Exquisite derasar to retain past glory

VADODARA: The exquisite murals and carvings adorning the Shree Shantinath Jain Derasar have amazed the royals and common people alike over the years. The 450-year-old derasar which was once frequented by the royal Gaekwad family of the erstwhile state of Baroda is now under renovation to restore its old glory.
Along with restoration of murals and carvings, Shree Kothipol Jain Sangh Trust that now looks after the Raopura-located derasar, is going to add gold plating to the four doors of the derasar.Artisans for the art restoration have been brought from Jaipur and are expected to complete the work in another two months. As much as 150 grams of gold will be used to plate the doors of the derasar.
Established by Kushalchand Seth the monument houses the idols of Shantinath Bhagwan and Neminath Bhagwan. “The derasar is unique in many ways. Murals on the marble ceiling are one of its kind in the city and surrounding areas. We have undertaken the renovation to maintain the grandeur that was distinctive to the derasar and honour the legacy entrusted to us,” Prakash Seth, who now heads the trust told TOI.
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III was a patron of the derasar and regularly visited the place. The maharaja also attended the spiritual discourses at the derasar.
Shree Shantinath Jain Derasar is among the four oldest derasars in the city and its association with the royal Gaekwad family has been long-standing.
Seventy-seven-year-old Suresh Shah has seen the derasar grow and change with the times. “I came here holding my father’s finger when I was a child and today I come her holding onto my cane. Coming to this derasar has been a part of my daily routine since decades. Times have changed but the magnificence of the idols bejewelled with diamonds and rubies has remained unaffected. It is satisfying to see that the younger generation still cares for the legacy and is determined to restore it,” said Shah.