A marvel in marble

The Ranakpur temple, a three-storied structure built in 1436, stands out from other temples in Rajasthan not for its grandeur but for its 1,444 luminescent marble pillars, each exquisitely and intricately carved from the base to the roof.

 

The interior of the Ranakpur temple is a veritable labyrinth of pillars.

The Meghanada Mandapa, which houses four identical idols of Adinatha facing the four directions. This is referred to as the Chaturmukha style of temple architecture.

The temple’s hall of pillars is positioned in such a way that the slanting rays of the sun reach most of the pillars at some time or the other during the day.

Kinnaras and apsaras look down on you from the pillars.

Each pillar is a visual treat: Nymphs playing various musical instruments.

Saints and gods.

Motifs on pillars include Rishab, chakras, birds, and so on. Each pillar is a visual treat.

The stylised elephant statue in the main dancing hall is the star attraction for visitors.

An intricately carved altar.

The sanctum where the daily puja is conducted.

The sanctum sanctorum, with one of the four Adinathas of the Chaturmukha scheme..

A dome with 12 Vidyadevis.

Twelve spokes on the roof of one of the domical shrines, sporting devis, dancers and minstrels.

Dancers ornament this dome.

A dome of a subsidiary shrine.

(Below) A panel with tiny shrines.

A panel with tiny shrines.

An alcove shrine.

playful elephants on a frieze.

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The Ranakpur temple. Its impressive front view of has a series of narrow domes flanking the main dome.