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Monday, 23 November 2009

india: day eleven: ranakpur - jain temple

"Acclaimed worldwide for its brilliant architecture, Ranakpur Temple is the largest and the most significant temples of the Jains."

"Ranakpur Temple is thought to have been built by Seth Dharna Shah, who was a prominent Jain businessman, with the help of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The huge structure of the temple is entirely raised in light color marble."

"This magnum opus of architecture possesses around 1400 intricately carved pillars. The temple comprises 24 pillared halls in the company of 80 domes, which are sustained by 400 columns. It is startling to know that every single pillar is carved gracefully and not one pillar resembles the other."