Ranakpur
Between Jodhpur and Udaipur, in Rajasthan in northern India, there is a village (or small town) named Ranakpur which has one of the finest and largest Jain temples in India.
Jainism
Jainism is one of the main religions of India. Less known than Hinduism, Buddhism or Sikhism, Jainism is nonetheless one of the oldest, if not the oldest of all.
Jainism is the synthesis of the teachings of 24 successive Tirthankara, codified by the last Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha. Rishabhanatha is also known as Adinatha.
But what is a Tirthankara? The comparison is perhaps a little daring, but just as Sikhism had its 10 gurus (the 11th being the book named Guru Granth Sahib, recording the synthesis of the teachings of the first 10), Jainism had its 24 Tirthankara. A Tirthankara is a spiritual master, a savior who has successfully broken the cycle of perpetual rebirth. The last Tirthankara was contemporary with Buddha, in the 6th century BC. His predecessor, Parshvanatha lived 250 years before him. It gives an idea of the age of the doctrine. Obviously, a part of myth exists in Jainism as in all religions. The age of Methuselah is not to be taken literally either ... In reality, Jainism is even more complex, since each cosmic cycle is supposed to produce 24 Tirthankaras. But no need to know the Jainist cosmogony to admire their temples, and that of Ranakpur is certainly one of the most impressive ...
Jain temple Adinatha
Adinatha is one of the names by which Rishabhanatha, the 24th Tirthankara is known. The temple is also known as Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara.
A wealthy 14th century Jain businessman, Darna Shah, had a divine vision prompting him to build a temple in honor of Rishabhanatha (Abinatha).
The construction of the temple is well documented on copper plains dating from 1436. Construction began in 1389 and continued until 1458.
The temple is remarkable for its intricate carvings and original architecture, shaped like a celestial vehicle as Darna Shah saw it in her dreams.
The temple is built entirely in white marble.
about the place, Ranakpur:
Between Jodhpur and Udaipur is a small town called Ranakpur which is known worldwide for its magnificent Jain marble temple.
Spoken comments in the film:
The temple of Adinatha is one of the largest and most beautiful Jain constructions in India
Music:
- YouTube video library - Calcutta Sunset - E's Jimmy Jams
- YouTube video library - Missing Places
