The lost Jain temples of Abhapuri (Polo Forest)
The year was 1955. A Charipalit Sangh (pilgrimage carried out on foot) initiated by Sanghpati Shri Fatehchand Motichand Vakharia was on its way back to the town of Himmatnagar (in Gujarat) after completing a 28-day arduous journey to the shrine of Lord Kesariyaji (Adinath) situated in the Dhulev town of Mewar (now Rajasthan). Param Pujya Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Dharmasurishwarji Maharaja led the Sangh consisting of nearly 50 Sadhu-Sadhvijis (monks & nuns) and 200 pilgrims along with a substantial support staff among others. The grand Jain temple of Abhapuri - Polo Forest Just a few days away from its final destination, the Sangh camped on the outskirts of a forest couple of kilometers from the town of Idar, on a sunny day in March. Huge tents were erected at the spot and a grand feast was prepared not only for the pilgrims but also for the local villagers and Bhils (tribals) living in the nearby forests. The Nritya Mandap at Lakha Mandir - Po