Ranakpur Jain Temple: Adi Nath Tempel
Ranakpur: The Tempel of Jain pilgrimage
Surrounded by forests, at the foot of the Aravalli Mountains, lies Ranakpur Tempel, a place of pilgrimage for the Jains. In the afternoon you will visit the Jain temple. This impressive masterpiece of architecture and stonemasonry was created in the 15th century. The construction of the white marble complex took over 50 years and cost a huge fortune. From a nearby hill there is a great view of the temple complex with its domes and many towers with waving flags. A high wall encloses the pilgrimage site, each of the 4 sides of which is interrupted by an entrance. The main entrance is on the western side. From the 4 entrances, rows of magnificently decorated columns lead to the sanctuary, which is located in the center of the temple. The deity, represented in 4 figures, faces the cardinal points. The central sanctuary is surrounded by 84 larger and smaller shrines, which hold subordinate deities in their niches. 1444 columns support the 29 roofs and domes of the temple halls, each of the richly decorated columns is unique. The dome ceilings, which seem to float at great heights, are decorated with an abundance of magnificent ornaments and figures. Everywhere on beams, capitals and shrines one discovers finely chiseled plastic figures and imaginative ornaments. The division of the rooms and floors is an architectural masterpiece. The many open areas allow light to flow into the halls and the alternation of light and shadow creates a unique cosmos.