Dev Dham Jodhpuriya Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located Newai municipality of Tonk district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The pilgrimage centre is at a distance of 75 kms from Jaipur on Jaipur - Kota national highway and is located in the vicinity of Mashi dam, Manoharpura in Newai municipality. Lord Vishnu is revered as God Devnarayan in Dev Dham Jodhpuriya temple. According to a legendary story, Lord Vishnu had incarnated in Vikram Samvat 968 as the son of Shri Sawai Bhoj Bagaravat and Saadu Maata Gurjari. They were the Gurjar warriors.
Construction of Dev Dham Jodhpuriya Temple
Dev Dham Jodhpuriya Temple, a century old shrine surviving the test of time, houses several idols of gods and goddesses. The temple elaborately designed and carved bears testimony to the creativity and craftsmanship of the early artisans. It houses the idol of Sri Sawai Bhoj Gurjar, one of the 24 Gurjar brothers. He is also known as Bagaravat. Besides, the shrine enshrines the idol of Bhuna ji and Mehandu ji, the cousins of God Devnarayan. The statue of their half sister, Taradey Panwar, is also established in the temple. The statuette of a Sri Sawai Bhoj, a Gurjar warrior, an image of a child resting on the lap of Saadu Maata Gurjari as well as a statue of native land of Lord Devnarayan-Maalasheri Doongari installed in the temple further augments the beauty of the temple. Apart from this the remarkable statue of Devnarayan Bhagawan drinking milk of a lioness enchants the devotees visiting the temple.
Rituals of Dev Dham Jodhpuriya Temple
Regular offers are made to Lord Devnarayan in the Dev Dham Jodhpuriya Temple. Aarti is done thrice a day. On Fridays devotees swarm the temple premises and conduct night-vigil or jaagran. The Lord is worshipped by devotees belonging to all the sections. The following quote can be seen on all the images of Sri Devnarayan:
"Samvat 968 ke aansh, janam liya Gurjar ke vansh
Sadhu sati ke vachno dwara,kamal phool Dev liya avatar."
Every year the Dev Dham Jodhpuriya temple celebrates two fairs on a grand scale in memory of Devnarayan Bhagawan.
