We reached the temple of a 1000 carved pillars through narrow streets specked with old houses and souvenir shops for offerings. Livelihoods of almost all the families of the town is dependent on the temple. The Derasar dates back to the 8th century and is an admiration not only for the Jains, but also for the Hindus, who consider Rishabhdev as an avatar of lord Vishnu and the Bhil tribe of Rajasthan who believe that the idol is their ‘Kala ji’, the black god.

While returning back, a Panditji (priest) recognised and called my dad to show him an old pothi (a book) which he wrote when my great grandfather made an offering 75 years ago, in 1948. This document recorded all the offerings our family made and his signature on it. We were pleasantly surprised by this incident. The same pothi now holds a record of the date we visited the temple for it to be discovered by our future generations.