Home › Near Gujarat › Kesariyaji
JAIN TEMPLE · RAJASTHANKesariyaji
The revered temple of Rishabhdev (Kesariyaji) south of Udaipur, a rare pilgrimage shared by Jains, Hindus and tribal devotees.
A shrine shared across communities
Kesariyaji, at Rishabhdeo (Dhulev) around 65 km south of Udaipur, is one of Rajasthan’s most cherished Jain pilgrimages, built around a striking black-stone image of Rishabhdev, the first Jain Tirthankara.
It is beloved for the way it draws people together — worshipped by Jains as Kesariyaji, by Hindus as a form of the divine, and with special devotion by the region’s Bhil tribal communities, who revere the deity as Kalaji.
Set in the Aravalli foothills within easy reach of Udaipur and Jaisamand Lake, it is a peaceful, deeply venerated stop that many Gujarati Jain families include on their travels.
The venerated black-stone image draws pilgrims to Kesariyaji at Rishabhdeo.
Reasons to make the time
Revered Tirthankara
The image of Rishabhdev here is carved in black stone, unusual for a Jain Tirthankara, and it is what gives the shrine its distinct character.
Shared devotion
It is venerated well beyond Jainism — Hindus worship him as Kesariyanath and the Bhil communities of the region as Kalaji, which makes this a genuinely shared shrine.
Marble shrine
The temple is calm and richly maintained, with saffron offerings giving it both its atmosphere and its popular name.
Near Udaipur
It is a straightforward run south from Udaipur, so it folds easily into any Mewar itinerary.
Top sights in Kesariyaji
Photos via Wikimedia Commons
How to spend an hour or two
Take darshan
Take darshan of the black-stone image of Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara, which is the reason to come.
Soak up the calm
Sit for a while in the marble hall; this is a quiet tirth and the calm is much of what people come for.
Add Jaisamand Lake
Drive out to Jaisamand Lake, one of the largest artificial lakes in India, not far from the temple.
Continue to Udaipur
Pair the pilgrimage with Udaipur, which is the natural base for anyone coming this way.
Link the temples
Combine it with Eklingji, Nathdwara or Ranakpur for a full circuit of Mewar's great temples.
When to go
October to March gives pleasant weather for the shrine and for the drive down from Udaipur through the hills.
The monsoon turns the Aravalli foothills around the temple green and fresh, and the approach is at its best.
April to June is hot outside, though the marble interior of the temple stays cool through the day.
🙏 Kesariyaji is an active Jain tirth — dress modestly and follow the customs on leather items and photography.
Timings & entry
- The temple keeps daytime worship hours.
- Modest dress is expected; leather items are not allowed inside.
Getting there
By Air
Udaipur airport, about 90 minutes, is the nearest.
By Rail
Udaipur is the closest major railhead.
By Road
About 250 km from Ahmedabad; 65 km south of Udaipur.
Know before you go
Kesariyaji FAQ
What is Kesariyaji famous for?
A revered black-stone image of Rishabhdev, the first Jain Tirthankara. It is worshipped by Jains of both traditions, by Hindus as Kesariyanath, and by the Bhil communities of the region as Kalaji — a rare example of a shrine genuinely shared across faiths.
Where is Kesariyaji?
At Rishabhdeo, also called Dhulev, about 65 km south of Udaipur in Rajasthan, in the Aravalli foothills.
Why do Gujarati Jains visit Kesariyaji?
It is among the most cherished Jain tirths in Rajasthan and a common pilgrimage for Jain families from Gujarat, many of whom make the journey specifically for this shrine.
How far is it from Gujarat?
About 250 km from Ahmedabad. Udaipur is the nearest airport and railhead, and most visitors approach from there.
What can I combine it with?
Udaipur, Jaisamand Lake, Eklingji, Nathdwara and the great marble temple at Ranakpur are all within reach and combine naturally into one trip.
WHERE TO STAY
Find your stay in Gujarat
Compare live prices across the big booking sites and reserve in a few taps. Booking happens securely on the partner's site — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Book directly on our partner sites — tap a provider to see live Gujarat hotels & prices:
SHOP THE REGION
Bring home Gujarat — & travel essentials
Hand-picked crafts and trip gear, available on Amazon.
Published 7 July 2026