Surya Narayan Temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan

Surya Narayan Temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan

Surya Narayan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Ranakpur Village near Sadri Town in Desuri Tehsil in Pali District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple was built in 13^th century CE. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Muslim rulers. The temple was reconstructed in 15^th century. This temple is managed by the Udaipur Royal family trust, the Eklingji Trust.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands on a high raised platform. This temple follow nagara style of architecture and is built of white lime stone. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and frontal porch. The sabha mandapa is octagonal in plan. There are three ornamental balconies supported by pillars each on the southern and northern sides of the sabha mandapa. The pillars of the mandapa have intricately carved pillars with lathe turned capitals. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya. He is shown as riding his chariot. The exterior of the temple is decorated with Surya seated on a chariot driven by horses, Hindu deities, celestial beings, animals, floral motifs and geometric patterns.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 7 Kms from Sadri, 10 Kms from Sadri Bus Stand, 26 Kms from Desuri, 35 Kms from Falna Railway Station, 92 Kms from Pali, 92 Kms from Udaipur and 106 Kms from Udaipur Airport. Ranakpur is situated on Desuri to Udaipur route via Sadri.

Location