Ranakpur Jain Temple – The Dream Temple of Dharna Shah

This article provides an in-depth examination of the Ranakpur Jain Temple’s construction, spotlighting the pivotal figures involved in its creation and its rich history. For thorough details, refer to the following information.

The outburst of our driver

“भाई क़ुतुब मीनार खड़ी कर देते, बस इतने पर ही क्यों रुक गये|”
As our car’s bumper grazed against a privately constructed speed-breaker, unusually high and irregular, the driver began to express his annoyance towards a man sitting on the veranda of a nearby house, cradling his young daughter. The man on veranda offered no reaction, seemingly unconcerned, while we couldn’t help but smile in appreciation of the driver’s humorous frustration.

Drive from Rajsamand to Ranakpur

Rajsamand – the marble town

As mentioned in my previous article, September marks the season of Jaatrus in the Mewar and Marwar regions. We’ve rented a taxi and are en route to Ranakpur. Around Rajasamand, we encounter numerous trucks laden with large marble blocks. Alongside the road, marble dealers have set up open showrooms and warehouses showcasing various types of marble. This segment of the trip is the least interesting, but we quickly move past it. We are now traveling through the picturesque countryside of rural Rajasthan.

Colorful Rajasthani dresses of rural Rajasthan

The recent rain has cleansed the vegetation, leaving it a sparkling green. We pass by women adorned in vibrant kaanchli-ghaghras and odhnis, their hands encircled with white bangles, and dignified men sporting colorful turbans.

Carefree life of rural Rajasthan

After a period of driving, we pause for a break, and I stroll through a nearby village. A local recommends visiting the village’s ancient temple. However, at the moment, I am captivated by their carefree and relaxed lifestyle. A family sits on the porch of their house, watching the passersby. They epitomize the picture-perfect image of ideal family time: together, idle, silently observing the world around them.

A small garrison fort on the way

We cross a Rawla, a quaint garrison fort perched on a steep mountain ridge. It sparked an immediate urge to examine it closely and learn more about its history, but due to our late schedule today, time was not on our side. Numerous similar edifices dot the neighboring hills.

Through the jungle and encounter with Langurs

We are currently driving through a jungle area where the road remains in good condition. This jungle is flanked by towering trees, on which several langurs are playfully swinging.

We pause to watch their antics up close. It seems they’re just as fascinated by us, opting to scrutinize us more closely. One of them leaps onto the hood, peering in with a piercing gaze through the windshield. Others have climbed atop the car; their presence is unseen but heard as they move about.

Startled, we start the car and proceed slowly and cautiously, careful not to hurt them with abrupt acceleration. Once they’ve dispersed, we resume our normal speed.

The opening and closing time of the Ranakpur Jain Temple

We arrive at Ranakpur around two o’clock. The temple welcomes tourists from noon until five p.m. Outside these hours, in the morning and after five p.m., they are exclusively open only for devotees. Photography is allowed inside the temple. Tourists must purchase a ticket for one hundred rupees for each camera they intend to use. Additionally, an audio guide is also available at the counter.

How to reach Ranakpur Jain Temple

After quickly completing the formalities for the camera ticket and audio guide, I gaze upon the temple in a relaxed, reflective state. The temple appears to be standing like an ascetic in deep meditation amidst the tranquil backdrop of the steep, wooded escarpments of the lush Aravali Hills, undisturbed by the surrounding bustle. During the rainy season, the numerous streams of the seasonal River Maghai magnify the splendor of the environment.

This intricately carved temple of white marble is nestled in a village within Desuri Tehsil, close to the town of Sadri in Rajasthan’s Pali District. Positioned between the renowned tourist cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur, it lies approximately 160 kilometers from Jodhpur and about 90 kilometers from Udaipur. The closest railway station, Falna, is a mere 32 kilometers away, while Mavli Junction serves as the nearest railway junction for tourists traveling from Delhi.

Who built the Ranakpur Jain Temple?

This temple, upheld by numerous pillars, is founded on four pivotal individuals who were instrumental in its ideation, initiation, and construction in the fifteenth century. The quartet of significant historical personalities central to this endeavor includes Seth Dharnashah, Acharya Somsunder, Architect Depaka, and Maharana Kumbha. The story of the temple’s edification originates from that period.

The main people responsible behind the construction of the Ranakpur Jain Temple

Maharana Kumbha reigns over Mewar, ushering in a golden era with his benevolent rule and passion for art and music. Shresthi Dharnashah, a minister in his court, is a devout Jain, deeply influenced by Acharya Somsunder.

His dedication to his faith and personal spiritual journey is so profound that, by the age of thirty-two, he has undertaken numerous pilgrimages and embraced celibacy. Maharana values him not only for his spiritual insights but also for his keen understanding of worldly affairs, his sharp decision-making, his adept handling of political matters, and his unwavering loyalty.

The Dream of Shresthi DharnaShah

One morning, Shresthi Dharnashah experienced a peculiar dream. He shared this odd dream with Acharya Somsunder, saying, “Acharya, last night Goddess Chakreshwari appeared in my dream and revealed the celestial aircraft Nalinigulm Vimana, the most splendid aircraft of the three worlds. Since I awoke, I have been pondering the significance of that unusual dream.”

Acharya Somsunder contemplated and responded, “In my view, the Goddess likely inspired you to build a temple. Constructing a temple offers its patron a means to ascend to heaven while remaining on earth.” Dharnashah replied, “I see the connection now. Some time ago, I deeply wished to erect a magnificent temple for the first Tirthankara, Lord Adinath; a temple that would be unique and unparalleled. Perhaps the Goddess has shown me a vision of its potential appearance. I shall announce my intention and call upon architects to submit their designs, so I may choose the one that aligns with my vision.”

The Search of the architect and discovery of Deepaka – the fourth person who was responsible for building the Jain Temple of Ranakpur

Dharnashah contacted architects, shared his vision, and requested their design proposals. Yet, none of the submissions aligned with his dream and desires. Then Depaka, who leads an ascetic life became aware of Dharnashah’s quest. He crafted a design and presented it to Dharnashah.

Dharnashah examines the design closely and exclaims with joy, “Remarkable! It aligns perfectly with my vision. Begin the work on the design immediately and inform me of the area required for the temple’s construction. I will confer with Maharana and secure his approval. There are no limitations on budget or time. The temple must stand out as both unique and magnificent.”

“The best of artists hath no thought to show,
which the rough stone in its superfluous shell, doth not include;
to break the marble spell,
is all the hand that serves the brain can do.”
Michaelangelo

Depaka begins detailing the design and realizes that his project will require an area of approximately four thousand square meters. He communicates this requirement to the patron.

Maharana Kumbha granted permission to build the Jain Temple of Ranakpur

Dharnashah approached Maharana Kumbha to express his wish, saying, “Maharana, with your permission, I wish to build a magnificent temple for Lord Adinath, covering an area of about four thousand square meters.” Maharana Kumbha, a patron of arts and architecture, responded, “Your desire brings me great joy. Please select a location for the temple’s construction, and you have my complete support.”

Finalization of the place for building the Jain Temple of Ranakpur

Shresthi Dharnashah, along with the chief architect Depaka, surveys several locations before settling on a plot near the Madri Hills, known for its peaceful surroundings. Upon learning of Dharnashah’s selection, Maharana generously donates the land and further expresses his wish to establish a settlement nearby to ensure the temple is well-maintained. Owing to Maharana’s keen involvement in populating the area, the locals begin to refer to it as Ranapur, which eventually becomes known as Ranakpur.

Foundation ceremony and how Depaka tested the intensity of desire of Dharanashah for building the Jain temple of Ranakpur

On the foundation day of the temple, Depaka employs seven metals and various costly materials. Every material he requests is provided unquestioningly. In the evening, Depaka confides in a trusted associate, “Today, I assessed the Shresthi. You understand me well. I am temperamental and dislike interference during my work. I seek autonomy, empowerment, and unwavering trust. While the spiritual credit for constructing a temple goes to the benefactor, my own reputation is equally at risk.”

He went on to say, “My aim was to gauge the extent of freedom Seth Dharnashah would grant me in my work; today’s event has assured me that his sole intention is to erect a magnificent temple. Although he deliberated over the design for some time, now that it is finalized, he appears to have full confidence in me.”

Temple Construction – an act of immense responsibility

It is thought that the construction of a temple, or any grand edifice for that matter, required such an immense investment of money, time, and labor that only architects fully confident in their abilities would dare to take on the responsibility. They knew that any error or misrepresentation could be severely punished, potentially with a death sentence. Similarly, ancient scriptures also mandated capital punishment for anyone responsible for causing a craftsman to lose a hand or an eye.

The Legend of artisans who worked on Tajmahal

This contrasts with the legends we hear regarding the artisans of the Taj Mahal; tales of their hands being severed to prevent the creation of another marvel like the Taj. I hope these barbaric stories are mere fabrications. The optimal way to engage the finest minds is to provide them with more work.

The Skill-set needed for the Temple Architects

The architects of these temples were typically polymaths, possessing comprehensive knowledge in various disciplines. They were expected to have mastery over Mathematics, the Puranas, and the arts of painting and sculpting. They needed to grasp the core of religious literature, understand the religion’s iconography, and be well-versed in shilpa shastra.

Additionally, it was anticipated that they would exhibit a cheerful disposition, righteousness, kindness, an absence of jealousy, and a disciplined nature.

The mystery, what kept people motivated to learn these skill-sets

Observing the Ranakpur temple, I am persuaded that architects must possess these qualities to create such splendor. This leads me to ponder about Depaka, an architect not known for numerous constructions. Had he not encountered a patron like Dharnashah, would his talents have been wasted? Would his acquired knowledge have become meaningless? What, then, was his motivation for learning so much?

How long it took to build the Jain Temple of Ranakpur

The temple’s construction commenced in 1446 and remained incomplete even after fifty years. Dharnashah and Acharya Somsunder were aging. Shresthi was determined to have the statue installed and consecrated solely by Acharya Somsunder. Therefore, without awaiting the temple’s full completion, the statue of Lord Adinath was installed and consecrated by Acharya Somsunder. It is said that the construction persisted for an additional fifteen years.

I wonder how people involved in construction remained focused for such long period of construction

Fifty years! It’s remarkable to remain focused on the original design. Why don’t we observe any variations over time in the design? Was the initial draft designed to perfection? Were there no improvements made during the execution of the plan, or were they executed so flawlessly that they elude our undiscerning eyes?

Abandoned – Jain Temple of Ranakpur

Over time, the Ranakpur temple suffered neglect. Pilgrims began to feel endangered by the wild animals and bandits that infested the area, making the journey to the remote temple perilous. Consequently, the temple fell into disrepair and required significant maintenance and restoration.

Renovation of the Jain Temple of Ranakpur

In 1897 AD, the Shri Sangha congregation of Sadri entrusted the management of the temple to the Seth Anandji-Kalyanji Trust. The trust undertook not only the temple’s renovation but also ensured its protection and maintenance, and constructed dharamshalas (guest houses) for pilgrims. This restored shrine once again became renowned in the spheres of art and religion. Nowadays, it attracts thousands of art enthusiasts and spiritual seekers from around the globe annually, making it one of the most sought-after excursions from Udaipur.

Let us enter inside the temple together and learn more about it.

Click here to read more about the ancient Indian Temple Architecture

Click Here to read about Rajsamand

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