Ranakpur: Beyond the Temples – Unexplored Trails in the Aravallis

By - August 28, 2024 - Rajasthan
Ranakpur temple

Ranakpur is located in the desert state of Rajasthan in the valley of the mighty Aravalli range.  It is famous for its beautiful temples of Jain architecture made of marble with beautifully carved pillars. These architectural marvels attract tourists from across the globe but there is so much more to see beyond the structures.

Move away from the temples and one can explore the countryside and find some of the most beautiful and unknown paths in the region. The Aravalli hills which are located near Ranakpur provide several well-paved tracks and a rich variety of fauna which can be availed by tourists to embrace the natural beauty of the region.

Here we explore for Travel guide of  Ranakpur

Ranakpur – Brief History

Ranakpur is a peaceful town situated in the Pali district of Rajasthan and has its origin in the 15th century and is strongly associated with the Jains. It was named after the local ruler Rana Kumbha who made it a major center for Jainism with the famous Ranakpur Jain Temple or Chaumukha Temple at its heart.

This beautiful temple is of Tirthankara Adinatha and was built by a Jain merchant named Dharna Shah on the basis of a dream. This temple over the years became the nucleus of the town of Ranakpur. Which attracted pilgrims, artists, and scholars in equal measure and even to date.  The town offers serenity, history, spirituality and natural beauty.

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Rich Culture and Local Cuisine

Ranakpur is a Jain temple town and there is no non-vegetarian food or alcohol allowed in the town and yet there are many places to eat in Ranakpur which are quite enjoyable. But these restrictions will not leave the food enthusiasts empty-handed.

The town has many restaurants and resorts that offer Jain food which is the traditional food of Rajasthan including dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi. The architectural wonders of the temples are best followed by a meal that is a celebration of the Marwar region’s culinary traditions.

Savor Ranakpur’s Sweet Delights:

There is no way that you can come to Ranakpur and not taste their delicious local sweets! Like other parts of Rajasthan, sweets are very famous and delicious and Ranakpur is also famous for its sweets. The local markets have a variety of sweets prepared from gram flour like Moong Halwa, Rabdi, Ghevar and Khadi.

These sweets are a delight to any foodie and you can enjoy them at your Ranakpur resort or go out in the streets in search of them. Make sure you bring some back home – after tasting their distinct flavours, you will want more even after you are back to your normal life.

Discover the Ancient Charm of Chaumukha Temple

Ranakpur is a splendid example of Rajasthan’s architectural beauty, particularly the splendid Jain temples, particularly the Chaumukha Temple. This is a temple of Jainism built in the 15th century and is dedicated to the first Tirthankara Adinatha The temple is famous for its 1444 marble pillars. The name of the temple is Chaumukha which translates to four-faced and the idol of Adinatha has four faces that are visible from all four sides of the temple.

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Explore Rajasthani Handicrafts:

The handicrafts and antique lovers would find it an ideal place to shop in Ranakpur. The local markets are a colorful representation of the craftsmanship of the people with mini paintings and other handmade products that are interesting to look at. This is especially so where there are exquisite wooden and marble carvings that are eye-catching and can be used for home decoration.

Ranakpur is also an excellent place for procuring special materials for making cards, scrapbooking, decoupage, quilling, and many other creations such as clay moulds and tools, embellishments, stamps, and resin crafts.

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Art of Marble Craftsmanship in Ranakpur:

Ranakpur is famous for the beautiful white marble which is used in the temples. These are further evident by the intricate carvings on the pillars, domes, and arches which are a clear testimony to the great workmanship that went into the making of these masterpieces. The marble is carved with filigree patterns and flowers and gods and goddesses and the love stories of people who lived hundreds of years ago.

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A Shopping Haven for Women

The markets of Ranakpur are vibrant and tourists, especially women should not give the local markets a miss while in the region. It is an attractive shopping mall due to the bright and multiple product variety that is sold in the mall.

From shining silver ornaments and gem-studded bangles to exquisite handmade pottery the market has something to offer that is truly historical. Do not forget to negotiate and do not miss a single shop because every shop has its unique appeal that can bring a touch of Rajasthan to your home.

Discover the Spiritual Serenity

The feeling of spirituality that is present in Ranakpur cannot be explained in words, one has to visit the place in order to feel it. The temples of its architecture are calm and beautiful and the detailed engravings are not only aesthetic features but also the teachings of Jainism, non-violence, truth, and celibacy. Famous for the marvellous marble temple of Jains, this place is known for its imposing structures and superb craftsmanship.

However, the region has other temples also that are very much alive and culturally and historically as important as the others and hence, Ranakpur is a must-visit for those interested in the history and architecture of temples.

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Discover Ranakpur’s Wildlife: Trekking and Jeep Safaris

Apart from the architectural wonders, Ranakpur has a lot more to offer in terms of natural experience. Explore the untouched Aravali Range with steep land that offers stunning outlooks and cultural practices. For a more direct experience and to learn more about the geology of the area and maybe even some myths, take a hike in the area around the hotel.

For wildlife lovers, the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ranakpur Jungle Safari.  Nearby offering a chance to spot leopards sloth bears and deer. An experienced guide will ensure.  You get the best of these animals and other beautiful sceneries and waterfalls that are a must-see.

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Discover Ranakpur’s Rich Heritage and Natural Beauty

Ranakpur has history, architecture and nature all in one place. Go to Muchchal Mahavir Temple to learn about the mythological story related to the moustache of the deity and fair. Check out the Laxmi Niwas Palace with its Indo-Saracenic architecture, red sandstone carvings and fountains. Visit the Temple of the Sun God which is also known for its well-crafted marbles and the pleasant ambiance.

The Rishabhadeva Temple has elaborate sculptures and is an important shrine in Jainism. Last but not least, one can visit the Ranakpur Dam which is a beautiful place to visit with colourful birds, and a beautiful backdrop of Aravalli hills and is best for early morning visits and for photography.

Ranakpur is not just the Temples – Explore More

Ranakpur is not only a temple town, but it is a raw piece of nature that still lies untouched and unexplored. Right from the Aravalli path to the calm and soothing dam scenery, every corner of this beautiful place has a story to tell. Why not let Tusk Travel show you the hidden gems of Ranakpur that are beyond the temples? So, come join us and explore the true spirit of Rajasthan like never before.

 

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