Shri Mahavirji

The principal Digambara pilgrimage centre of eastern Rajasthan, grown around an image tradition says was found by a cowherd.

Tradition dates the find to well over four centuries ago: a herder near the village of Chandanpur noticed one of his cows returning dry every evening, its milk given away rather than carried home, and traced it to a mound the animal stood over daily. Dug open, the mound held a copper-toned image of Mahavira. A Jain merchant who came to see it recognised what it was and raised the temple around it.

The site now draws one of Rajasthan's largest fairs, the Lakkhi Mela, running from the thirteenth day of Chaitra's bright fortnight — Mahavir Jayanti — into the following month: a chariot procession on bullock carts, sermons from Digambara monks, and crowds well beyond the pilgrimage the temple sees the rest of the year.

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