Jain Temple, Ranakpur

Jain Temple at Ranakpur carved in amber stone is of exceptional beauty. This temple dates back to period anywhere between the late 14th to mid-15th centuries. Dedicated to Adinatha, the temple occupies an area of approximately 60 x 62 meters. 

The temple, with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill. The construction of the temple and quadrupled image symbolize the Tirthankara's conquest of the four cardinal directions and hence the cosmos.

Entering the temple one is overwhelmed by the the lavish abundance of marvelous stonemason works on white marble. There are four subsidiary shrines, 24 pillared halls.

There are totally 1444 columns each from one piece and all rich decorated with most elaborate sculptures. The pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same.

Carvings in the ceilings are not alike. There are approximately 6 big ceilings and many more smaller ones. The carvings in the big ceiling are amazing and they are very different from each other.