The detailed carvings at the entrance of Ranakpur temple itself are mind-blowing. The carved image of Akichaka, a man with five bodies, graces the upper part of the entrance, and the leaves of Kalpavriksha, or the wish-fulfilling tree, embellish the ceiling.

The dome ceiling of the main hall or mandap has an elaborate depiction of the 16 goddesses of wisdom. The mandap possesses two massive bells of 108 kg each. The peal of the bell lasts for a minute and can reach a distance of 3 miles. The west side wall of the Meghanada mandapa has carvings of Dharna Shah and Depa paying homage to the Lord. The marble elephant with Marudevi (mother of Adinatha) sitting on its back, stands at the west gate. The scenes from the life of Tirthankaras are depicted throughout the friezes, and the entire ceiling is covered with exquisite geometric designs and foliate work.

The temple consists of 1,444 pillars and each and every inch of the columns are artistically decorated with dancers, gods and goddesses, and the ... More

The detailed carvings at the entrance of Ranakpur temple itself are mind-blowing. The carved image of Akichaka, a man with five bodies, graces the upper part of the entrance, and the leaves of Kalpavriksha, or the wish-fulfilling tree, embellish the ceiling.

The dome ceiling of the main hall or mandap has an elaborate depiction of the 16 goddesses of wisdom. The mandap possesses two massive bells of 108 kg each. The peal of the bell lasts for a minute and can reach a distance of 3 miles. The west side wall of the Meghanada mandapa has carvings of Dharna Shah and Depa paying homage to the Lord. The marble elephant with Marudevi (mother of Adinatha) sitting on its back, stands at the west gate. The scenes from the life of Tirthankaras are depicted throughout the friezes, and the entire ceiling is covered with exquisite geometric designs and foliate work.

The temple consists of 1,444 pillars and each and every inch of the columns are artistically decorated with dancers, gods and goddesses, and the portrayal of plants and animals. The 45 feet high depiction of nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures is stunning. 

Another exquisite feature is the single stone sculpture of Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara, which stands under the canopy of 1,008 hoods of a serpent. The southern end of the temple holds two plaques, Nandishwardvipa and Jambudvipa. According to Jainism, the entire cosmos consists of eight concentric islands which are surrounded by seven oceans. Jambudvipa, one among these seven continents is the abode of humans and is considered the first and the foremost one. Nandishwardvipa stands for the abode of gods and is considered to be the last one.