The famous Jain shrines of Ranakpur are located between Jodhpur and Udaipur. In a valley of lush green, the marble temples stand out like a gleaming white jewel. Considered one of India’s largest and most important Jain pilgrimage sites, the gloriously sculptured main temple called the Adinath Temple is a three-storeyed marble edifice perched on an elevated plinth.
The unadorned exterior of Ranakpur’s Jain temples contrasts with architectural complexity and intricate ornamentation of the assembly halls and shrines. The unusual four-sided complex design, features 29 halls, 80 domes, and 1444 individually engraved pillars. The interior is completely covered in detailed carvings and is noted for its sense of calm and harmony. Four huge luminous marble images of Adinath face the cardinal directions in the sanctum sanctorum.
The other two temples are dwarfed by the main temple but also exhibit some exquisite carvings and pierced stone-work. Nearby is an older temple dedicated to the Sun God.
