https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=KesariyajiKesariyaji - Revision history2026-07-31T17:49:39ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Kesariyaji&diff=509360&oldid=prevVikv10 at 06:58, 5 May 20262026-05-05T06:58:09Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{short description|Śvētāmbara Jain temple in the state of Rajasthan}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2022}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}<br />
{{Infobox religious building<br />
| religious_affiliation = [[Jainism]] <br />
| sect = [[Digambara]] and [[Śvētāmbara]]<br />
| image = File:Rishabhdeo Jain temple (9710280717).jpg<br />
| alt = Shree Kesariyaji Tirth<br />
| caption = Shree Kesariyaji Tirth<br />
| native_name = <br />
| native_name_lang = <br />
| map_type = Rajasthan<br />
| map_alt = <br />
| map_size = 200<br />
| map_caption = Location within Rajasthan<br />
| coordinates = {{coord|24|04|35|N|73|41|22|E|region:IN|display=inline,title}} <br />
| location = [[Rishabhdeo]], [[Udaipur District]], [[Rajasthan]]<br />
| festivals = [[Mahavir Janma Kalyanak]]<br />
| deity = [[Rishabhanatha]] <br />
| governing_body = <br />
| materials = Marble, limestone<br />
| temple_quantity = 5<br />
| architecture_style = <br />
| creator = Rawal Khuyan<br />
| established = 874 CE<br />
| website = {{URL|https://www.rishabhdeo.com/}}<br />
}}<br />
'''Kesariyaji Tirth''' or '''Rishabhdeo Jain temple''' is a [[Jain]] [[Jain temple|temple]] located in [[Rishabhdeo]] town of [[Udaipur District]] of Indian state of [[Rajasthan]]. The temple is considered an important pilgrimage center by both [[Digambara]] and [[Śvētāmbara]] sect of Jainism.{{sfn|Shah|1987|p=115}}{{sfn|Crooke|1896|pp=104-105}}{{sfn|Wiley|2009|p=233}} Further, [[Rajasthan High Court]], in its judgment dated 30th March 1966, stated that it was, indisputably, a Śvētāmbara Jain temple.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Rajasthan High Court. Deewan Singh And Ors., Etc. vs State Of Rajasthan And Ors. on 5 February, 1997 |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1130269/}}</ref><br />
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== History ==<br />
[[File:Kesariya Adinath.jpg|thumb|The idol of Kesariya Adinath at Kesariyaji Rishabhdeo Śvetāmbara Jain Tirth at Dhuleva, Rajasthan]]<br />
The temple was constructed in 874 CE ([[Vikram Samvat|VS]] 931) during the reign of Rawal Khuyan, the ruler of [[Mewar]].{{sfn|Department of Devasthan}} The temple received patronage from rich merchants since its situated on an important trade route from the coast to the state of [[Mewar]]. An inscription dated back to 1422 CE, indicates repairs and renovations were made to the temple during the 14th to 15th centuries.{{sfn|Mehta|1970|p=158}} It is also believed to have been worshipped by [[Ravana]] in Nandan Vana and having been installed at [[Ujjain]] by King Śrīpāla.{{sfn|Mehta|1970|p=158}} Since 14th century, there has been a history of conflict over control of this temple between members of Digambara, Śvētāmbara and Hindus community based on relation with rulers of Mewar.{{sfn|Cort|2000|p=336}}{{sfn|Carrithers|Humphrey|1991|p=215}}{{sfn|Wiley|2009|p=233}} However, on 30th March 1966, [[Rajasthan High Court]] declared that it was a [[Śvetāmbara]] Jain temple.{{sfn|Mehta|1970|p=158}}<ref name=":0" /> The [[Supreme Court of India]] has conclusively declared that the Rishabhdev/Keshariya Nathji Temple is a [[Jain temple]] and not a Hindu temple.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Sheth Anandji Kalyanji (Religious ... vs State Of Rajasthan on 19 August, 2019 |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/86104045/ |url-status=}}</ref><br />
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== Discovery of idol ==<br />
The main idol of the temple, popularly known as ''Kesariyaji'', is a {{convert|1.05|m}} black stone idol of Adinatha or [[Rishabhanatha]] in [[lotus position]]. {{sfn|Department of Devasthan}}<br />
[[File:Kesariya_Adinath_2.jpg|thumb|The idol of Kesariya Adinath decorated as per Śvetāmbara Jain customs and rituals at Dhuleva, Rajasthan]]<br />
The iconic idol of Lord Rishabhanatha, the principal deity of the pilgrimage temple, was found during an excavation. A [[Bhil people|Bhil]] dairy farmer noticed that one of his cows was always dry of milk. When cow belonging used to pour out its milk every day upon a mound near Chandanpur village. It was surprising for the owner of that cow and the villagers. They excavated the mound. The villagers dedicated themselves to building a small hut over the idol where the idol was found. The place is now known as ''paglia-ji'' or ''chharan chatri''.{{sfn|Carrithers|Humphrey|1991|p=207}}<br />
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== Architecture ==<br />
The temple has an ornate architecture.{{sfn|IGNCA|p=1}} The temple has a large domical structure as the principal shrine with domical 52 sub-shrine along the axis of principal shrine.{{sfn|Mehta|1970|p=158}} In the [[parikrama]] path there are idols of Charbhuja (four armed) Vishnu, [[Parshvanatha]], [[Somnath temple|Somnath]] [[Shiva]]. The pillared porch features Nava chowki (nine seats) with idols of [[Ajitnatha]], [[Sambhavanatha]], [[Sumatinatha]] and [[Neminatha]].{{sfn|Department of Devasthan}} The shafts of the pillars are richly carved. The [[Shikara]] of the temple is crowned by [[amalaka]].{{sfn|IGNCA|pp=1-2}} The temple also features a richly carved [[torana]].{{sfn|Department of Devasthan}}<br />
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== About the temple ==<br />
[[File:Jain God Idol.JPG|thumb|Kesariyaji idol replica inside Gaj Mandir situated near the main temple]]<br />
The temple is considered an important pilgrimage center by both [[Digambara]] and [[Śvētāmbara]] sect of Jainism and [[Hindu]]s.{{sfn|Shah|1987|p=115}}{{sfn|Wiley|2009|p=233}}{{sfn|Kuiper|2010|p=159}} The mulnayak of the temple is a {{convert|1.05|m}} black stone idol of [[Rishabhanatha]], revered by both [[Vaishnava]]s and [[Jain]]s.{{sfn|Department of Devasthan}}{{sfn|Crooke|1896|pp=104-105}} Kesariyaji is the name of Rishabhanatha idol inside the temple. The name is derived from the instance of a man of offering kesar ({{translation|saffron}}{{sfn|Kumar|1984|p=81}}) equal to his son's weight when his wish of having a child is fulfilled.{{sfn|Kelting|2001|p=230}} According to another legend, a Brahmin once threw a coin at idol saying "if you have any strength you will show it me", the coin flew back hit Brahmin head.{{sfn|Carrithers|Humphrey|1991|p=210}}<br />
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The idol is considered miraculous and according Jain belief praying to the idol fulfills the wishes of devotees.{{sfn|Cort|2001|p=233}}{{sfn|Weisgrau|Henderson|2016|p=178}} The saffron and garland is profusely applied to the idol for worship.{{sfn|Carrithers|Humphrey|1991|p=210}}{{sfn|Mehta|1970|p=157}}{{sfn|Kumar|1984|p=19}} The replicas of Kesariyaji Rishabhanatha is popular among [[Śvētāmbara]] [[murtipujaka]]. According to Jain belief, worshipping these local replication idols allow them to directly worship to the original idol.{{sfn|Cort|2010|p=186}}[[File:Marudevi at Kesariyaji.jpg|thumb|Depiction of Marudevi's omniscience and liberation as per the Śvētāmbara belief at Kesariyaji Śvētāmbara Jain Tirth, Dhuleva]] In front the principal shrine there is an idol of [[Marudevi]], mother of Rishabhanatha, seated on an elephant corroborating the belief of Marudevi attaining [[omniscience]] and [[moksha]] while seated on an elephant as per the [[Śvetāmbara]] tradition.{{sfn|Mehta|1970|p=158}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2017-09-21 |title=Part 12: Marudevī's omniscience and death |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/jainism/book/trishashti-shalaka-purusha-caritra/d/doc212460.html |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> However, the statue of [[Marudevi]], seated on an elephant, was added much later, around VS 1711, which corresponds to 1654 CE.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan |url=https://jainqq.org/explore/001596/137}}</ref><br />
[[File:Kesariyaji_Anga_Puja.jpg|thumb|A [[Śvetāmbara]] lay follower performing 'Anga Puja' of the idol of Kesariyaji by anointing the idol with saffron and sandalwood mixture as per ancient rituals of Kesariyaji temple and of the Śvetāmbara sect]]<br />
The temple also has a ''[[Dharamshala (type of building)|dharamshala]]'' equipped with all modern facilities, including [[bhojanalaya]] (a restaurant). There is a temple known as Pagliyaji, housing footprints of Rishabhanatha inside a [[chhatri]].{{sfn|Mehta|1970|p=158}}<br />
[[File:KesariyaJi at Shahpur.jpg|thumb|A [[Śvetāmbara]] [[Śrāvaka]] performing pooja of replica of Kesariyaji at Manas Mandir - Bhuvanbhanu Jain Temple Shatrunjay Tirtha, Shahpur, Karade, [[Maharashtra]]]]<br />
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== Conflicts ==<br />
The nature of the temple has been an issue between Digambara, Śvētāmbara and Hindus.{{sfn|Cort|2000|p=336}} The Śvētāmbara murtipujaka [[Acharya (Jainism)|Acharya]] Tirthavijaya endeavoured to free Kesariyaji from the control of [[Brahmin]] community and returned to Jain.{{sfn|Wiley|2009|p=233}}{{sfn|Carrithers|Humphrey|1991|p=223}} The temple also houses images of Hindu deities. The temple is also visited by members of the Bhil community. They only worship Hindu idols except for the Rishabhanatha idol. However, Rishabhanatha is worshipped as a ''Kala-ji'' or ''Bhomia'', a protective deity of land and soil.{{sfn|Carrithers|Humphrey|1991|p=224}}{{sfn|Panikar|2010|p=316}}{{sfn|Shrimali|2017|p=14}}<br />
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== Fair ==<br />
A fair is organised here on the birth anniversary of Rishabhanatha and draws a huge number of devotees.{{sfn|Department of Devasthan}}{{sfn|Carrithers|Humphrey|1991|p=213}} A [[rath yatra]] is organised from the main temple to Pagliyaji temple.{{sfn|Mehta|1970|p=158}}<br />
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== See also ==<br />
* [[Nakodaji]]<br />
* [[Shri Mahaveer Ji temple|Shri Mahavirji]]<br />
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==References==<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
{{reflist|23em}}<br />
<br />
=== Sources ===<br />
==== Books ====<br />
{{refbegin|30em}}<br />
* {{cite book | last1=Carrithers | first1=Michael | author-link1=Michael Carrithers | last2=Humphrey | first2=Caroline | author-link2=Caroline Humphrey | title=The Assembly of Listeners: Jains in Society | publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] | date=4 April 1991 |isbn=9780521365055 | url={{Google books|LW8czr_HzzwC|page=|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} }}<br />
* {{cite book |last=Cort |first=John E. |author-link=John E. Cort |title=Framing the Jina: Narratives of Icons and Idols in Jain History |url={{Google books|MDBpq23-0QoC|page=186|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |year=2010 | isbn=978-0-19-538502-1 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last=Cort |first=John E. |author-link=John E. Cort |title=Jains in the World: Religious Values and Ideology in India |url={{Google books|PZk-4HOMzsoC|page=233|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} |year=2001 |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |isbn=978-0-19-803037-9 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last=Crooke |first=William |author-link=William Crooke |title=The Tribes and Castes of the North-western Provinces and Oudh | volume=4 |url={{Google books|GJQn7XA6Cz4C|page=104|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} |year=1896 |publisher=Office of the superintendent of government printing }}<br />
* {{cite book | last=Kelting | first=Mary Whitney | author-link=Mary Whitney Kelting | title=Singing to the Jinas: Jain Laywomen, Maṇḍaḷ Singing, and the Negotiations of Jain Devotion | publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] | year=2001 | isbn=9780195140118 | url={{Google books|EqXmCwAAQBAJ|page=230|plainurl=yes}} }}<br />
* {{cite book | last=Kuiper | first=Kathleen | title=The Culture of India | publisher=[[Britannica Educational Publishing]] | date=1 April 2010 | isbn=9781615302031 | url={{Google books|6cabAAAAQBAJ|page=159|plainurl=yes}} }} <br />
* {{cite book | last=Kumar | first=Pramod | title=Folk Icons and Rituals in Tribal Life | publisher=Abhinav Publications | year=1984 | isbn=9788170171850 | url={{Google books|dF-Iu2Pt3KQC|page=81|plainurl=yes}} }} <br />
* {{cite book | last=Mehta | first=Jodh Sinha | url={{Google books|Q6FpVLjVzU8C|page=157|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} |title=Abu to Udapiur|publisher=[[Motilal Banarsidass]] | date=1970 | isbn=9788120829848 }}<br />
* {{cite book|last=Panikar|first=Agustin|url={{Google books|oCPtDwAAQBAJ|page=316|plainurl=yes}} |title=Jainism: History, Society, Philosophy and Practice | volume=24 | series=Lala Sunder Lal Jain research series |publisher=[[Motilal Banarsidass]] | location=[[Delhi]] |year=2010|isbn=978-81-208-3460-6 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last=Shah | first=Umakant Premanand | author-link=Umakant Premanand Shah | title=Jaina-rūpa-maṇḍana: Jaina iconography | url={{Google books|m_y_P4duSXsC|page=115|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} | date=1987 | publisher=Abhinav Publications | location=[[Delhi]] | isbn=81-7017-208-X }}<br />
* {{cite book | last1=Weisgrau | first1=Maxine | last2=Henderson | first2=Carol | title=Raj rhapsodies: tourism, heritage and the seduction of history | series=New Directions in Tourism Analysis | url={{Google books|pAnPCwAAQBAJ|page=178|plainurl=yes}} | publisher=[[Routledge]] | date=23 March 2016|isbn=978-1-3170-7161-7 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last=Wiley |first=Kristi L. |title=The A to Z of Jainism |url={{Google books|cIhCCwAAQBAJ|page=|plainurl=yes}} |year=2009 | volume=38 |publisher=[[Scarecrow Press]] |isbn=978-0-8108-6337-8 }}<br />
{{refend}}<br />
<br />
==== Web ====<br />
{{refbegin|30em}}<br />
* {{cite journal |last=Cort |first=John E. |author-link=John E. Cort |title='Intellectual Ahiṃsā' Revisited: Jain Tolerance and Intolerance of Others |journal=[[Philosophy East and West]] |volume=50 |issue=3 |year=2000 |pages=324–347 |jstor=1400177 |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/1400177 |access-date=15 May 2022}}<br />
* {{cite journal |last=Shrimali |first=Krishna Mohan |title=The Formation of Religious Identities in India |journal=[[Social Scientist]] |volume=45 |issue=5 |year=2017 |pages=3–27 |jstor=26380477 |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/26380477 |access-date=15 May 2022}} <br />
* {{Cite web |publisher=Department of Devasthan, [[Government of Rajasthan]] |title=Mandir Shri Rishabhdev Ji |url=https://devasthan.rajasthan.gov.in/images/udaipur/rishabhdevji.htm |ref={{SfnRef|Department of Devasthan}}}}<br />
* {{cite web |author=IGNCA |url=https://ignca.gov.in/asi_reports/rjudp180.pdf |title=Digmber Jain Mandir |publisher=[[Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts]]}}<br />
{{refend}}<br />
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==External links==<br />
{{commons category-inline|Rishabhdeo Jain temples}}<br />
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{{Jain temples}}<br />
{{Jainism Topics}}<br />
{{Authority control}}<br />
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[[Category:Jain temples in Rajasthan]]<br />
[[Category:9th-century Jain temples]]</div>Vikv10