Here is a simple history of Khimel Jain (Shri Khimel Teerth), Pali, Rajasthan:
Location:
Khimel is an ancient Jain village in the Gorwar (गोड़वाड़) region of Pali district, Rajasthan. It has a good Jain population and is known for its old Jain temples.
Antiquity:
The Jain teerth of Khimel is considered to be in existence from around the 12th century of Vikram Samvat. The village itself is believed to be even older.
Main temple & Moolnayak:
- The principal deity (moolnayak) is Bhagwan Shantinath, white in colour, in padmāsan posture.
- The main ancient temple is on the bank of a river, towards the east of the village.
Construction & Pratishtha (consecration):
- The old Shantinath temple is traditionally said to have been built by Seth Shri Lala (Leela) Shah Ostwal.
- The moolnayak idol of Shantinath Bhagwan was established on Vaishakh Shukla 10, Vikram Samvat 1134 by Āchārya Shri Hemsurishwarji.
- Later, another idol was installed by Āchārya Shri Vijaysensurishwarji on Vaishakh Shukla 11, Vikram Samvat 1653.
Other temples in Khimel:
Khimel has three Jain temples:
1. The old Shantinath temple on the river bank (the most ancient one).
2. A large temple just outside the village, popularly known for “Bāvan Jinalay” (52 Jinalayas):
- This big temple was built by Smt. Nagibai, wife of Shri Khumji Gadaiya, in Vikram Samvat 1920.
- The moolnayak here is Bhagwan Rishabhdev (shyam-varniya), whose idol was established in V.S. 1928.
- At that time only part of the temple (14 dehris) was completed; full pratishtha took place in V.S. 1958.
3. A samadhi temple of Āchārya Shri Vijayrajendra Surishwarji near the step-well (bāvdi) built by Mehta Mokamsingh at the river bank.
Religious life:
- Regular pūjā is performed in the main temple, generally in the morning hours.
- Being an old Jain centre, Khimel is respected as an ancient Śvetāmbara Jain teerth of Rajasthan.
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