Ranakpur which is a small town that is ensconced by the Aravalli ranges in the western Indian state of Rajasthan is synonymous with the Ranakpur Jain Temple. The Jain temple stands like a white pearl surrounded by the lush Aravalli ranges, a lodestone that draws devout Jain pilgrims as well as connoisseurs of architecture. The Jain temple is usually swarming with visitors, and it was the case when we went there too. But if you walk about 350 meters, standing by the side of the road that leads to Udaipur is a small temple with a handful of visitors. The Ranakpur Sun Temple stands in the shadow of the exquisite grandeur of the bigger Jain temple. The Ranakpur Jain Temple complex itself houses three main temples which include the main temple dedicated to Adinatha or Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara of Jainism. The other temples are the Neminath Derasar or Neminath Temple, the Parshavnath Derasar or temple, while the Ranakpur sun temple, also known as Surya Narayan temple is located outside the complex and on the main road.
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Ranakpur Sun Temple, Rajasthan – Standing In Solitary Splendour
The Sun temple of Ranakpur is a welcome break from the crowds swarming inside the marbled and many pillared corridors of the main temple. The security guard at the Parshavnath Derasar directs us to the Sun temple in Ranakpur saying, “it is just a little walk from here, do not miss it as it is more than 1000 years old while the other temples are here are about 600 years old”.
We take the wide pathway exactly opposite to the steps that lead to the main Chaturmukha Jain Temple and cross an iron gate to reach the road that runs within the premises of the Ranakpur Jain Temple Complex. We pass by the Neminath Temple towards our right and exit out from another gate to the main road that leads to Udaipur, A few meters ahead stands the Sun temple Ranakpur. In fact, this was the first temple we noticed when we entered the town of Ranakpur.
“Shri Sura Narayan Mandir”, says a weathered board in Hindi at the entrance to the Sun temple in Ranakpur. This, of course, refers to the Sun God who is the presiding deity of the temple. The board also informs that the temple is managed by the Eklingji Trust. This trust was created in 1955 by the late Maharana Shri Bhupalsinghji of Mewar (Udaipur) with the aim of managing the worship and upkeep of the famous and historic Eklingji Temple near Udaipur as well as other temples in Mewar. The main deity of the Eklingji temple is the principal deity of the Maharanas of Mewar. The Sun temple is managed by the Udaipur Royal family trust, the Eklingji Trust.
As well laid out driveway flanked by trees and colorful bougainvillea creepers leads from the gate into the premises of the temple. The hills of the Aravalli range peep from the distance. The temple faces east which is but natural considering that the temple is dedicated to the Sun. Sun temples have always fascinated us, be it the massive magnificence of the Konark Sun temple in Odisha or the understated elegance of the Katarmal Sun temple in Uttarakhand, hence it was with deep interest and curiosity that we made our way towards the Sun temple at Ranakpur Rajasthan.
The Architecture of The Sun Temple Lohargal
The Sun Temple at Ranakpur Rajasthan is built in the classic Nagara style of architecture, a style of classic Hindu temple architecture that is different from the Dravidian architectural style of the South Indian temples. The Nagara style is predominant in the temples of North India. In keeping with this style, the Ranakpur Surya mandir or Sun temple is built on a raised stone platform with no boundary walls. Steps lead to the temple and right above the sanctum sanctorum rises the characteristic Shikhara, another prominent feature of the Nagara style of architecture.
The Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple has an octagonal Mandapa in front of it, six ornamental balconies supported by pillars, three on the left and three on the right, make up the Mandapa. In front of this Mandapa is a veranda like structure with pillars supporting it. The exterior of the temple has exquisite carvings that are a visual delight. Made in white limestone the temple has retained much of its elegance and beauty over the years.
It was a real pleasure to appreciate the simple but exquisite beauty of the temple. The cool wind blowing from across the Aravalli mountains and the peaceful aura that draped the place benignly added to the magic of the moment.
The beautiful carvings that adorn the outer walls of the temple are indeed a sight to behold. Well preserved figures of various Hindu deities and celestial being look down upon you. The figures of the Sun God and his horses are of course seen prominently on the walls.
History Of The Sun Temple
Inside the temple is the statue of the Sun God. The priest at the temple informs is that the idol of the Sun God is about a thousand years old while the temple itself is around 600 years old. Not much information is available about the history of the Ranakpur Sun Temple, however, it is believed that it was originally constructed sometime in the 13th century and later rebuilt in the 15th century.
Udaipur to Ranakpur Map
How To Get To The Surya Narayan Temple in Ranakpur
- The Ranakpur Sun Temple is located on the Rajasthan State Highway No. 32 in Lohargal, Ranakpur, Rajasthan
- The Sun Temple is at a distance of about 93 kilometers from Udaipur
- The nearest airport is the Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur at a distance of about 106 kilometers
- Kumbhalgarh known for its Fort is at a distance of about 33 kilometers from the Sun Temple in Ranakpur
Where To Stay In Ranakpur
Are you planning a trip to Ranakpur in Rajasthan, India and thinking about booking a hotel or resort in Ranakpur? You can book flights and hotels right here. Be it hotels in Ranakpur or hotels in Udaipur or the best resorts in Ranakpur or resorts in Udaipur or anywhere in India or throughout the world, you can book them right here. You can book your hotels/resorts in Ranakpur or anywhere else through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Expedia or Makemytrip and accrue huge savings.
You can book an online Ranakpur tour from Udaipur and can also book any of the popular activities in Udaipur.
If you are looking for hotels or resorts in Ranakpur, do check out Ranakpur Hill Resort, a beautiful resort in Ranakpur.
Driving to Ranakpur, Rajasthan, India
If you are looking at getting the best deals on car rental in Ranakpur or Udaipur, India, then look no further. You can rent a car in Delhi to explore and experience Udaipur, Ranakpur, and places around Udaipur. If you have a valid Indian driving license then you could rent a self-drive car from Delhi. Ranakpur is an ideal day trip from Udaipur. One can do a day trip from Udaipur or can club it with the visit to Kumbalgarh Fort from Udaipur.
Where And What To Eat When Visiting The Sun Temple
There is a small restaurant within the Ranakpur Jain Temple Complex that serves light snacks and hot beverages. The snacks are Indian snacks like Kachori, Papdi, Sev, etc., as well as biscuits, coffee, and tea. Lunch is also served in the Jain Temple complex in the afternoons.
Tips For Visiting The Sun Temple
- The best time to visit the temple is during the winter months as Rajasthan can be unbearable hot during summers
- Currently, there is no entrance fee to visit the Ranakpur Sun temple
- Photography is allowed outside the temple but is prohibited inside it
- Do note that the Sun Temple is not a part of the Ranakpur Jain Temple complex and is only located near it
- Make sure to visit the Ranakpur Sun Temple when you visit the Ranakpur Jain Temple
The afternoon sun shone from behind the Shikhara of the Ranakpur Sun Temple as we turned away from it. The sunlight seemed to be caressing the temple protectively as if it were it’s own.
Have you visited the Ranakpur Sun Temple? Do share your thoughts about it through our comments section. If you have not visited the Ranakpur Sun Temple, then we hope this Ranakpur Sun Temple blog post helps you when you do plan a visit. However, if you need any more information or clarifications, do get in touch with us through any of our communication channels.
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