≈ 2 km | Temple 15th-century marble masterpiece with exquisitely carved pillars. Details & history
The Chaturmukha Jain temple of Ranakpur is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in India and the reason most travellers come to this green valley. Built almost entirely of light marble and dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara, it seems to glow softly in the afternoon light.
History & Significance
The temple was raised in the 15th century by Dharna Shah, a Jain merchant, with the support of Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar; the architect is remembered as Depa. Temple records place its consecration around 1437 CE, and the town that grew around it took its name from the Rana.
Its plan is “chaumukha”, or four-faced: the main idol faces all four directions, symbolising the Tirthankara’s mastery over the four quarters of the world. Around it rise 29 halls and 80 domes supported by 1,444 carved marble pillars, and tradition holds that no two pillars are alike.
Within the same complex stand smaller temples to Neminath and Parshvanath, and a short walk away is the Surya Narayan (Sun) Temple.
Good to Know
- Visiting hours
- Tourists usually 12 PM – 5 PM (mornings for worship)
- Time needed
- 1.5 – 2 hours
- Dress code
- Shoulders and knees covered; no leather items
- Best time
- October – March
- Timings can change on festival days, so check before you go.
- An audio guide is available at the entrance.
