In a quiet and picturesque glen which runs into the western slopes of the Aravalli hills is a remarkable complex of Jain temples at Ranakpur; one of the five main holy places of the Jain sect.

Though over 500 years old, the temples here are superbly preserved in a near-perfect condition. In the centre is the main temple dedicated to Trithankara Rishabdeo with a chaumukha or four-faced shrine dedicated to Adinath. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls of the temple which contain 1444 pillars of which no two are exactly alike.

Every conceivable surface is carved and every corner and angle is engraved with Jain images. The quadruple image of Adinath stands in the main sanctuary, which is open on all four sides. Rising in three storeys, it has four subsidiary shrines with a total of 80 domes supported by 420 columns. There are also 24 mandapams or porticos and spires. The.entire temple is an orchestration of pillars, porticos, domes and spires.

In front of the Chaumukha temple are two more Jain temples. One of these is dedicated to Parsvanath and was built in the 14th century. The exterior bears erotic carvings.

There is also a temple dedicated to the Sun god, an early Vedic deity.

Air :Udaipur 96 km is the convenient airport.

Rail :Falna 35 km is the nearest railhead on the Delhi-Ahmedabad sector.

Road :A network of bus services joins Ranakpur with many nearby places.