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| Ranakapur Temple exterior carvings |
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Ranakapur, site of four sizable Jain Temples and many smaller ones, sits nestled in a valley just off the road between Udaipur to the south and Jodpur to the north. It makes a perfect spot to break the long trip between cities. A place of pilgrimage for many Jain people, Chaumukha Temple, the largest Temple, translates to four faced, so named for the God in the center shrine and faces each of the four directions. The Jain community is known for its austere lifestyle, resulting in accumulated wealth, much of it invested in these incredibly detailed Temples. With 20 domes, 29 halls and 1,441 columns, each carved in a unique design, Chaumukha is a marvel to view. Beautiful ceiling designs, several of which evidence the cycle of life, bring the eyes upward toward the heavens, while large carved elephants, complete with rider, bring us back to earth. A wonderful spiritual feels over takes you, sparked by incense and floral aromas hanging heavily in the air. [edit text]
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