Anchalgacchna Pratishtha Lekho

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Anchalgacchna pratishtha Lekho" by Kalaprabhsagar, based on the provided Gujarati content:

Book Title: Anchalgacchna pratishtha Lekho (Inscriptions of Pratishtha related to the Anchalgachchha) Author: Muni Shri Kalaprabhsagarji Publisher: Z_Arya_Kalyan_Gautam_Smruti_Granth_012034.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/230020/1

Introduction by the Editor:

The book presents 156 inscriptions related to the Anchalgachchha, which are considered invaluable for historians. The earliest inscriptions are from the ancient period of the gachchha. The editor, under the guidance of Acharya Shri Gunsagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb, collected these inscriptions during travels in Kutch, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. These inscriptions pertain to historical records of Jin Pratimas (idols), Jinalayas (temples), Upashrayas (monasteries), etc. Additional inscriptions were found during reading and research, and some were specifically included in commemoration of Shri Kanusagar Suri and Shri Gautam Sagarji Maharaj Saheb.

Key Findings and Inscriptions Highlighted:

The text is primarily a compilation and analysis of various Jain inscriptions, meticulously dating and detailing the installation (pratishtha) of Jin Pratimas and Jinalayas associated with the Anchalgachchha. The editor focuses on establishing the authenticity and historical significance of these records, often cross-referencing them with other Jain historical texts and genealogies.

Key Inscriptions and their Significance:

• Inscription 1 (Samvat 1235): This is identified as the oldest inscription of the Anchalgachchha. It details the installation of a statue of Shri Parshvanath Prabhu by a devotee named Vapu, wife of Shreshthi Dhana of the Shreemali community, under the guidance of Shri Samprabh Suri, an Acharya of the Anchalgachchha. The inscription, found in Modhera, confirms the establishment of the gachchha in 1169 CE, making this inscription 66 years after its inception. The editor addresses a potential misinterpretation of the inscription as "Achalgadh" instead of "Achalgachchha" by referencing photographic plates and further evidence within the text.

  • Evidence supporting Anchalgachchha affiliation:
    • The phrase "Samprabh Surimup" suggests that the Pratishtha was performed under the guidance of an Acharya, a common practice in Anchalgachchha inscriptions, unlike some other gachchhas where it was a layman's duty.
    • A distinctive feature found in Anchalgachchha Pratishtha inscriptions, and present in this 1235 Samvat inscription, is the depiction of a deity with an umbrella or flag on the rear side of the metal casting.

• Inscription 2 (Samvat 1432): This inscription details the installation of a stone idol of Shri Gaadi Parshvanath Bhagwan in Vav. It mentions Shri Mahindrasuri as the head of the Anchalgachchha and Shri Abhaydeva Suri (or Abhaysinha Suri) as the guiding Acharya. The inscription is supported by a "Chaodhalio" (a type of composition) by Vachak Lavanyachandragani in 1734 Samvat, during the time of Anchalgachchha leader Shri Amarsagar Suri. The editor notes that the statue mentioned in this inscription is not currently in Vav but is believed to have been donated by a Thakur of Vav.

• Subsequent Inscriptions (Samvat 1449 onwards): The text then lists a series of inscriptions from various locations including Vav, Terwada, Talanpur, Mankuva-Kutch, Nadlai Tirth, Junadisa, Thumbdi-Kutch, Radhanpur, Bikaner, Mt. Abu, Bhinmal, Surat, Badmer, Agra, Lucknow, Patna, Ayodhya, Mirzapur, and others. These inscriptions provide dates, names of sponsoring families, the specific Jin Pratimas installed, and most importantly, the names of the Anchalgachchha Acharyas under whose guidance these installations took place.

Prominent Acharyas of Anchalgachchha Mentioned:

The inscriptions repeatedly mention the guidance and influence of several key Acharyas of the Anchalgachchha, indicating a well-documented lineage and their active involvement in the spread of Jainism and temple construction. These include:

• Shri Samprabh Suri
• Shri Rakshit Suri (identified as the first Acharya)
• Shri Jayasingh Suri
• Shri Dharmaghosh Suri
• Shri Mahendra Suri
• Shri Sinhprabh Suri
• Shri Ajitsinh Suri
• Shri Devendrasingh Suri
• Shri Dharmaprabh Suri
• Shri Sinh Tilak Suri
• Shri Mahendraprabh Suri
• Shri Merutung Suri
• Shri Jayakirti Suri
• Shri Jayakesar Suri
• Shri Siddhantsagar Suri
• Shri Bhavsagar Suri
• Shri Gunnighan Suri
• Shri Dharmamurti Suri
• Shri Kalyansagar Suri (a highly revered Acharya, with many inscriptions attributed to his guidance, and his birth centenary being a reason for the book's publication)
• Shri Amarsagar Suri
• Shri Ratan Sagar Suri
• Shri Siddhantsagar Suri
• Shri Gautam Sagarji (disciples of Shri Kalyansagar Suri)
• Shri Gunoday Sagar Suri (disciple of Shri Gunsagar Suri)

Key Themes and Observations:

• Prominence of Anchalgachchha: The sheer volume and geographical spread of the inscriptions highlight the significant influence and active presence of the Anchalgachchha across various regions of Western India and beyond during medieval and later periods.
• Patronage and Devotion: The inscriptions consistently reveal the deep devotion of Shravakas and Shravikas from prominent communities like Shreemali, Oswal, and others, who generously funded the construction and installation of idols.
• Genealogical Records: Many inscriptions include details about the families and lineages of the patrons, providing valuable genealogical information for historical research.
• Artistic and Architectural Significance: The mention of specific features like the "chhatradhari" (umbrella-bearing) deity symbol and the construction of Jinalayas with multiple shikharas (spires) and mandaps (halls) offers insights into the architectural styles and artistic practices of the time.
• Scriptural Authority: The repeated emphasis on "upadeshan" (under the guidance of) or "upadeshat" (by the instruction of) the Acharyas underscores the importance of the gachchha's scriptural authority in performing these religious ceremonies.
• Historical Chronology: The dating of inscriptions, primarily using the Vikram Samvat, provides a chronological framework for understanding the development and expansion of the Anchalgachchha.
• Preservation Efforts: The editor's meticulous collection and presentation of these inscriptions demonstrate a commitment to preserving Jain heritage and making it accessible to scholars.

In essence, "Anchalgacchna pratishtha Lekho" is a scholarly work that serves as a vital resource for understanding the history, spread, and practices of the Anchalgachchha. It provides concrete evidence through inscriptions of the widespread influence and devotional activities of its adherents and luminaries across centuries.