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Climate
: [ Summer : 42.00 degree C - 22.0 degree C, Winter : 20.0 degree
C 10.6 degree C ], Rainfall : 55 cms, Best
Season : sep-mar, Clothing : Summer-light
tropical/Winter light woollen, Languages : English,
Hindi, Rajasthani
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The tranquil pilgrimage town of the Jains renowned for some marvellously
carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five
holy places of the Jain community. 60-km from Udaipur; these temples
were built in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha
and are enclosed within a wall. The central 'Chaumukha' or four-faced
temple is dedicated to the venerated Tirthankara Rishabhji. Open
on all four sides, it enshrines the four-faced image of Adinath.
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 porticos in
a corridor around the shrine with each 'mandap' having a 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. Two
temples, dedicated to the Jain saints - Parsvanath and Neminath,
face the main temple. The temples have beautiful carvings similar
to that of Khajuraho. Another temple worth visiting the nearby
Sun Temple, an 8th century AD temple dedicated to the Sun god.
The temple has polygonal walls, richly embellished with carvings
of warriors, horses and solar deities riding splendid chariots.
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EXCURSIONS
- Temples
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Sadra (8 km) : Famous for beautiful temples and
an old Dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar Temple and the
Chintamani Parsvanath Jain Temple are the most ancient of the
temples situated here.
Desuri (16 km) : Three Jain temples, dedicated to Lord
Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata are among some noteworthy temples
at Desuri. A temple dedicated to Parsurama Mahadeo, nestled in
the hills, is also closeby. It is situated in the Kumbhalgarh
tehsil of Rajsamand.
Ghanerao : Ghanerao abounds in Jain and Hindu temples.
Most notable is the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue
of the goddesses Ridhi and Sidhi. The statue is guarded by Hanuman
and Bhairon 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 Jain 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 splendour.
Muchhal Mahaveer : This Jain temple is situated about
5 kms 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 colourful costumes.
Falna (35 km) : The railhead for Ranakpur Falna has some
beautiful temples too.
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FORTS
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Kumbhalgarh : The imposing fort a principal bastion
of Mewar after Chittorgarh. has some interesting Jain temples.
WILDLIFE
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: The 586 sq. kms sanctuary supports
a rich variety of wildlife. Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Four-Horned
Antelope and scientifically bred Crocodiles in the lake, are the
major attractions.
