There is a four-faced Jain temple of Lord Shri 1008 Adinath in Ranakpur surrounded by forests on all sides in the middle of the valleys of the Aravalli Mountains in Rajasthan. Being surrounded by forests, the grandeur of this temple is made on sight. Its building is probably the grandest and largest among the Jain temples of India. Ranakpur Temple is at a distance of 96 Kms from Udaipur. 

The building of this temple is spread over an area of about 40,000 square feet. The construction work of this temple started in 1446 Vikram Samvat, about 600 years ago, which lasted for more than 50 years. It is said that around 99 lakh rupees were spent in its construction at that time. 

This temple has 4 artistic entrances. In the main house of the temple there are 4 huge idols of Tirthankara Adinath made of marble. These idols, about 72 inches high, are facing 4 different directions. That is why it is called 'Chaturmukh Temple'. called.

The main feature of this temple is its hundreds of pillars, which number about 1,444. Wherever you look, you see pillars of small and big sizes, but these pillars have been made in such a way that if you look from anywhere, you can see the 'darshan' of the main holy site. does not hinder. These pillars have exquisite carvings. The special feature of these pillars is that they are all unique and made of different artefacts. The carvings on the roof of the temple are a symbol of its excellence. 

While the temple builders have constructed an artistic two-storey building, several basements have also been built anticipating a crisis in the future. Sacred idols can be kept safe in these cellars. These cellars show the constructional vision of the builders of the temple.

In Vikram Samvat 1953, the responsibility of maintaining this temple was given to a trust. He skillfully carried out the restoration work of the temple and gave it a new look. The stone carvings are so magnificent that many eminent craftsmen describe it as one of the wonders of the world. Every year thousands of art lovers come to see this temple. Apart from this, there are also footprints of Lord Rishabhdev on a piece of marble. These are reminiscent of the teachings of Lord Rishabhdev and Shatrunjaya.

How Ranakpur was built- This temple was built by 4 devotees – Acharya Shyamsundarji, Dharan Shah, Kumbha Rana and Depa. Acharya Somasundar was a religious leader while Kumbha Rana was the Raja of Malgarh and Dharan Shah was his minister. Dharan Shah, inspired by religious tendencies, had decided to build a temple of Lord Rishabhdev. 

It is said that one night he had 'Nalinigulma Vimana' in his dream. , which is considered to be the most beautiful of the sacred planes. Dharan Shah decided to build a temple on the lines of this aircraft. Dharan Shah invited many architects to build the temple. He did not like any of the plans presented by him. Eventually he was satisfied with the plan of Deepak, a simple architect from Mundara.

The Malgarh king Kumbha Rana gave land to Dharan Shah for the construction of the temple. He also suggested the establishment of a town near the temple. A village named Madgi near the temple was chosen for this and the construction of the temple and the city started simultaneously. In the name of King Kumbha Rana, it is called 'Ranpur'. Said, which was later called 'Rankpur'. became famous by the name of Today's Ranakpur also gives a message about the old heritage and those who preserved it, due to which Ranakpur was able to turn into reality with just an idea.

Anyway Rajasthan is famous for its grand monuments and buildings. Ranakpur Temple located in Rajas' Thana is one of the 5 major pilgrimage centers of Jainism. This temple is famous for its beautifully carved ancient Jain temples. There are 2 temples dedicated to Neminath and Parshvanath around the temple complex, which remind us of Khajuraho. The pictures of warriors and horses are carved on the walls of the Sun Temple built here, which is a classic example in itself. There is also a temple of Mata Amba at a distance of about 1 kilometer from here.

How to Reach :- 

Roads- Udaipur is well connected to the major cities of the country through roads. Private buses and taxis are available from Udaipur to here. You can also go here by your own private vehicle. 

Railways- The nearest railway station to reach here is Udaipur, as well as trains to Ranakpur from all major cities are available.

Air Road- Nearest airport to reach Ranakpur is Udaipur. There are regular flights from Delhi‍Li, Mumbai.

Nearby areas are also famous Jain temple of Pavapuri Sirohi, Sanghvi Bherutarak Teerth Dham, Mount Abu, Dilwara which are easily accessible‍