Abu Parvat Uper Vimalvasahimana Lekho - Book Summary

This document is an analytical overview of inscriptions found in the Vimalavashahi temple on Abu Parvat (Mount Abu), compiled by Jinavijay as part of the "Prachin Jain Lekh Sangrah" (Collection of Ancient Jain Inscriptions), Part 02.

Here's a summary of the key points discussed in the provided text:

Introduction and Scope:

The Vimalavashahi temple on Abu Parvat contains numerous inscriptions, but only a few had been published previously. This collection aims to publish most of them for the first time.
The inscriptions were collected by Shahu Dhahyabhai Premchand Vakil of Ahmedabad.
A significant inscription (No. 132) has been previously published and analyzed by Professor F. Kielhorn in Epigraphia Indica, Vol. 10.

Historical Context and Previous Research:

The text traces the history of scholarly research on Abu inscriptions, starting with H.H. Wilson's report in 1828, based on copies provided by Captain Spears. Wilson translated one of the two major inscriptions in the Nemish temple.
It mentions earlier publications by A.V. Kathavate in 1883 and subsequent republications by P. Luard.
The author also references his own earlier work on a Guhil inscription near the Achaleshwar temple.
A significant effort was made during the winter of 1800-1801 by Mr. Cousens, Superintendent of the Archaeological Survey of India, Western Circle, who had all inscriptions on the mountain copied. These were then sent to the Government Epigraphist for thorough examination.
The text notes that many of these inscriptions are small, none predate the 11th century CE, and while much historical information is limited, some are useful and need to be disseminated.

Categorization and Dating of Inscriptions:

Mr. Cousens' collection, sent by Prof. Hultzsch, comprised 298 inscriptions: 270 in ink and 18 traced by hand.
Rishabh (Adinath) Temple (built by Vimal): 148 inscriptions.
- The earliest dated inscription is from V.S. 1119 (c. 1062 CE), belonging to a minister of Chalukya king Bhimdev I.
- The latest inscription from this temple is V.S. 1785 (c. 1728 CE).
- There are a significant number of inscriptions dated V.S. 1245 (22 inscriptions) and V.S. 1378 (25 inscriptions).
Tejpal's Nemish Temple: 97 inscriptions.
- The earliest date from this temple is V.S. 1287 (c. 1230 CE), the year the temple was built.
- The latest is V.S. 1911 (c. 1854 CE).
- At least 47 inscriptions fall between V.S. 1287 and 1297, and 9 between V.S. 1346 and 1389.
Achaleshwar Temple: 30 inscriptions.
- 22 of these are dated.
- The oldest is V.S. 1186 (c. 1129 CE), though it is heavily damaged.
- Another inscription appears to be from V.S. 1191.
- A confirmed inscription is from V.S. 1207 (c. 1150 CE), during the reign of Paramara Mahamandalika Yashdhawaldev.
- Two others are dated V.S. 122[5] and 122[8], with others from V.S. 1377 onwards.
- The Guhil inscription (No. 1953) is dated V.S. 1342.

Detailed Analysis of Inscription No. 132 (Vimalavashahi Temple - Main Inscription):

Location and Physical Description: Carved on a black stone wall in a side shrine of the Vimalavashahi temple. It has 30 lines, measuring 1'7" to 1'8" wide and 1'13" long. The first 22 lines are longer than the rest.
Condition: Mostly in good condition, but some characters are lost (approx. 10 in line 16, 4 in line 17). Some parts are illegible due to careless carving and close spacing of letters.
Script and Language: Nagari script, Sanskrit language.
Structure: Begins with a mangalasloka (invocatory verse), followed by a royal genealogy in line 9, and the date in line 30. The entire inscription is written in 42 verses.
Linguistic Peculiarities: Notes variations in the use of dental and palatal sounds (e.g., 'manasi' for 'manasi', 'sa' for 'sa', 'nitam' for 'nitaM', 'peshta' for 'peShTa'), and 'nar' for 'jñā'. Also points out the use of 'parā' for 'kṛtva' and 'vājñā' for 'vācā', suggesting a possible lack of distinction between 'jña' and 'cha' in the Raputana and Kannada scripts, and a phonetic rendering of 'r' as 'r' in conjunct consonants.
Grammatical Error: Highlights the use of 'vidhāna' as a third-person singular past tense verb instead of a present participle.
Purpose: The inscription records that in V.S. 1378, Lalla (Lālig) and Vijad repaired the Rishabh (Adinath) temple on Abu for the merit of their parents.
Content Breakdown:
- Section 1 (Verses 1-13): Praises Abu Parvat, the region, Ambika, and Shrimata, and provides historical details about the temple. It also mentions the foundation of Vimal's Adinath temple in V.S. 1088.
- Section 2 (Verses 14-23): Presents the royal genealogy of the rulers during the time of the temple's renovation.
- Section 3 (Verses 24-38): Describes the lineage of the individuals who undertook the renovation.
- Section 4 (Verses 39-42): Mentions the name of the preceptor who consecrated the renovated temple, their lineage, and the date.
Historical Narratives:
- Origin of Parmars: Traces the origin of the Paramaras from Vashishtha Rishi's fire-kund on Abu. Mentions King Kanhadev and King Dhandhu (Dhadhuraj), ruler of Chandravati, who sided with King Bhoj of Dhara against Chalukya King Bhimdev I.
- Vimal: Introduces Vimal, a prominent figure from the Pragvath dynasty. He was appointed minister ('Dampati' or Senapati) by King Bhim. Ambika commanded him to build a beautiful temple for the 'Yugadibhartar' (Yugadi Jin, Adinath) on the mountain.
- Temple Foundation Date: Vimal's temple was founded in V.S. 1088. This is corroborated by a Kharatargachha Pattavali and Prof. Weber's catalog.
- Vimal's Expenditure: Vimal spent 18,530,000 on the temple construction, acquiring the land by scattering coins.
- Temple Reconstruction: The inscription details the reconstruction of the temple in V.S. 1378 by Lalla (Lalig) and Vijad. It also mentions the destruction of these temples by 'Lecchas' (foreign invaders) and their subsequent repairs.
Genealogy and Royal Lineage: The inscription traces the lineage of rulers, starting with King Asaraj of the Chahuvam (Chauhan-Chahuman) dynasty. It mentions Samarasimha, Mahansimha Bhat, Pratapamalla, and Vijad, who became lord of Marusthali Mandal. It then details Vijad's sons: Lunigraja, Lund, and Lumbh, and the reign of Tejasingha and Tihanak.
Discrepancies and Scholarly Debate: The author discusses differing accounts regarding Vijad's sons and their relationships, citing other inscriptions and scholarly opinions (e.g., Mr. Ojha's views on names like Lunig, Sundh, Lumbh).

Analysis of Other Inscriptions:

Inscription No. 133: Found on a wall in the same temple. Written in Sanskrit but with many corrupt and grammatically incorrect usages.
- Date: V.S. 1350, Magha Sudhi 1, Tuesday.
- Content: Mentions King Sarangdev of Anhilpur (Patan). It details the king's lineage (son of Arjunadev of the Vaghela dynasty).
- Royal Mandate: It records a royal decree from Visaldeva, Mandalika of Chandravati, issued at the request of the Oswal community of Chandravati. This decree imposed a tax on traders and businessmen for the expenses of the Vimalavashahi and Lunavashahi temples and for festivals. It prohibited royal officials from collecting any dues from pilgrims and stipulated that any loss of pilgrim property on Abu would be compensated by the ruler of Abu.
- King Sarangdev: Information from other sources regarding Sarangdev's reign and reign period is provided.
- King Karan Dev: Mentions Karan Dev, son of Sarangdev, famous as 'Karan Ghelo', during whose reign Gujarat fell to Muslim rule.
- Devadan (Temple offerings): Mentions consequences of not making temple offerings.
- Witnesses: Lists witnesses to the decree, including priests and village leaders.
Inscriptions Nos. 134-248: These are smaller inscriptions found on devotional niches and images within the temple.
- Content: Primarily mention the year, donor's name, and consecrating preceptor.
- Dated Inscriptions: Many are dated V.S. 1378, coinciding with the renovation by Lalla and Vijad. Others are dated V.S. 1245, V.S. 1204, V.S. 1212, and V.S. 1119.
- Key Figures and Families: Mentions prominent families and individuals like Dhanpal (son of Prithvipala), Yashvir, and various preceptors from different Gachchhas (e.g., Bṛhadgaccha, Oghagaccha, Katagaccha).
- Donations and Renovations: These inscriptions detail various renovations, installation of images, construction of devotional niches, and donations by individuals and families.
- Specific Mentions:
  - Inscription No. 154 (V.S. 1119) is the oldest, mentioning Shanti, a minister from Tharapadra, and his sons Ninn and Gigi, who commissioned an image for their mother Shivadevi.
  - Mentions of ministers like Dhanpal, his father Prithvipala, and Anand.
  - Inscriptions related to the family of minister Yashvir.
  - Mention of Kakkasuri, a disciple of Sadhevsurisuri, consecrating images.
  - Mention of Ratnasingh Suri.
  - Inscriptions dated V.S. 1212 mention various disciples of Shilbhadra Suri.
  - Inscription No. 248 mentions Dhandhuka of the Osavanshi community of Katagaccha building a 'Jinayugala' (pair of Jinas) for the welfare of his family, consecrated by Kakkasuri.
  - Inscription No. 156 praises Nannasuri by Kakkasuri.
  - Inscriptions dated V.S. 1202 mention Kundacharya.
  - Inscriptions dated V.S. 1302 mention Devabhadra Acharya.
  - Inscription No. 242 mentions Mahamatya Vastupala building a niche for Mallinathdev with his brother Malladev in V.S. 1278.
Inscriptions Nos. 249-256 (Bhim Singh's Temple): These are found in the temple of Bhimsingh, adjacent to Tejpal's temple.
- Main Deity: A brass image of Adinath Tirthankar.
- Inscriptions: Numbered 249, 251, and 252, found on the pedestal and surrounding images.
- Date: V.S. 1253, Phalguna Sudhi 7, Saturday, Rohini Nakshatra.
- Donors: Meha Sundar and his son Mand Gada from Ahmedabad, of the Shrimāl caste, commissioned the image and its halo weighing 108 maunds.
- Consecration: Performed by Acharya Lakshmisagarsuri and his disciples.
- Inscription No. 250: Found on the pedestal of a goddess image, listing the names of the artisans. The chief artisan was Deva from Mahisana.
- Inscription No. 256: Found on the back of the main idol, but partially damaged.
- Detailed Account of Minister Gada: The text provides a lengthy account of minister Gada from the work "Gurukulanratna Kavya," describing him as a prominent lay follower, a minister to the Sultan, who performed fasts, fed hundreds of Jains daily, commissioned a 120-maund brass image of Mahindi Jin, and organized a grand procession for its consecration. He spent a considerable amount on religious activities and also built a new Jain temple in Sojitra.
Inscriptions Nos. 257-262 (Khartaravasati Temple): Found in the Chaturmukh Prasad called "Salat's Temple."
- Donors: Primarily from the Daradagotra of the Oswal caste, named Mandalik.
- Consecrator: Jinachandrasuri of the Kharataragaccha.
- Gaccha Branch: Mentions the 'Kamalkalasha' branch of the Tapagaccha, founded by Kamalkalashasuri.
Inscriptions Nos. 263-270 (Achalgarh Temple): Located in the Chaturmukhji temple on Achalgarh.
- Date: V.S. 1566 and V.S. 1518.
- Inscriptions (V.S. 1566): Mention Sahasa of the Pragvat caste building the 'Chaturmukh Vihar' during the reign of Jagmalji and its consecration by Jayakalyansuri.
- Inscriptions (V.S. 1518): Describe the commissioning and consecration of an Adinath image by the Sangh, for the Chaturmukh Prasad, during the reign of Maharana Kumbha of Mewar. The consecration was performed by Lakshmisagarsuri.
- Inscriptions (V.S. 1645): Mention the consecration of an Adinath image by Jayakalyansuri.
- Inscriptions (V.S. 1426): Detail renovations by Sirpal, son of Rupini, in the temple of Mahavir Swami.
- Inscription (V.S. 1442): Mentions donations by King Visaldeva, son of Kanhadev.
Inscription No. 271: Found behind a statue in the main hall of the Vimalavashahi temple.
- Content: Likely relates to the poet Shripal, a friend of King Siddhraj. Mentions his father Lakshman and his own epithet 'Kaviraj'.
- Need for Further Study: The inscription is unclear and requires re-examination.
Inscriptions Nos. 272-276 (Mungsthala Village): Located near Kharadi, these are found on pillars of a Jain temple in the deserted village of Mungsthala.
- Dates: V.S. 1216 and V.S. 1426.
- V.S. 1216: Mentions donations of pillars by Shravaks Visal and Devada.
- V.S. 1426: Details renovation by Sirpal, son of Rupini, and consecration by Sadhevsuri.
- V.S. 1442: Mentions donations by King Visaldeva.
- Connection to Abu: An image from this temple is found in Tejpal's temple on Abu, suggesting the transfer of idols when Mungsthala was likely destroyed. Mungsthala was considered a significant 'Mahatirtha'.
- Historical Significance: The inscriptions suggest that the region around Chandravati was prosperous, but subsequent Muslim invasions led to the destruction of Chandravati and its surrounding areas, including Mungsthala. The author expresses hope that someone like Sirpal might emerge to preserve the remaining temple structures.

In essence, this document is a scholarly presentation and analysis of numerous ancient Jain inscriptions from Abu Parvat, focusing on their historical context, dating, content, and the figures and events they record, with a particular emphasis on the Vimalavashahi temple and its associated structures.