AVMS

Overview

The Kesariyaji Jain Temple, also known as the Rishabhdev Temple, is a historic Jain pilgrimage center at Rishabhdev (Dhulev) in Udaipur district, Rajasthan. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara of Jainism, and is revered by both the Digambara and Śvetāmbara Jain traditions. The deity is popularly known as Kesariyaji because saffron (kesar) is traditionally offered in large quantities during worship. The temple is also revered by the local Bhil community, who worship the deity as Kalaji Bavaji, giving the shrine a distinctive multi-tradition character.

The temple is believed to be more than 1,200 years old, although its early history is interwoven with religious traditions and legends. Its principal image is a black stone idol of Lord Rishabhadeva seated in the padmasana posture. The temple complex contains numerous subsidiary shrines and is described by Incredible India as having 52 Jinalayas and around 1,100 pillars.

Architecture

The temple presents an elaborate form of traditional Jain temple architecture, distinguished by richly carved stonework and an expansive internal arrangement. The entrance gateway is decorated with intricate carvings and ornamental toranas, leading into the rang mandap. The temple’s courtyards and passages contain numerous sculptural and architectural details, including carved pillars, decorative panels and religious imagery.

The sanctum (garbha griha) houses the principal black-stone image of Lord Rishabhadeva, approximately 3.5 feet high, seated upon a throne decorated with symbolic oxen motifs. Surrounding the principal image are 23 smaller images made of ashtadhatu, an alloy of eight metals. A notable sculpture of Marudevi Mata, the mother of Rishabhadeva, is also located within the temple complex. The presence of Hindu religious imagery alongside Jain iconography reflects the long-standing interaction of different devotional traditions at the shrine.

Kesariyaji Jain Temple represents a remarkable combination of Jain religious tradition, intricate craftsmanship and regional cultural continuity.
Its shared reverence across different communities makes Rishabhdev an especially distinctive sacred center in Rajasthan.

How to Reach

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By Road

Rishabhdev is well connected by road with Udaipur, Ahmedabad and other major cities of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The town is approximately 65 km from Udaipur and around 175 km from Ahmedabad, with regular buses, taxis and private vehicles available. The temple is located within Rishabhdev town and can be reached easily by local transport.

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Udaipur City Railway Station, approximately 65 km away, with broad rail connectivity to Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and other major cities. Taxis and buses are available from Udaipur to Rishabhdev. Himmatnagar is another useful railhead for travellers approaching from Gujarat.

By Air

The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport (Udaipur), approximately 60–65 km from Rishabhdev. Regular taxi and private-car services are available from the airport to the temple.