Ranakpur
VISIT Ranakpur Jain Temple
EXPLORE Kumbhalgarh Fort
Julio
We drove and drove through more of the wilderness of Rajasthan to the Jain temple of Ranakpur. Along the way we encountered many farmers with theie flocks, families on scooters and dry desert landscapes. Finally, we came to what looked like a temple from another planet. The shapes, sheer size and vibration were other worldly. Intricate carvings, artistry and chambers lead to room after room of altars and temples. Built in the 15th century, the temple is dedicated to the first Tirthankara (or teacher/avatar) of Jainism Rishabhanatha (kind of like Vishnu - the Preserver in Hinduism) who is the patron saint of the impressive complex. It was a site to behold and along with the miniature temple in Ajmer we just saw, I was beginning a fascination with the architecture of Jain temples and the unorthodox religion and its origins.
