Ranakpur is located in the mountain ranges of Pali, and the Jain temple was built during the reign of the monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th-century. This temple is world-famous for being one of the 5 most important Jain shrines in India. It is comprised of 5 spires, 20 domes, 29 halls and 420 pillars.
Almost every inch of material used in its construction is alive with lavish and delicate carvings and no 2 pillars are alike. The ingenuity of the layout was such that the entire structure is bathed in natural light that streams in from the courtyards within the temple, opened out to the sky.
The temple is known for its unique Jainism design and architecture. The large complex houses the smaller Chaumukha, Parsvanath, Neminath, Amba Mata and Surya temples. Amongst all these, the Chaumukha temple, shaped like a Nalinigulm Vimana (heavenly aircraft) is a major attraction and is dedicated to the first Tirthankara of Jain Rishabdev, also known as Adinath.
