The Most Stunning Temple in India

The second stop on our journey from Jodhpur to Udaipur, as recommended by our driver, was the Ranakpur Temple. Now, travelling through India over the last month we had seen our share of Hindu temples, so I was reluctant to visit yet another. However this Temple was different. Rankpur is not Hindu, it is a 14th century Jain Temple and once inside it is truly stunning.

The exterior does not prepare you for the magnificent all marble interior. Within the inner space, there are 1444 pillars, each beautifully carved with no two alike. (Click on photos to enlarge)

The temple is dedicated to Shri Adonnathji the first Tirthankar or spiritual jain teacher who attained Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (Samsara). The temple architecture is said to be an artistic expression of the main tenets of Jainisim: Ahimsa (non-violence/no harm), Satya (truth), Acharya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), an Aparigraha (non-attachment/non-possession).

Within the temple there are statues of 24 Tirthankara, which are not worshiped as deities, but honored as great teachers and aspirational examples.