Ranakpur, a girls trip to remember! After 30 to 35 years, a group of eight school friends finally re-united for a much-awaited trip! It was incredible to come together after so many years, and we knew this getaway had to be something special, so we chose to mix fun, friendship, and meaning by diving into history, architecture and spirituality.
For three nights, we stayed at Gogunda Palace, a stunning property that exudes the charm and grandeur of Rajasthan’s rich history. Staying in a palace felt like stepping into another era, with a perfect blend of luxury and tradition.
And of course, it wasn’t all quiet reflection – we had our share of fun too! Our evenings for filled with naughty charades, mischievous games and lots of laughter. One night, we had a musical evening at the palace, where we sang, danced and created memories we’ll cherish for a lifetime. The palace setting made these moments feel even more magical, turning our reunion into a celebration of friendship, joy and nostalgia.
Splitting Adventures : Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur
With so much to explore around Gogunda, we split into two groups to make the most of our trip. While a couple of friends decided to visit the mighty Kumbhalgarh Fort, the rest of us chose to head to Ranakpur temple. Both groups had fantastic adventures, with each destination offering a unique experience.
The Scenic Drive To Ranakpur
Our journey to Ranakpur was just as lovely as the destination. The drive took us around 90 minutes from Gogunda. The scenic drive, winding through lush greenery, put us in the perfect mood to explore the temple.
Discovering the Symmetry and Spirituality of Ranakpur
Nestled in the Aravalli hills, Ranakpur Temple was built in the 15th century around 1437 CE, during the reign of Rana Kumbh, the ruler of Mewar. It was commissioned by a Jain businessman named Dharna Shah, who envisioned the temple after receiving a divine vision of the temple’s design. The temple is dedicated to Adinatha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism.
Ranakpur temple is an architectural marvel, entirely built in marble, with 1444 intricately carved pillars. What amazed us most was the absolute symmetry-every pillar aligned perfectly, creating a harmonious design.
The sunlight filters through casting intricate patterns on the marble floors. The symmetry details, and precision in the sculptures are astonishing. The central Chaumukha Temple, dedicated to Lord Adinatha features four identical faces, symbolising the omnipresence of the deity.
Our guide made the experience even more enriching by walking us through the intricate carvings and symbols depicted on the walls. While Ranakpur is primarily a Jain temple, it beautifully captures the spirit of unity between Jainism and Hinduism. We were fascinated to learn how Jainism and Hinduism coexist in this temple, with carvings from both religions reflecting shared values and stories. The blend of faiths in the temple’s design made us appreciate the beauty of unity and spiritual harmony.
Photography is restricted in some areas of the temple, so check before clicking away. The best time to visit the temple is early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight enhances the marble’s glow and the crowd is thinner.
A Serene and Well-Maintained Sanctuary
What sets Ranakpur apart from other temples in Rajasthan is its calm and meditative aura. Away from the hustle of city life, the temple offers a peaceful retreat. The lush greenery adds to the sense of serenity, making it a perfect spot to pause, reflect and soak in the beauty of Rajasthan’s spiritual side.
Friendship, Fun, and Meaningful Moments
This trip was much more than just sightseeing-it was about reconnecting and bonding. Between all the laughter, fun and masti, we also found moments to reflect and connect. It felt like the perfect balance-enjoying art and architecture during the day, and letting loose with games and music at night. Whether it was wandering through the halls of a marble temple or laughing through silly charades at night.
Final Thoughts
Ranakpur temple isn’t just a place of worship; it is a living canvas of faith and craftsmanship. Whether you are a lover of art, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking peace, Ranakpur promises to leave you awestruck with its timeless beauty and architectural brilliance.
More Blogs : Gogunda Palace, Coronation of Maharana Pratap, Incredible India, Around The World
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