Kesariyaji

Also Rishabhdeo, Dhulev

A black-stone Rishabhadeva bathed in saffron, revered by Jains of both traditions and by the surrounding Bhil communities, who call him Kalaji.

The principal image is of black stone, and the offering that gives the place its name is kesar — saffron — poured over it in such quantity that the figure is often seen entirely gold.

What makes Kesariyaji unusual is who comes. Svetambara and Digambara Jains both hold rights and both worship here, and so do the Bhil communities of the surrounding hills, for whom the image is Kalaji. A shrine held in common by groups who disagree about almost everything else is rare enough to be worth stating plainly.

Written for Jain Times. Corrections are welcome — see sources and licences.