Jain Journal 1990 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 60

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JAIN JOURNAL
In his Rānigpur Caturmukh Prāsād Stavan dating back to 1499, the poet Megh gives an eye-witness account of the splendour of the settlement of Ranakpur which he compares with Patan in Gujarat. According to the poet, 3,000 Jains lived there.
Another report of Akbar's time speaks of the restoration of the temple and the construction of a Meghnad mandapa. There are other beautiful descriptions of the temple. They speak of five or even seven temples in the complex. But now only two of them, apart from the principal temple, stand. These are dedicated to Neminatha and Parsvanatha. The settlement has been wiped out. It is not known how. Their ruins can still be seen on the hillocks. It is said that in Aurangzeb's time the place was plundered. As late as between 1934-45 the temple was again renovated and opened in V.S. 2007.
What we see today is only comparable in its beauty to the more famous Dilwara temples of Mount Abu built a few centuries before it. In fact where symmetry of design, vastness of proportions and setting is concerned the Ranakpur temple is far superior. Hundreds of devotees. many of them in colourful local costumes come to pray here everyday. Bus services to the temple are excellent. The dharamśālā there is a wornderful place to stay in. And Ranakpur, cut off from the hurlyburly of city life, remains unspoilt.
from The Statesman, March 24, 1990.