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- Destinations
- Asia
- India
- Udaipur
- Jain Temples of Ranakpur
Jain Temples of Ranakpur
Forty miles (60km) north of Udaipur are the Jain temples of
Ranakpur. It is the largest temple complex of its kind in India,
and boasts some truly staggering marble work - easily on a par with
any in Asia. The main temple was built in 1439, and is dedicated to
the first tirthankara Adinath, whose image is enshrined in its
central sanctuary. The temple is two or three storeys high in
parts, and its roof, topped with five large shikharas, undulates
with tiny spires that crown the small shrines to Jain saints lining
the temple walls. Within are 1444 pillars, each sculpted with
unique and intricate designs, and dissecting the 29 halls. The
carving on the walls, columns and the domed ceilings is superb.
Friezes depicting the life of the tirthankara are etched into the
walls, while musicians and dancers have been modelled out of
brackets between the pillars and the ceiling. While exploring the
temples at Ranakpur, visitors may see Jain monks walking about with
masks on their faces to avoid eating insects: the most important
teaching of Jainism is 'Ahimsa', meaning non-violence, and this is
applied to all sentient beings. Many monks also carry a brush to
sweep surfaces to avoid standing on bugs. Ranakpur's isolated
position means it is not on the major tourist trail, but it makes a
good stop for those travelling between Jaipur and Udaipur.
Information & Facts
Address
Language
Although English is generally used for official and
business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by
about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common
with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official
languages
Money
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into
100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at
banks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is impossible to
obtain rupees outside India, but no matter what time you arrive in
India there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It is
illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is
advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart
from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small
denominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely
accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs
are not generally available.
Opening Times
Open daily, from 12pm to 5pm