Ranakpur Sun temple - Temple dedicated to Sun god that stands as solitary splendour in middle of Aravalli Mountains.

Ranakpur - located in western Rajasthan between Udaipur and Jodhpur cities is famous for its magnanimous Jain temples from the 15th century carved in marble stone. The set of three Jain temples stands like a white pearl surrounded by dense forest and hills of the Aravalli mountain range. The Jain temples draw devout Jain pilgrims from across India and abroad including architecture and heritage enthusiasts. But apart from the Jain temple complex, there lies a lone temple just 350 meters from Jain temple complex which is much older and was built by the Maharana Mokalji - father of Rana Kumbha. This temple stands in the shadow of the grandeur of the Jain temples and is dedicated to Sun God - known as Lord Surya Narayan.

The Surya Narayan temple is one of the few temples in India dedicated to the Sun god built in white limestone in Nagara style of architecture with a delicate ornamental work. The 13th-century temple built on a raised stone platform with no boundaries is managed by Eklingji trust setup in 1955 by the Royal family of Udaipur. 

The Sun temple of Ranakpur is built in the classic Nagara style of architecture which is quite different from the Dravidian style seen predominantly in South of India. The temple is built on a raised platform and a series of steps leads one to the temple, right above the sanctum sanctorum rises the Shikhara which is a prominent feature of Nagara style of architecture.

The sanctum of the temple has an octagonal mandapa in front of it and three ornamental balconies supported by pillars on each side make up the mandapa. There is a verandah-type structure with pillars in front of the mandapa. The Surya Narayan idol on its seven-horse chariot adorns the main sanctum.

The exterior of the temple is a visual delight with a panel that has carvings of god mounted on seven horse chariots and designed panels that forms the lower base of the temple exterior. 

As per the pujari of the temple, the exterior panel of the temple has different Hindu deities and that includes many avatars of Lord Surya Narayana and each god is mounted on a seven-horse chariot. There is a total of 434 horses carved in the exterior panel of the temple. The Pujari of the temple even today comes from the same family which has been taking care of the temple from the time it was constructed and they are in their 20th generation.  

The temple had to be reconstructed in the 15th century after it was destroyed by the invaders and later it was renovated by the funds received from Shri G.D.Birla. Even after so many centuries, the temple though simple has retained much of its elegance and beauty and it truly represents the artistic excellence of the sculptures and artists of that time.

Outside the temple, there is an amphitheater constructed in recent years where Ranakpur open-air festival is conducted every year attended by many tourists from across India and abroad. There is also a huge gathering of devotees and locals from nearby villages twice a year on auspicious occasions. The Aravalli mountains in the backdrop and the forest have a peaceful aura that drapes the temple. The beautiful carvings that adorn the outer walls is indeed a sight to behold and add magic to the moment of the visit.

How to get to the temple: The Sun temple lies just next to the Ranakpur Jain temple on Rajasthan state highway No 32 and is about 93kms from Udaipur. Falna and Rani are the nearest railway stations. 

If you are coming from Nathdwara to Jodhpur route then you need to get down at Desuri, from here you get shared tempos for Sadri town which is about 13kms and from Sadri, there are regular bus service or rickshaws available which can drop you on gates of Ranakpur temple.

Nearby attractions: There are jungle safaris conducted by the forest departments in the forest of Kumbhalgarh and there is a Ranakpur dam located nearby.

Stay options: There are many resorts located around the temple at a distance of 5-6 km and also dharmshalas inside the Jain temple.