Location of Ranakpur Jain Temples, History of Ranakpur Jain Temples, Architecture of Ranakpur Jain Temples.
Location of Ranakpur Jain Temples:
This magnificent and World famous Temple Complex is situated at a distance of 35 Km from Falna Railway Station and 8 Km from town Sadari in town Ranakpur, District Pali, Rajasthan. It is situated in the Aravalli hill ranges near the Maghai river, amidst lush green valleys and heart capturing natural beauty.
History of Ranakpur Jain Temples:
It is one of the biggest, one of the most beautiful and one of the five most important Jain Temple Complexes in India.
It was established by Sheth Sanghavi Dharana Shah and his younger brother Ratna Shah, the advisors of King Rana Kumbha of Mewar (1433-1468 A.D.). The land for the Temple was provided by the King at the request of these brothers. They saw in a dream the God’s place of residence named Nalinigulm Vimana (the heavenly aircraft which is believed to be in the 12th devlok.) That shape has been given to this temple. Its architecture was designed by Dipa Shilpi, an architect of Village Mundara. The foundation stone of this architectural marvel was laid in the year 1439 A.D. and it was completed in 65 years.
Architecture of Ranakpur Jain Temples:
Its foundation is 35 feet deep under the ground and the temple is at a height of 102 feet from the ground. Its basement is of 48,000 Sq. feet area that covers the whole Temple complex. It is 313 feet in breadth and 290 feet in length and still has provisions for air and light, which is a surprise for the architects of the whole World. Also in the Winter Season, one does not feel cold in the temple and in the Summer Season, one feels cold in the temple. It has one main Shrine and four subsidiary Shrines, 24 pillared-halls and 80 domes supported by more than 400 columns.
The entire Complex is on the pillars, which are 1444 in number and no walls have been built in the entire Complex, which is again an architectural wonder. All the pillars are intricately and artistically carved and have figures of the dancing Goddesses engraved on them. But no two pillars are alike in design and sculpture, which is an architectural wonder. Another remarkable thing of the temple is the wonderful play of light and shade on these 1444 pillars. As the sun rays shift through the day, the pillar’s colour changes from gold to pale blue in the prayer hall.
Apart from the pillars, every surface bears intricate carvings. The detailed and intricate carvings on the marble looks like lace work rather than stone carving. The ceilings of the temples are carved with foliate scrollwork and geometric patterns. The domes are carved in concentric bands and the brackets which connect the base of the dome with the top are covered with figures of deities. Seven metals have been used in this Temple Complex – gold, silver and bells made of metal, brass, lead, copper, zinc etc. This temple has 84 idols suggesting that 84 rotations of the wheel of this world can be got rid of here. There are two big bells, each weighing around 108 kg, in the assembly hall whose sound cold be heard in any part of the Complex.
The Temple follows a cruciform plan with four entrances, one on each side. Each entrance leads through a series of pillared halls into the centre and then to the Sanctum Sanctorum where the 180 cm high, four-faced white marble idol of Lord Adinath (the 1st Tirthankar of Jains) is installed in Padmasana posture. So this Central Temple which is the main Shrine is known as Chaumukha (four is known as Chau or Char in Hindi and face is known as mukha in Hindi) Temple. The Sanctum Sanctorum is surrounded by several other smaller shrines and domes. These are in turn surrounded by a range of cells (niches) for the Tirthankara images, each of which has a roof and a shikhar (spire) of its own. The spire that surmounts the main Chaumukha Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath, is the largest one.
The main gate of the Temple is towards the Western Side. On entering the temple, the statue of the architect is located towards the right and towards the left, is the statue of Dharana Shah, made in a pillar. The Rayan tree which was planted by Dharna Shah 500 years ago, exists even today. The idols of the feet of Lord Risabhdev are there to remind us that Lord Risabhdev had attained omniscience under a Rayan tree. It is said that King Rana Kumbha wanted to make Kirtistambh for his fame, but it was not completed and is called adhuro thambhalo (incomplete pillar).
The Other Temples which are situated within this Temple Complex are :
The Lord Parshavnath Temple – It was built in the mid 15th Century A.D. and is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar of Jains. It is famous for its engraved windows adorned with Jain figures.
The Lord Neminath Temple – It is situated near the Temple of Lord Parshavnath and is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankar of Jains. It is adorned with beautiful carvings of Jain figures.
The Sun Temple – It is situated 300 meters to the side of the main Temple and is believed to have been built in the 13th Century A.D. It was renovated in the 15th Century A.D. It consists of a Sanctum Sanctorum crowned with a spire and an octagonal mandap which has six verandas. All the pillars of the mandap which are 144 in number, are elegantly carved with each pillar having its own design and sculpture and the toranas are beautifully sculpted. The Temple has innumerable wall projections with circular structure. This Temple presents the pleasing sight of Lord Surya driving his chariot having seven horses.
The Chakreshwaridevi Temple
The Temple Complex provides the facilities of a huge Dharmshala and Bhojanshala. The guest houses owned by the Government of Rajasthan are also located nearby.
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