Jain...J A I N...Jain

Nestled in the forested Arvalli Hills, Ranakpur is a majestic Jain temple. The interior is exquisite.  It is cool and peaceful and dizzying in detail.  All the big names are here...Shiva, Parvati, Hanuman and Buddha.  Monks wander around in red and saffron.  One monk prepares sandalwood paste to apply to the foreheads of devotees.

White clad Jains assemble.  They wear cloth masks over their mouths to prevent inhailing little living sentient beings.  Their practice is austere.  They are Vegan.  They even prohibit the eating of garlic, onions, or any root vegetable due to the small lives that are jeopardized in the growing, harvesting and consumption of them. They really don't want to acquire bad karma by killing even the smallest of microbe. 

Also, something I discovered after visiting the temple...No women should enter the temple if she is menstruating...Oops!  Hope that's not too much information folks... 

After spending time inside the temple, I explored the beautiful grounds where Fushia are in full bloom and Langaur monkeys are up to their usual shenanigans.