The Jain Temple in Ranakpur, a village between Udaipur and Jodhpur, is one of the largest and most important temples of Jainism, an ancient Indian religion. The complex consists of several temples. The main temple, spreading over 4,500 square meter, is the 15th century Chaturmukha temple dedicated to Adinath. It is pretty amazing, consisting of 29 halls, 80 intricately decorated domes and 426 columns. There are three smaller, equally beautiful temples, within the complex. To me this temple is on par with the most beautiful baroque and renaissance churches in Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Ranakpur Jain Temple
A ceiling inside the Chaturmukha temple
Ranakpur Jain Temple
The maze of columns inside the Chaturmukha temple

The ceilings are simply amazing

Ranakpur Jain Temple
One of the smaller temples

The walls are covered with intricate carvings

Ranakpur Jain Temple
A close-up of some of the explicit erotic sculptures
Jain Temple Ranakpur

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Some photos from the rest of my trip through Rajasthan, which started in Udaipur with overnight stays in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jaipur before returning to Delhi.

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