Archive for December 12, 2008
Chaumukha Temple - Ranakpur, Rajasthan
About Ranakpur
Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of Jain community in India.
Located between Udaipur and Jodhpur, travelling to Ranakapur is a treat in itself. It sits in a lush valley surrounded by steep mountains and rushing waterfalls. Built in late 15 century AD, this beautiful complex has the most exquisitely carved temples to be found in this region.
Chaumukha Jain Temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan
Chaumukha Temple -Â Architecture
The most important structure here is the Chaumukha, or four faced temple, dedicated to the venerated Tirthankara Rishabdev.
The highlight of Chaumukha is its 29 halls and 1444 pillers none of which are similar in design. This temple is built on high plinth, encircled by lofty boundary walls with fraceful turrets.
The temple has three entrances with double stories portals each leading through columned courts into the main halls - a seeming confusion of halls, pillers and courtyards radiating from the central shrine with a hundred pillers.
Temple Attractions
Seen from the outside there are five spires each covering a shrine below the largest covering the central shrine housing the white marble image of Chaumukha. Surrounding the spires are cupolas, each forming the roof of a pillared hall.
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.
The ambience is charming and you can happily spend a couple of hours visiting the other temple in the complex or just sitting here to enjoy the lush greenery and walking around the wall - maintained gardens.
