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Ranakpur
"The excellency of every art is its intensity, capable of making all disagreeable evaporate." This inspiring quote from John Keats truly reflects the passion and intricate style in which temples at Ranakpur have been built.
HISTORICAL GLORY
Located in the backdrop of Aravali hills, Ranakpur assuredly stands on the banks of the Maghai River. The place is enclosed within a wall and was built in the 15th century. It is considered as one of the five holy places of the Jain community. It was constructed during the reign of Rana Kumbha.
ARCHITECTURAL QUOTIENT
The matchless design of the Jain temples is the hallmark of the place. The temples are marvelously made with amber stones. The central Chaumukha [four faced temple] is dedicated to Adinathji. The temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars. The uniqueness lies in the fact that all are rare in their carvings and none of them are identical. This was done intentionally. This adds to the charm and mystery of the place.
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'. Many throng this shrine for these blessings.
Ranakpur is famously known as 'The tranquil pilgrimage town.'
Images of 24 tirthankaras are carved on the 'Mandaps' or porticoes in a corridor around the shrine with each mandap having a 'Shikhar' or spire adorned with little bells on the top. The nature keeps its tempo and ring the bells with every waft of passing wind.
Rising in three stories, the temple has four small shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns.
The courtyard outside the temple complex is huge and devoid of stalls and vendors. This gives an individual the view and peace to have a clear view of the temple.
The place immediately engulfs you in a dream like world with its supremacy and attitude of design. The place transfers you to a celestial world with its maidens and playful nymphs that clung to the ceilings, walls and pillars and rejoice in the glory and divinity of the Jain saints, or Tirthankaras, enshrined in the temple.
The whole place was designed as a chakra, or wheel, with four spokes radiating out of the central altar. It comprises of five spires, 20 domes, 29 halls and 420 pillars. Every ounce of material used in the making has ornate carvings. The direction and inclination of the structure is such that it bathes in the luster of natural light.
One intriguing little panel depicts two men who, according to local belief, represent Dharnasah, the man who built the temple and Depa, the sculptor who designed it.
"As long as I retain my feeling and my passion for Nature, I can partly soften or subdue my other passions and resist or endure those of others." Lord Byron.
The beauty of Ranakpur in the womb of nature cannot be resisted.
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