About Ranakpur Jain Temple
The Ranakpur Jain Temple, formally called the Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara, lies in a quiet valley of the Aravalli hills in Pali district, Rajasthan. It is dedicated to Rishabhanatha, also called Adinatha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism. It is one of the largest and most important Jain temples in India and is visited both by Jain pilgrims and by travellers who come to admire its luminous marble halls.
The temple was built in the 15th century by Dharna Shah, a Jain merchant and minister, with the support of Rana Kumbha of Mewar, from whom the place takes its name. Work is generally said to have begun around 1437 CE under the architect Deepaka and continued for several decades. Tradition says Dharna Shah was inspired by a dream of a celestial vehicle, the nalini gulma vimana, and wanted the temple to recreate it. The temple remains an active place of Jain worship.
The temple is designed as a chaturmukha, or four-faced, shrine: the central sanctum holds a fourfold image of Rishabhanatha facing the four directions, so that the Tirthankara can be seen from every entrance. Around it rise several levels of halls, domes and smaller shrines. The interior is famous for its great number of carved marble pillars, popularly counted at 1,444, which are said to be carved differently from one another. Other highlights include a stone panel of Parshvanatha shielded by a many-headed serpent, ornate ceilings, and light that shifts through the halls during the day.
Ranakpur Jain Temple timings & aarti
Jain devotees can usually worship from early morning. Other visitors are usually allowed from about 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja (for Jain devotees) | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Ranakpur Jain Temple
By air
Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur, is about 90 km away.
By train
Falna railway station is about 35 km away; Udaipur City station is about 95 km away.
By road
Ranakpur is linked by road to Udaipur, Sadri and Jodhpur. Many visitors come as a day trip from Udaipur, often combined with Kumbhalgarh Fort.
Festivals at Ranakpur Jain Temple
- Mahavir JayantiMar/Apr
- ParyushanaAug/Sep
- Diwali (Mahavira Nirvana)Oct/Nov
- Kartik PurnimaOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required; shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed. Leather items are not permitted inside, and footwear is left outside.
- Entry
- Free for worshippers. Tourists may need an entry ticket and a camera fee set by the temple management; check at the gate.
- Reach around noon, when the temple opens to non-Jain visitors, and allow at least an hour inside.
- Use the audio guide or a local guide to find the special carvings among the many pillars.
- Do not carry leather items, food or tobacco into the temple.
- Follow the notices at the gate on dress and conduct; temple staff enforce them strictly.
- Plan the drive in daylight; the hill roads around Ranakpur are winding.
Places to visit near Ranakpur Jain Temple
- Surya Narayan Temple, RanakpurSun temple with carved chariot and horse motifs, about 1 km away
- Parshvanatha and Neminatha templesSmaller Jain temples within the Ranakpur complex, a short walk away
- Kumbhalgarh FortHill fort of Rana Kumbha with very long walls, about 50 km away
- UdaipurCity of lakes and palaces, about 90 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Ranakpur Jain Temple timings for tourists?
Non-Jain visitors are usually allowed from about 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Mornings are reserved for Jain worship.
How many pillars does Ranakpur Temple have?
The temple is popularly said to have 1,444 carved marble pillars, each carved differently.
Which deity is worshipped at Ranakpur?
The main deity is Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), the first Jain Tirthankara, shown as a four-faced image facing all directions.
Who built the Ranakpur Jain Temple?
It was built in the 15th century by the Jain merchant Dharna Shah with the support of Rana Kumbha of Mewar, with Deepaka as architect.
How far is Ranakpur from Udaipur?
Ranakpur is about 90 km from Udaipur, roughly a two-hour drive.
What is the aarti time at Ranakpur Jain Temple?
Morning puja (for Jain devotees): Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Ranakpur Jain Temple?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required; shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed. Leather items are not permitted inside, and footwear is left outside.
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