The Ranakpur temple. Its impressive front view of has a series of narrow domes flanking the main dome.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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The interior of the Ranakpur temple is a veritable labyrinth of pillars.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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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.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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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.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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Kinnaras and apsaras look down on you from the pillars.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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Each pillar is a visual treat: Nymphs playing various musical instruments.
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Saints and gods.
Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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Motifs on pillars include Rishab, chakras, birds, and so on. Each pillar is a visual treat.
Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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The stylised elephant statue in the main dancing hall is the star attraction for visitors.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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An intricately carved altar.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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The sanctum where the daily puja is conducted.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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The sanctum sanctorum, with one of the four Adinathas of the Chaturmukha scheme..Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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A dome with 12 Vidyadevis.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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Twelve spokes on the roof of one of the domical shrines, sporting devis, dancers and minstrels.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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Dancers ornament this dome.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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A dome of a subsidiary shrine.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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(Below) A panel with tiny shrines.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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A panel with tiny shrines.
Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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An alcove shrine.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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playful elephants on a frieze.Photo: Sudha Mahalingam
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