Shri Kesariyaji (Rishabhdeo / Dhulev Teerth)
श्री केसरियाजी (ऋषभदेव / धुलेव तीर्थ, उदयपुर) • Atishaya & Pauranik Kshetra (Ancient Black Granite Idol of Bhagwan Adinatha)
Shri Kesariyaji (Rishabhdeo) in Dhulev, Rajasthan, is an ancient pilgrimage center dedicated to Bhagwan Adinath. Administered under the Rajasthan Devasthan Department following the 1975 Supreme Court judgment, the Digambara community vigilantly maintains its traditional morning Prakshal rights while preserving peaceful harmony with local Bhil devotees.
Historical Antiquity & Tribal Devotion
A renowned ancient shrine housing a colossal black granite idol of the first Tirthankara, Bhagwan Rishabhdev (Adinath). Pilgrims offer abundant saffron (*Kesar*), giving the shrine its name. Revering the deity as *Kaliya Baba*, local Bhil indigenous communities share centuries of peaceful devotion.
Core Grievance & Ritual Modalities
Long-standing inter-community dispute over ritual worship modalities (*Prakshal* without Angi ornaments vs. ornamented Angi puja) and temple management. The Digambara community actively defends its historic right of unhindered morning Prakshal and Agamic austerity against administrative or sectarian alterations.
Judicial Chronicle: Landmark Decisions
Constitutional rulings on denominational temple endowments and worship allocations
Landmark Supreme Court Ruling on Kesariyaji Temple Governance
Held that the Kesariyaji temple is a denominational religious endowment, regulating state Devasthan department control while affirming the non-exclusive, shared customary worship rights of all traditional groups.
Judicial Regulation of Daily Worship Slots & Security
Instituted strict time slots ensuring Digambara devotees carry out morning Prakshal and Abhishek unimpeded before public darshana hours.
Epigraphical Inscriptions & Historical Records
Mewar stone epigraphs recording royal patronage and Digambara consecrations
Mewar Inscriptions & Dhulev Stone Epigraphs
Citation: Epigraphia Indica & Mewar Archaeological Survey Records
Records early Digambara ascetic settlements, Pratishtha rites, and royal endowments by the Maharanas of Mewar acknowledging the sacred hill shrine.
Judicial Schemes & Orders
Governance Scheme for Shri Kesariyaji Temple
Case No: AIR 1975 SC 706
Established administrative guidelines balancing community worship rights under Devasthan department oversight.