Monday, February 22, 2010

Jain Temple, Ranakpur


Ranakpur is known for the famous Jain Temple.It is about 80 Km from Udaipur and easily accessible by road. The Jain Temple is made from white marble with its high rising turrets visible from afar. It is said to have 1444 pillars; lore however goes that no one has been ever able to count the exact numbers of pillars. Each pillar is said to have an unique statue and every statue faces one or more other statues. The imposing entrance takes you into a really cool and calm place. Wonderful carving adorn every inch of the temple, the pillars, the walls even the ceiling.


This carving has been created from a single rock of marble. It is said that this carving has 108 snakes so entwined in their dance of life that one cannot find their tails. A similar carving is also part of the ceiling.



The typical ceiling dome has numerous geometrical patterns and different statues beautifully radiating from the center.


 

The experience in Ranakpur is one of its kind. Spend whatever time you may, it seems soo less. A must visit place while you are in Rajasthan. Oh and yes, as you leave the temple, take a moment, face the god and make a wish. The kalpataru carved in the ceiling will make it happen.

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