Ranakpur Jain Temple

A chaumukha temple open on four sides, dedicated to Rishabhanatha. Its forest of carved pillars is traditionally counted at 1,444, no two alike.

A chaumukha — four-faced — temple, open on all four sides so that the principal image of Rishabhadeva faces each direction at once. Begun in the fifteenth century in a valley in the Aravallis.

Its pillars are traditionally counted at 1,444, and the claim usually made for them is that no two carry the same carving. The effect from inside is less a hall than a forest: light moves through it differently at every hour, which is why the building rewards a long visit rather than a quick one.

Worth knowing

• The temple is some distance from the nearest town; most visitors arrive by road from Udaipur or Jodhpur.

For opening times and access, check the temple's own announcements — they change, and we would rather list nothing than send you to a closed door.

Written for Jain Times. Corrections are welcome — see sources and licences.