The Shri Mahavirji Fair is held from Chaitra Shukla
Ekadasi to Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya (March-April) to commemorate the
memory of Shri Mahavir Swami, the 24th tirthankara (saint) of the Jains,
in Chandangaon. The Mahavirji temple is located in an enclosure known as
'katala' and houses the image of Mahavir Swami believed to have been dug
out by a leather worker from Devta-Ka-Tila, a nearby hillock. There is a
Man-Stambha (tower of glory) made of marble in front of the temple.
The temple is maintained by the chief priest called Bhattarak and
assisted by Brahmacharis (his disciples). The image of Mahavirji is
washed followed by pujan and ashta-argha (eight oblations). In the
evening aarti is performed. Ghee deepaks are lit and the offerings
comprise of rice, white and yellow flowers, sandalwood, camphor,
saffron, mishri (crystallised sugar), and dry fruits.
The major attraction is the Rath Yatra. The fair of Mahavirji reaches
its peak on Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya when the image of the deity is taken
to the bank of river Gambhiri in a grand procession for Kalash Abhishek.
The golden chariot (rath) is drawn by bullocks. After the ceremony, the
procession returns with the same grandeur and the image is restored to
the temple. The pilgrims gather at the temple to worship, meditate and
seek the blessings of the saint with folded hands. During the evening
offering the temple is illuminated with lights.
Permanent shops exist at the site, selling food grains, cloth and
general merchandise. Temporary shops spring up at the fair and cater to
the needs of the visitors. Lots of Rajasthan handicrafts are at a
display during this fair.






