Aarasan Na Jin Mandirona Aprakat Abhilekho

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Aarasan na Jin Mandirona Aprakat Abhilekho" by Lakshman Bhojak:

The book "Aarasan na Jin Mandirona Aprakat Abhilekho" (Unpublished Inscriptions of the Jin Temples of Aarasan) by Lakshman Bhojak presents a collection of newly discovered inscriptions found on the pillars and other parts of Jin temples in the Aarasan region (also known as Kumbhariya). The author, along with scholars like Prof. Madhusudan Dhaki and Dr. Murthy, and photographer Shri Samir Pathak, conducted surveys of these temples and identified several inscriptions that had not been previously published or documented.

The text is organized by the specific Jin temples where these inscriptions were found, rather than in chronological order.

Key Findings and Inscriptions:

• Mahavir Jinālay (Mahavir Temple): An inscription was found on a pillar, but the letters were too unclear to be read.

• Shantinath Jinālay (Shantinath Temple):

  • Inscription 1: Located on the base of a pillar in the west wall of the main shrine (Moolnayak's north-facing temple). This inscription is in a cryptic language and could not be deciphered.
  • Inscription 2: This is a significant inscription found on the lintel of a Chaturmukh (four-faced) idol depicting the Samavasarana and Ashtapada scene within a four-doored kulika (a small shrine or cell) located southeast of the main temple. While previously read by Muni Vishal Vijayji and later revised by Prof. Dhaki and Harshankar Shastri, a portion of it remained undeciphered. The author provides a complete reading here, clarifying the previously unresolved parts.
    • Details: Dated to Samvat 1266, Phalguna Shudi 10, Wednesday. It mentions the Pragvat community and a prominent merchant, Shri Nandivardhan, his wife Padmini, and their five sons, including Shri Jaksadev and Bopadev. The inscription states that Bopadev and Shobhandev (likely Shobhan) had the Ashtapada tirtha (pilgrimage site) with the Samavasarana constructed for the spiritual welfare of their family. The idol was consecrated by Shri Dharmaghoshasuri. The author emphasizes the rarity of Ashtapada construction models and the importance of this dated inscription.
  • Inscription 3: Found on a plaque used for storing items, located in a storage room of the same temple.
    • Details: Dated to Samvat 1355. It mentions consecration by Shri Parmanand Suri. It also notes the Pragvat community and identifies a person (with cement overlaying part of the inscription). This inscription dates to the late 13th century CE.
  • Inscription 4: A fragmented and worn inscription was found on the base of a sapariikar (with attendants) stone pratima (idol) of Tritirthika (likely representing the three Tirthankaras) behind the main shrine.
    • Details: Dated to Samvat 1343, Magha Shudi 10, Saturday. It mentions a Suri (teacher) whose name is partially lost.
  • Inscription 5: A contemporary inscription from the 16th century CE is found on another pillar of the Balānak (possibly a specific part of the temple or a building).
    • Details: Dated to Samvat 1647. It mentions an individual named Haradas, son of (name not fully legible), and his lineage, indicating a family's involvement.

• Neminath Jinālay (Neminath Temple):

  • Inscription 1: Found on one of the mishrak (mixed material) pillars north of the central pillars in the rangmandap (assembly hall). Unfortunately, a large portion of this inscription has been destroyed due to the practice of polishing the pillars with chisels in the current era.
    • Details: Dated to Samvat 1717, Shravan Sud 4, Tuesday. It mentions Sutradhar (architect/craftsman) and the word "Shubham" (auspiciousness).

• Sambhavnath Jinālay (Sambhavnath Temple):

  • Inscriptions: Inscriptions are fewer in this temple and were not included in previous publications.
  • Inscription 1: Found on the parikar (frame) of an alcove to the right of the viewer, near the left door of the main shrine.
    • Details: Dated to Samvat 1325, Vaishakh Shudi 9, Thursday. It mentions the Pragvat community and individuals named Ratnaj and Kamasi, sons of Shri Padamshik, and Prahlad, son of (name not legible).
  • Inscription 2: This inscription is found on the upper band of the same alcove.
    • Details: Dated to Samvat 1529, Shravan Vad 3. It mentions the Purnimapakshiya Chauthashakha (a specific lineage or sect of Jain monks), Shri Padyadev Suri's lineage, and names teachers like Shri ...dasan. It mentions the consecration of an adiganesha idol by Shri ...hen. The author suggests that this inscription might be a continuation or supplement to the previous one, providing further details.
  • Inscription 3: A sketch of Indra is present on the left side of a gudhamandap (inner sanctum) pillar. An inscription is found there.
    • Details: Mentions "Vanshāya" (lineage) and names like Shri Ganesh, Hemaral, and Su. Hemal.
  • Inscription 4: A similar inscription is found on the right side of the same pillar, providing a date. The author suggests that the inscription without a date (Inscription 3) might belong to the same period.

Conclusion:

The author, Lakshman Bhojak, concludes that while these newly discovered inscriptions may not reveal entirely new historical facts, they offer valuable information for researchers studying Jain gachchhas (sects), shravakas (lay followers), and the history of these temples. The text serves as an important documentation of previously unrecorded epigraphical evidence from the Jain temples of Aarasan. The footnotes refer to previous publications about Aarasan (Kumbhariya) and specific articles related to its inscriptions.