Ranakpur

Ranakpur is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district, 23 km away from the Phalna railway station. To reach Ranakpur one has to pass through lush green valleys and streams and the heart capturing views drive away any fatigue of the journey. The Ranakpur Jain temples were built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns.

The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex

The central 'Chaumukh' or four faced temple is dedicated to the venerated the Tirthankara Rishabhji. Open on all four sides, it enshrines the four faces image of Adinath. Sprawling over 48,000 sq. feet, the temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars-all distinctly carved. 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 gentle breeze wafting through the corridors move the bells creating celestial music all around the complex. Rising in three storeys, the temple has four small shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns.

Excursions

Sadri (8 km): Sadri is famous for some beautiful temples and an old Dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar and the Chintamani Parasvanath temples are the most ancient of the temples situated here.

Desuri (16 km): Three temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata are among some noteworthy temples at Desuri. An old mosque situated here is also worth a visit. A temple dedicated to Parsuram Mahadeo,nestled in the hills, is also close by.

Ghanerao:Ghanerao abounds in and Hindu temples. Most notable is the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddesses Ridhi and Siddhi. Lord Hanuman and Bhairon guard the statue on either side.

Narlai (6 km): Lying at the base of a hillock, on the top of which is a colossal statue of an elephant, Narlai has many Hindu and Temples. The temple of Adinath is an ancient one. The outer 'mandap' of the temple has beautiful mural paintings on its ceiling which still retain their original splendor.

Muchhal Mahaveer: This temple is situated about 5 km from Ghanerao in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. Its distinctive feature is the statue of Lord Mahavira with a moustache. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateways are splendid examples of architecture. In the vicinity are the Garasia tribal villages famous for their colorful costumes.

Falna (35 km): The railhead for Ranakpur, Falna has some beautiful temples too.