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
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.
Although the Rishabhdevji temple history could not be traced back to any exact period, it is confirmed to have been repaired in the 14th and 15th centuries. There are historic evidences to prove that this place of worship was renovated at regular intervals of time as per the precepts of Bhattaraka by Digambar devotees. There is a legend saying that this miraculous idol of Lord Rishabh Dev was brought here from village Khoonadary an ancient and a prosperous city. Eventually due to the Mughal attacks on Khoonadary and killing of cows the devotees shifted the idol to a safer place. The Jains also believe that the idol in this temple belongs to the time of Rama and Sita and Adivasi Bhils of this region, believed to have discovered this black stone-image of Rishabha hidden in a tree. The tribals and Bhils, worship the Lord as Kalaji meaning the Black one due to the color of the idol. The Bhils have great faith in this Lord and they swear by the name of Kalaji.
This temple gained great faith among Jains, Hindus and Bhils since all their wishes were being fulfilled after praying here. As Rishabhdevji is considered as one of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations Hindus also visit this place of worship. Rishabhdevji Temple was one of the four main religious sites of Mewar, ruled by the Sisodia Maharanas of Udaipur. This temple remained a witness to the long history of Mewar.
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.