Indian Adventure Ranakpur Jain Temple Located about two thirds of the way between Jodhpur and Udaipur, Ranakpur Temple overwhelms the visitor with splendid religious sculpture. The brochure accompanying the audio guide offers the following introduction: "Trailokyadeepak [literally the light or lamp or the three spheres or] Ranakpur Jain Shwetamber [one of two main sects in Jainism whose ascetics practice wearing white as opposed to practicing nudity] Temple, of 14th Century AD, dedicated to the Ist Tirthankar Shri Adinathji is an example of exquisite harmony of religion and art. Art and architecture of this temple represents great tenets of Jain religion i.e. Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (Truth), Achaurya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy / chastity) and Aparigraha (non-attachment / non-possession). This Treasure house is based on 1,444 richly and breathtakingly carved pillars of Sevali and Sonarna stones and not one of them is similar to other. The steps, the Shringar Chowkis [platforms? altars?], the Mandaps [temple porches], the Entrances everything is identical on all four sides creating a unique ambiance of symmetry. The pillars are arranged so ingeniously that none of them obstruct the view of the Tirthankar's Idol." Return to the Indian Adventure Home Page.