schedules for Ranakpur Festival Events.
10th November: Bharat Natyam by
11th November: Kathak by Shobna Narayan
12th November: Bhajans by Shuba Mudgal
13th November : Performance by Rajasthani Folk Artists.
This is not all, every morning a free jungle safari will also be organized for the guests of Ranakpur Festival. Some of the other attractions of this festival would be the food and craft bazaar where a great mixture of several cultures and amazing art & craft would be seen and experienced.
Golden Triangle With Ranakpur Tour
| Destination : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Puhkar - Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur - Jaiselmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi | |
| Duration : 15 Nights - 16 Days | |
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The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying a large and diverse array of artefacts. Down steps from the entrance is the armoury museum exhibiting a huge collection of protective gear, weapons including the lethal two-pronged sword. The City Palace museum is then entered through the Ganesh Deori meaning the door of Lord Ganesh. 
Pichola Lake derives its name from Pichola Village was submerged and Maharana Udai Singh enlarged the lake after he founded the city. He built a masonry dam known as Badipol and lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide. This picturesque lake encloses the Jag Niwas Island and the Jag Mandir. And, the City Palace extends along its eastern banks.
Maharana Jai Sigh had built this picturesque artificial lake. It the second largest lake in Asia. The lake has elegant step leading to the water and marble Chhatri (cenotaphs) on its bank and a small Shiv temple marks the grace of the lake. On either side are the palaces built for the king favourite queens. The local tribe for Bhils still inhabit the island.
Pick Up From Jaipur Airport / Railway Station Upon arrival in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan and fondly known as the Pink City of India,Rajputana Tours representative will greet and assist to transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and relax at the hotel. After lunch at the hotel, proceed for half-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Drive through the Johari Bazaar to the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Visit the various museums inside the City Palace and the ancient observatory, Jantar Mantar. Pay a visit to the Govind Deoji Temple, housing the patron deity of Jaipur.
Day 06 : Jaisalmer (The Golden City) – Jodhpur ( Blue City ) ( 300 Km /5 hrs )
Day 12 : Chittorgarh – Ajmer – Pushkar( 200 km /4 hrs )
Pick Up From Jaipur Airport / Railway Station Upon arrival in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan and fondly known as the Pink City of India,Rajputana Tours representative will greet and assist to transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and relax at the hotel. After lunch at the hotel, proceed for half-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Drive through the Johari Bazaar to the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Visit the various museums inside the City Palace and the ancient observatory, Jantar Mantar. Pay a visit to the Govind Deoji Temple, housing the patron deity of Jaipur.