The deep
browns merge with the dull greens to create
a stark landscape patterned
by the shadows of gnarled trees. in these
hills of the Aravalli range, in a narrow
valley, nestles Ranakpur- a celebrated place
of pilgrimage for the Jains. surrounded by
forests and far from human habitation, this
small and secluded pilgrim centre is unlike
other shrines in India: there are no
thronging crowds nor busy bazaars selling
coloured powders, fragrant flowers or ritual
paraphernlia. The area includes some
buildings and a few temples situated along
the banks of the River Maghai. The buildings
are new and contain facilities for the
devotees who come to worship there from
distant places. The temples are old, built
and carved in stone. The tranquil, almost
desolate character of the place is in
deeping with the austere ideals of the Jain
faith. These surroundings contain no hint of
the treasure that lies there-the Adishvara
Temple renowned for its architectural and
sculptural beauty.
This temple- a long
inscription in it states- was built by
Dharnasah, (Dharnaka) a prosperous and
wealthy Jain merchant, in the fifteenth
century. Dharnasah was an important
figure in the community, known for his
shrewd dealings and sound business acumen.
The ruler of Mewar, Rana Kumbha, appointed
him minister at the royal court.
According to the legends that have come
down from that period, Dharnasah, one night,
had a dream in which he saw the Nalini-gulm
vimana described described in the Jain
scriptures as a celestial vehicle for
havenly being. Enchanted by its beauty,
Dharnasah resolved that he would create a
similar structure on earth in the form of a
temple. With this intention he approached
Rana Kumbha the king of Mewar and requested
him to release a plot of land where he could
build the temple of his dreams. The king
received Dharnasah's proposal with
enthusiasm; and agreed to grant him a site
for the temple, provided he fulfilled two
conditions: one, that a small township will
be set up in the vicinity of the temple, and
two, that the place will bear the royal
name. Dharnasah happily accepted these
conditions and Rana Kumbha alloted him an
area at the foot of the Aravalli hills.
How To Get There
By Air
:
The nearest airport is at Jaipur which connected
to all the major cities which includes Delhi,
Mumbai, Calcutta, Jodhpur.
By Road :
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe
from Jaipur to Ranthambore. The roads are very
good, and it takes around 4-5 hrs from Jaipur.
You can also come by taxi.
By Train :
The nearest railhead is at Ranthambore is connected
to many major cities of India. There are daily
trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai.
rned
by the shadows of gnarled trees. in these
hills of the Aravalli range, in a narrow
valley, nestles Ranakpur- a celebrated place
of pilgrimage for the Jains. surrounded by
forests and far from human habitation, this
small and secluded pilgrim centre is unlike
other shrines in India: there are no
thronging crowds nor busy bazaars selling
coloured powders, fragrant flowers or ritual
paraphernlia. The area includes some
buildings and a few temples situated along
the banks of the River Maghai. The buildings
are new and contain facilities for the
devotees who come to worship there from
distant places. The temples are old, built
and carved in stone. The tranquil, almost
desolate character of the place is in
deeping with the austere ideals of the Jain
faith. These surroundings contain no hint of
the treasure that lies there-the Adishvara
Temple renowned for its architectural and
sculptural beauty.
mportant
figure in the community, known for his
shrewd dealings and sound business acumen.
The ruler of Mewar, Rana Kumbha, appointed
him minister at the royal court.