PERIOD OF ENGRAVEMENT OF THE IDOL

This idol is of grey stone having no engravement of any note, hence, it is difficult to trace the actual period of its creation. It is surprising that its craftsmen, artists, conseerators have not left any trace of their introductions perhaps wishing no name and fame but fully devoting to Lord Rishabh Dev and made their lives worth, leaving behind them such idol that will pave the way of self enlightenment for ages.

It is worth to be noted that ascetic Madankirti, a great name of 13 th century has made a mention of this idol. That is the evidence of the fact that the idol was sculptured before that.The ascetic has also mentioned the name of its founder as Akankirti. Although, history is silent about this name, he might be an humble King of some small state.

There are two notes engraved in the east and the north of the hall of the temple that mention, Friday the 14 th day of Hindu month Bhadra-1223(Christian era166AD) The note in the east is in the praise of Muni Ramchandra and the note in the north tells the praise of Muni Leknand, Devanand and their disciple Ramchandra and also mentions that temple was built by them. In the note, the building of temple mentioned is probably the temple situated on choolgiri but there is no mention of engravement of the idol. Possibility is that King Ankankirti having been influenced by Muni Ramchand had got the temple built and the idol engraved. Thus, it is ascertained that the main temple was built in the Hindu year 1223 and the mention of the idol by Madankirti ascertains that the idol existed during his life time that is 13 th century.