Ranakpur Jain Temple

Ranakpur Jain Temple is a renowned Jain temple located in Rajasthan, India, known for its exquisite architecture and historical significance. It was patronized by Maharana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar.

History and Construction

The temple’s construction is well documented through a copper-plate record dated 1437 CE, inscriptions found within the temple, and a Sanskrit text called Soma-Saubhagya Kavya.

The temple’s inception was inspired by a dream of a celestial vehicle experienced by Dhanna Shah, a Porwal Jain from Ghanerao. Motivated by this vision, Dhanna Shah began the temple's construction with the patronage and support of Rana Kumbha.

The project was overseen by the architect Deepaka. An inscription on a pillar near the main shrine confirms that in 1439 CE, Deepaka built the temple under the direction of Dharanka, a devoted Jain follower.

When the ground floor was completed, Acharya Soma Sundar Suri of the Tapa Gachha sect supervised the religious ceremonies associated with the temple’s consecration. These ceremonies are detailed in the Soma-Saubhagya Kavya.

The temple’s construction continued until approximately 1458 CE.