Rishabhdeo (Kesariyaji) Jain Temples
Rishabhdeo Temple is an important pilgrimage site for followers of Jain religion. The temple is located on Udaipur-Ahmedabad road, at a distance of 65 kms from the city of Udaipur in Dhulev. Dhulev is a small town that is also known as Rikhabdeo, famous for its Rishabhdeo Temple. The temple traces its origin in the 15th century and is dedicated to Lord Rishabh Dev. Rikhabdeo ji is supposed to be one from the 'Trithankar' of Jain religion. The lord is also referred as Keshariyaji, since pilgrims offer immense quantity of saffron to the lord.
The Jainism sect is believed to be founded by Lord Mahavira. Rishabhdeo is regarded as one of the descendants of Lord Mahavira. Rikhabdeo temple is a centre of devotion not only for Jains, but for Meena tribals, Bhils and Vaishnavites too. People of Jain and Bhil community, make it a point, to visit this holy shrine of Lord Rishabhdeo, every time they visit to Udaipur. The Bhils catch acquaintance with the image of Rishabhdeo linking it with their dark complexion of skin.
Both Jains and Bhils have immense respect for this temple, since the lord fulfills all their wishes and desires. Rishabhdeo Temple has been one of the four main religious sites of Mewar that is ruled by the Sisodia Maharanas of Udaipur. Sometimes, Rishabhdeoji is considered as one of incarnations of Lord Vishnu and due to this reason; many of the Hindus come to this place of worship every month from all over Rajasthan.
While entering this temple, you will be received by the Elephants that are carved out of black stone. In the north, the image Goddess Chakreshvari adorns the site and in the south, the image of goddess Padmavati fetches the attention. In this temple, the idol of Lord Rishabh Dev captures the major attraction. This 3.5 feet tall idol is carved out of a single piece of black stone. The lord is sitting in 'padmasana' posture and his long hair touches the shoulders. On the platform where the idol is seated, two oxen are carved in the middle. These oxen also represent the 16 dreams of Tirthankar's mother.
Besides the main idol, there are 23 other idols and out of them, 2 are standing and 21 are in a sitting position. All these idols are made up of Ashtadhatu (composed of eight metals) and encircle the idol of Lord Rishabhdeo. The northern and southern parts of the Khela Mandapa (Hall) are occupied by the idols of Tirthankaras Vasupujya, Mallinath, Neminath, Parshvanath and Mahavir Swami that are collectively known as Panch-Balayati. Apart from this, there are 52 other devakulikas (shrines) of the Tirthankaras.
This temple has been accredited to witness the long history of Mewar. It has about 65 inscriptions on its walls. The inscription that dates back to 15th century states that the temple was constructed as per the preaching of Bhattaraka Dharmakirti belonging to Kashtha Sangh. At the same time, 'Garbhagriha' and 'Khel Mandapa' were constructed. In 1832, the 'Nakkarkhana' (drum tower) was built. In the later years, the smaller shrines (devakulika) were constructed. Tourists visit this holy place to get blessings from the Lord Rishabhdeoji.
Shri Rishabh Dev Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra or Kesariyaji Jain temples is situated in the village Dhulev in Udaipur (Rajasthan) at a distance of sixty five kilometers from Udaipur. The nearest railway station to Kesariyaji is at distance of 11 kilometers and the city of Udaipur is at a distance of 66 kilometers from this temple. It is the most popular Jain centres and the important Jain centres for other cast and tribal public
Main Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Rishabh dev, the first Jain Tirthankara. The temple is very artistic. Its pinnacles, arches, doors, walls are very artistic, beautiful and fascinating. The fifty two pinnacles of the temple are seen from a long distance. The main temple of Atishaya Teerth Kshetra Rishabh Dev is very attractive, magnificent and artistic having 52 beautiful spires on it. According to Jain’s opinion, as a symbol of Nandishwar Dweep’s 52 temples, this temple was constructed having 52 spires. This temple is constructed scientifically according to the art of architecture.
Just before the courtyard and in front of the main temple there is an idol of Marudevi Mata, the mother of Lord Rikhabdev, seated on a marble elephant.
Main deity
The main deity of this temple is Bhagwan Rishabh Dev’s; black in color, 108 cm. (3½ feet) in height sitting in Padmasana posture Long hair of the idol of Bhagwan Rishabh Dev touching to the shoulders. Two oxen are carved in the center of platform of the idol. On the platform, 16 dreams visited by the mother of Teerthankar are carved. On the back of principal deity, there are 23 idols – 2 standing and 21 in seating posture carved on an plate of Ashta Dhatu. In the north and south sides of ‘Khela Mandapa’ of this temple attractive idols of Bhagwan Vasupoojya, Mallinath, Neminath, Parshvanath and Mahaveer Swami (Panch Balyati) are installed.
Bhils, call this idol by the name Kalababa. Since centuries, there is a custom of giving saffron to Bhagawan Rishabh Dev as a gift. Due to so much saffron is plastered on the idol of Bhagawan Rishabh Dev, the idol looks saffron - colored. People, therefore, call it God Kesariyanath. It is said that the adivasi Bhils livening in this region , discovered a black stone-image of Rishabha hidden in a tree.
History
The Jains believes that the image belongs to the time of Rama and Sita. The temple was repaired in the 14th and 15th centuries and the oldest inscription found on the temple is that of 1424 AD. The altar of the temple was built in the 14th century.
It is said that this idol was reverenced by Acharya Vidyanand in 8th – 9th century. Some ancient petrography are also found here, that proves that this Kshetra was renovated time to time due to the precepts of Bhattarkas by Digambar devotees It is said that this miraculous idol of Bhagwan Rishabh Dev was brought here from village Khoonadary which was a prosperous city in ancient time. Latter in the Mughal period due to attacks on Khoonadary and killing of cows devotees shifted the idol at safer place.
Pagliyaji Palace
Nearly 2km from the temple of Rikhabdev there is a place known as Pagliyaji, where the footprints of Lord Rikhab dev are placed in a cenotaph and worshipped. On the birthday of Lord Rikhabdev, when a procession of the Lord proceeds from the temple to Pagliyaji, puja and abhishek is performed at Pagliyaji..
| Location: | In Dhulev, at a distance of 65 kms in the south of Udaipur |
| Built in: | 15th century |
| Dedicated to: | Lord Rishabh Dev |
| Significance: | One of the four main pilgrimages of the Jains |
| How to reach: | One can easily reach Rishabhdeo Temple from the city by taking Regular Buses or by hiring Taxis |