Ranakpur

Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important Jain pilgrimage. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region. It is situated around 60 km north of Udaipur in Pali district and boasts of one of the largest and most important Jain Temples in the country. The ambience of Ranakpur is mainly highlighted by the location and the almost divine architecture, giving the same hue as its counter part – the great Dilwara Temple’s. in Mt-Abu. Facing the main temple are the unique temples -Parasvanath – Neminath with exquisite figures carving similar to that Khujaraho sculptures. Another temple worth visiting is the nearby ‘Sun Temple’ dedicated to the ‘Sun God’ (Surya-the master of all the planets and the provider of light to the whole universe) adorned with polygonal wall, richly embellished with the carvings of warriors, horses and solar (Nakshatras, grahs’) deities riding splendid ‘chariots’ the vehicle of the ‘Sun God’- which accordingly to the Hindu Mythology is the God of prosperity and a shining destiny in this world. Many throng this shrine for these blessings. Overall Ranakpur is known as ‘ The tranquil pilgrimage town’. For the buffs a ride to the outskirts like ‘ Sadari’ – ‘Desuri’- ‘Ghanerao’- ‘Narhai’, serves the purpose of their satisfaction. There are several places of tourist attractions in Ranakpur, but it is the Jain temples that is the hub of activity.