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Rishabhdevji Temple (Dhulev)
The Chaturmukh Jain Temple of Rishavadev, carved in amber stone is open on all four sides. This three-storied marble edifice is placed on a lofty plinth with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars-all distinctly carved. The temple has four small shrines with 80 spires supported by 420 columns with an astounding creation Images of all the 24 Tirthankaras.
The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg, producing a musical sound when a breeze moves them. On the four entrances of the temple, there are four huge white-marble images of the Jain Tirthankara Adinath.
These four images, which are about 72 inches tall, have been installed facing the four different directions and because of this the temple is named as Chaturmukh (or Four faced).
Cloisters on the side house little images of tirthankaras. Passing the stairs, one comes to the Navchauki. The idol of Lord Rishabdev is 35 feet high and is placed on a 1.25 feet high stone and is the centre, there are two bulls around an image of the goddess, in addition to statues of elephants and lions. Also depicted beautifully are the sixteen dreams of Lord Rishabdev's mother.
Navgrah composed of nine images, the holy throne (singhasana) and the golden door are also attractive, as are the high spired domes, and the spirals of the temple. The rites and rituals in this temple consist of shuddhi in which water and milk is used. To make the atmosphere clean, pure and fit for devotion, the area is incensed with fragrance. The images are decorated and devotional hymns (bhajans) are sung and religious assemnblies are held regularly. The image is called by several names.
The bhils call this black stone image by the name of Kalaji. The image also called 'Dhulevdhani' because of its location at Dhulev. A lot of saffron is presented here as offering to the Lord and thus the name 'Kesariaji'. Close to Rishabhdevji are many more places of interest - Pagyaji, Chandragiri, Bhim Pagalya, Bhattarak, Kirti Bhavan and the Peepli temple. Every year a Rath - Yatra and fair is organized.
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