The construction of the temple and the township began simultaneously.
The town was named Ranakpur after the King Rana Kumbha.
The entire building is covered with delicate lace-like carvings and geometric patterns.
The most outstanding feature of this temple is its infinite number of pillars.
From any corner of the temple one can easily view the Lord’s image.
These innumerable pillars have given rise to the popular belief that there are about 1444 pillars in the temple.
For two centuries, the temple was a beacon of devotion before it fell upon hard times.
Around the 17th century, the entire region was ravaged by war.
The invading forces vandalized the temple and left, but the priests never returned.
The temple fell into neglect and gradually the elements began to take over.
At one point Ranakpur became a refuge for dacoits and no person dared to venture inside.
