Do you know of the amazing Ranakpur Jain Temple mysteries and facts? The Ranakpur Jain Temple is one of the most beautiful and sacred of the Jain temples of India? Ranakpur Jain Temple is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan and is a stunning example of the exquisite and intricate carvings that one generally associates with Jain temple architecture.

Here are 15 amazing Ranakpur Jain temple mysteries and facts, that are sure to astound you. They are also amazing reasons to visit the Ranakpur Jain temple. For more information about the temple, you can check our detailed and complete guide to visiting the Ranakpur Jain temple in Rajasthan, India.

Ranakpur Jain Temple Mysteries And

Ranakpur Jain Temple Facts

The Ranakpur Jain Temple is located about 93 kilometres from the beautiful city of lakes, Udaipur. The temple has continued to enthral visitors for centuries with its stunning design, architecture, history, legends, and mysteries. The temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinatha or Rishabhanatha. The main temple is also known as the Chaumukha temple. Apart from this main temple, there are the temples of Parshwanatha and Neminatha inside the temple campus, and an ancient sun temple just outside the campus.

Here are some amazing Ranakpur Jain temple mysteries and facts that are guaranteed to pique your interest, and make you pack your bags to visit Ranakpur Jain Temple in Rajasthan.

15 Ranakpur Jain Temple Mysteries – A Saga In Marble

So without much ado, we present here some Ranakpur Jain Temple mysteries and facts. These are also compelling reasons for you to visit Ranakpur Jain Temple, one of the must-visit wonders of Rajasthan.

1. Ranakpur Jain Temple Pillars – Enduring Magnificence

The temple is renowned for its stunning architecture. The unique aspect of the temple is without a doubt its 1444 pillars. These pillars with exquisite carvings have stood the test of time and are a glowing tribute to the skill of the men who designed and crafted them, centuries ago. You shall find it remarkable to note that no two of these 1444 pillars are alike. Each one of them is embellished with different designs and motifs. Another noteworthy point that will amaze you is that in spite of the maze of pillars, the sanctum sanctorum can be seen from any point in the temple.

2. The Mystery of The Missing Torans 

When you are at the Ranakpur Jain Temple, you will be awed by the intricate carving and design of 3 Torans that have been carved from single slabs of sandstone. These Torans adorn the inner halls of the temple. It is believed that there were 108 of these beautiful Torans. Then where are the remaining 105?

In the 17th century, the Ranakpur Jain Temple was desecrated and plundered by the forces of Aurangzeb, and the Torans were destroyed during this mayhem.

3. The Changing Colours Of The Pillars – Ranakpur Jain Temple Mysteries

The magnificent pillars of the temple assume a surreal hue with the changing light. The natural daylight that falls on the pillars bathe them in different colours ranging from golden to pale blue, depending on the time of the day.

4. The Mystery of The Incomplete Pillar – Ranakpur Jain Temple Mysteries Explained

In the enticing maze of pillars that you will find at the Ranakpur Jain Temple, you will find one that stands incomplete! There is a wonderful legend associated with this incomplete pillar. The story goes that Rana Kumbha who ruled over Mewar had provided the land for the construction of the temple. He had wanted a huge pillar to be built in his name.

However, a miracle of sorts happened. Every day, the pillar would collapse after the workers had left for the night. As this went on repeatedly, Rana Kumbha realized that this was a providential lesson for him to overcome his ego. He ordered that the pillar be left incomplete, as a sign of the defeat of his ego. This is the mystery of the incomplete Pillar of the Ranakpur Jain Temple Rajasthan.

5. Can You Spot The Image of Dharna Shah Who Built The Ranakpur Jain Temple?

The fabulous Ranakpur Jain Temple was the dream of a Jain Merchant named Dharna Shah, he was the driving force behind the construction of the temple. The massive and majestic temple complex is a standing tribute to the vision of Dharna Shah. There is a very small image of Dharna Shah carved on a pillar from which the main deity inside the sanctum is visible. This speaks volumes for the humility of the man who was the driving force behind the construction of one of the most magnificent temples on earth.

6. Can You Spot The Man Who Gave Shape To The Ranakpur Jain Temple?

If Dharna Shah was the brain behind the concept of the Ranakpur Jain Temple, it was an architect named Depa Shah who gave shape to Dharna Shah’s vision. A small image of Depa Shah is also carved on one of the pillars inside the temple.

7. The Mystery of The Imperfect Pillar of Ranakpur Jain Temple

The symmetry and design of the Ranakpur Jain Temple looks perfect, well almost! If you look carefully, you shall find one pillar that is slightly askew. You may wonder about this little imperfection in an otherwise perfect example of architectural design. However, the pillar in question has been deliberately built slightly askew, to ward of the effects of the “evil eye,” according to local and traditional belief.

8. The Legend of The Rayan Tree – Ranakpur Jain Temple Mysteries And Facts

In one of the open courtyards inside the Chaumukha temple, there stands an ancient Rayan tree (Manilkara hexandra), believed to be 400 years old. This Rayan tree is a symbolic representation of the Rayan tree under which Adinatha the first Tirthankara gained enlightenment at the Shatrunjaya Hills.

9. The 1008-Headed Serpent Sahasrafana – Unique Carving

There is an intricately carved sculpture of Bhagwan Parshwanath that depicts the hood of the 1008 headed serpent called Sahasrafana. The 1008 heads and the tail is so intricately carved that it is impossible to trace the end of the tail.

10. Akbar At The Temple – Amazing Ranakpur Jain Temple Mysteries and Facts

What has Akbar got to do with a Jain temple? you may wonder, but if you look carefully, you will discover an image of Akbar within the Ranakpur Jain Temple. Akbar who was deeply influenced by the spiritual philosophy of Jainism visited the temple in the 16th century. He was enamoured with the beauty of the temple and had an inscription put up, that read, “No one shall be allowed to destroy this jewel of architecture.”

11. Is It A UFO or A Plane? – Amazing Design of Ranakpur Jain Temple

If you look at the design of the Ranakpur Jain Temple, it is sure to baffle you with its shape. If you are wondering what the design means, it represents what is known as Nalinigulma Vimana, a mythical flying palace that according to Jain cosmology is part of the 12th heaven.

12. Did You Know That There Are No Lights Inside The Ranakpur Jain Temple?

The mastery of the architect who designed the Ranakpur Jain Temple shines through in many ways. One of the innovative aspects of the temple is the skilful use of natural light that provides light inside the temple all throughout the day. You may be surprised to know that there are no electric lights inside the temple. After nightfall oil lamps are used inside the temple.

13. No Walls, Only Pillars – Amazing Ranakpur Jain Temple Mysteries

The massive temple, a magnificent wonder in marble, stands entirely on the 1444 pillars that support it. There are no supporting walls inside the Chaumukha temple.

14. The Male And Female Bells At Ranakpur Jain Temple

Two temple bells that weigh 250 Kgs. each, hang in front of the sanctum sanctorum. One of these bells is a female bell and the other a male bell. How to identify which one is male and which one is female? If that is your question, the answer lies in the sound produced by each bell. The one that produces softer notes is termed as a ” Female bell,” and the one that produces louder notes is termed as a “Male Bell.”

15. The Ranakpur Jain Temple Was Lost To The World For 2 Centuries

Did you know that the beautiful temple that is the object of admiration of millions today was lost to the world for about 2 centuries? The temple was ransacked and desecrated by the forces of Aurangzeb in the 17th century, after which it was abandoned and lay desolate and covered by wild vegetation.

It became the habitat of wild animals, and people stopped going there, the temple lay at the mercy of the elements. It was only in the early part of the 20th century that the temple was restored by Seth Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, that has been managing the temple since then.

We are sure that these amazing Ranakpur Jain temple mysteries and facts have left you wonder- stuck and you are rearing to get to this temple to see for yourself, this architectural wonder of India.

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