Abu Parvat Uperna Lekho

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the inscriptions found on Mount Abu:

Book Title: Abu Parvat Uperna Lekho (Inscriptions on Mount Abu) Author: Jinvijay Publisher: Z_Prachin_Jain_Lekh_Sangraha_Part_02_005113_HR.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/249643/1

This document is a compilation and analysis of inscriptions found on Mount Abu, a significant pilgrimage site for Jains. The author, Jinvijay, presents detailed observations and summaries of these inscriptions, providing valuable historical and cultural insights.

Overview of the Inscriptions:

• Location: The inscriptions are primarily located in various Jain temples on Mount Arbuda (Abu).
• Number: The book covers inscriptions numbered from 64 to 201, totaling 207.
• Prominent Temple: A significant portion, 68 inscriptions (Nos. 64 to 131), are from the renowned Lavaṇasahi Vashika (also known as the Luna Vashahi or the temple of Vastupal and Tejpal), built by the Gujarat Mahamatya Tejpal.
• Previous Publications:
  • 32 of these inscriptions were previously published in Epigraphia Indica, Vol. VIII, by Professor H. Lüders.
  • Two large eulogies (prashastis) were also published in the appendix of Someshvaradeva's Jātina Jānuṭī, edited by Prof. Vishnu Prabhakar Kathavate, and in the Collection of Prakrit and Sanskrit Inscriptions published by the Archaeology Department of Bhavnagar State.
  • English translations of these were first presented by H. H. Wilson in Asiatic Researches, Vol. XVI (1928).
• New Publications: The remaining inscriptions are published here for the first time.

Key Insights and Detailed Observations from the Inscriptions:

The text meticulously analyzes several inscriptions, providing detailed commentary on their content, script, language, and historical context.

Inscription No. 64 (The Great Eulogy):

• Location: Found on a black stone in a niche in the front part of the temple.
• Description: Described as beautifully executed, measuring approximately 31" wide and 27" long, with letters about 1" in size. Written in the Jainagari script.
• Content:
  • Composed in Sanskrit verse, with some prose sections.
  • Authored by Someshvaradeva, a renowned priest of the Chalukya kings and the composer of Nava-sahaṅka-carita.
  • The eulogy praises Saraswati, the Tirthankara Neminath, and the city of Anhilpur.
  • It traces the lineage of Tejpal's ancestors, starting from Chandrap, Chandrapalsad, Som, Adhiraj (son of Som, married to Kumaradevi), and their sons Lavaṇig (who died young) and Malladeva.
  • It highlights the philanthropic deeds of Vastupal, Malladeva's younger brother, who alleviated the suffering of the poor.
  • It then details the contributions of Tejpal, Vastupal's younger brother.
  • The inscription mentions the construction of two ornate niches (later known as "Deorani Jethani ke Gokhla") by Tejpal, suggesting "khataka" is another name for a niche.
  • It lists Tejpal's seven sisters: Jhald, Mau, Sau, Dhana-devi, Sohegā, Vayaju, and Paramaladevi.
  • It poetically equates the four sons of Adhiraj (Lavaṇig, Malladeva, Vastupal, Tejpal) with the four sons of Dasharatha, reborn out of a desire to be born from the same mother.
  • It praises the inseparable bond and virtuous conduct of Vastupal and Tejpal, comparing their presence to the pleasantness of Madhumas and Vasanta.
  • The brothers are credited with bringing back the golden age (Kritayuga) to this Kaliyuga through their virtuous lives.
  • The eulogy praises the Chalukya (Vaghela) dynasty, mentioning Arṇoraja, Lavaṇaprasad, and Viradhavala. It notes the assistance provided by Vastupal and Tejpal to Viradhavala in his royal duties, enhancing his kingdom and fame.
  • It describes the grandeur of Mount Abu and the history of the Paramara dynasty, originating from the sacrificial pit of Rishi Vashistha, and their kings like Dhumraja, Dhundhak, Dhruvabhatta, Ramdeva, and Yashodhavala. It mentions Yashodhavala's victory over Mallava king Ballala.
  • It details the lineage of the Paramaras of Abu, including Dharaversha and Prahladana, highlighting their valor.
  • It notes that Dharaversha defeated the king of Konkana and was fond of hunting.
  • The inscription touches upon the historical debate regarding the identity of the Malva king Ballala, with scholars suggesting he might have been a rebellious king during a period of instability in Malva.
  • It extols the bravery of Prahladana in a battle with Samantasimha, protecting the Gurjarapati.
  • It details the achievements of Dharaversha's son, Semasimha, and his son, Krishnaraja.
  • It praises Vastupal's son, Jaitsimha (or Jayantsimha), and Tejpal's intelligence and generosity.
  • It introduces Tejpal's wife, Anupamadevi, and her family lineage.
  • It mentions Tejpal's son, Lavaṇasimha (or Lūṇasimha).
  • It also names Tejpal's brother Malladeva's son Purnasimha and grandson Pethad.
  • The inscription states that Tejpal built the Neminath temple for his wife Anupamadevi and son Lavaṇasimha.
  • It describes the temple's construction with white marble and the addition of a large pavilion and smaller shrines with balconies.
  • It records the installation of ten stone statues on elephants, depicting nineteen male figures from the lineage, including Chandrap, Chandrapalsad, Som, Adhiraj, Lavaṇig, Malladeva, Vastupal, Tejpal, Vastupal's son Jaitsimha, and Tejpal's son Lavaṇasimha.
  • Behind these statues are ten niches containing statues of these individuals with their wives.
  • It emphasizes the brothers' extensive philanthropic activities, including the construction and renovation of step-wells, wells, gardens, lakes, temples, and charitable feeding centers.
  • It lists the Jain Acharyas of the Chap lineage, from Mahendrasuri to Vijayansenuri (who consecrated the temple) and Udayaprabhasuri.
  • The inscription concludes with a prayer for the prosperity of Vastupal's lineage and the temple, and credits Someshvaradeva for composing the eulogy.
• Final Prose: The inscription was etched by Chandeshvara, son of Dhandhala, son of Sutradhara Kallhana, and consecrated by Acharya Shri Vijayansenuri of the Nagendra Gachha on Sunday, Falguna Vad 3, VS 1287.

Inscription No. 65:

• Location: Also in a niche in the front of the same temple.
• Description: Smaller than inscription 64, measuring 2'1" wide and 1'10" long, with letters about 3/4" in size. Some parts are worn due to damage or chipping of the stone.
• Content:
  • Written in Sanskrit prose with one verse.
  • Shows influence of Gujarati vernacular in its language.
  • Mentions specific terms like "vav" (step-well), "ratha" (chariot), and "gokhla" (niche).
  • Includes specific vernacular terms like "lavamaar" (a type of worker), "aadeś" (festival), "sthanika" (a pleasant day), "jnatiya" (of the same caste), "maddaanan" (merchant), "radhiya" (a type of official), "varshanthi" (annual day), and "sarva" (to be).
  • The inscription details the construction of the Neminath temple, rules for its festivals, and its protection.
  • It mentions the reign of Maharaja Shri Bhimadeva and the patronage of Mahamatya Tejpal.
  • It lists the lineage of Tejpal's ancestors and highlights his contributions.
  • It records the consecration of the temple by Shri Vijayansenuri.
  • It specifies the appointment of Shravakas (lay followers) for the temple's management and protection, including descendants of Vastupal and Tejpal, and various members of the Pragvat community from Chandravati.
  • It mandates the regular performance of rituals for Neminath and the celebration of his five auspicious events (kalyanakas).
  • It names various villages and communities responsible for the temple's upkeep and protection.
  • It records King Shri Simhadeva of Chandravati and his son Prince Kanhadadeva's support for the temple.
  • It notes that Semasimha, a Paramara king, granted the village of Dabani for the temple's expenses.
  • It includes verses composed by Krishnakalchala Nayachandrasuri praising Arbuda mountain.
  • The inscription concludes with devotional salutations from San., son of San., Sahadevi, daughter of Sajana, and Sunathav, son of Saide. The script of these concluding lines differs, suggesting they were added later.

Further Inscriptions and their Significance:

The text continues to analyze numerous other inscriptions (Nos. 66-131), primarily focusing on the smaller shrines (devakulikas) within the main temple complex. These inscriptions often record:

• Donations and Foundations: Who built which devakulika, and for whose spiritual merit (punya).
• Family Genealogies: The inscriptions often detail the family trees of various donors, tracing their lineage from ancestors to contemporary members. This includes the families of Tejpal, Vastupal, and their relatives.
• Religious Merit: The emphasis is consistently on accumulating spiritual merit through these acts of devotion.
• Specific Deity Installations: Records of the installation of images of various Tirthankaras (Adinath, Parshvanath, Neminath, Sambhavanatha, etc.) in these devakulikas.
• Patronage and Commemoration: They highlight the generosity of wealthy merchants and ministers, their wives, and other family members.
• Lineage of Acharyas: Information about the Jain monks and their lineages who consecrated these structures.
• Social and Economic History: Insights into the social structure, inter-caste relationships (e.g., Pragvat and Medh), and the economic contributions of these communities.
• Historical Events: References to political events, rulers, and the administrative roles of individuals like Tejpal.

Key Themes and Observations:

• Vastupal and Tejpal's Legacy: The inscriptions are a testament to the immense wealth, piety, and architectural vision of the ministers Vastupal and Tejpal, who were instrumental in the construction and grandeur of the Neminath temple on Mount Abu.
• Philanthropy and Religious Devotion: The pervasive theme is the pursuit of spiritual merit through charitable acts and the construction of temples and images.
• Genealogical Records: These inscriptions serve as invaluable historical records for tracing family lineages and the socio-cultural networks of the time.
• Art and Architecture: The descriptions of the temple's construction and the statues provide insights into the artistic and architectural styles of the period.
• Linguistic and Epigraphic Value: The analysis of the script, language, and the inclusion of specific vernacular terms offer significant linguistic and epigraphic data for scholars.

In essence, "Abu Parvat Uperna Lekho" is a scholarly work that meticulously deciphers and interprets a collection of ancient Jain inscriptions, offering a rich tapestry of history, religion, art, and society of medieval Gujarat and Rajasthan, with a particular focus on the monumental contributions of Vastupal and Tejpal.