Bharuch Se Prapta Jina Dhatu Pratimao Ke Lekh - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bharuch se Prapta Jina Dhatu Pratimao ke Lekh" by Ashit Shah:

Title: Inscriptions from Metal Jina Images obtained from Bharuch Author: Ashit Shah Publisher: Z_Nirgrantha_1_022701.pdf, Nirgrantha_2_022702.pdf, Nirgrantha_3_022703.pdf (Jain Education International) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229109/1

This publication focuses on the inscriptions found on metal Jina (Tirthankara) images unearthed from Bharuch, a historically significant city in Gujarat, India, located on the banks of the Narmada River and formerly known as Bhagakach.

Discovery and Collection: Recently, excavations near a Jina temple in Bharuch yielded 78 metal Jina images. These include:

31 images of Tirthankara Parshvanath
8 images of Shantinath
7 images of Adinath
4 images of Arhat Mahavir
2 images of Jina Chandraprabha
1 image of Vimalnath
1 image of Kunthunath
24 images of unknown Jinas

A portion of these valuable artifacts, due to the inspiration of Acharya Shri Padmasagarsurishwarji Maharaj and the generosity of the Bharuch Jain community, have been preserved at the Samrat Samprati Museum in Kobha.

Dating and Condition: The inscriptions on these images date from Vikram Samvat 1143 to 1391 (approximately 1086 to 1334 CE). Unfortunately, many of the inscriptions engraved on the back of the images are in a worn-out or damaged condition. However, the author has managed to decipher and publish the readable inscriptions from 16 of these images.

Detailed Analysis of Selected Images:

The text then proceeds to detail specific images, including their description, dating, and the transcribed inscriptions:

Tirthankara Parshvanath (Tritirthi image, VS 1143): Depicts Parshvanath with seven cobra hoods, seated in a lotus posture. Two other Tirthankaras stand in Kayotsarga posture on either side. The pedestal shows a pot between two Naga-chakras (serpent wheels). Yaksha Sarvanubhuti and Devi Ambika are on the pedestal. The Dharma-chakra (wheel of dharma) and deer are depicted above, along with planets. The inscription reads: "Samvat 1143 Varadev Varaik Sut Ka. Pra." (Measurements provided).
Tirthankara Parshvanath (Panchtirthi image, c. 10th-11th Century CE): Features Parshvanath in the center, with two Tirthankaras on lotus seats on either side. Celestial beings (Maladharas) are shown flanking the central umbrella. The pedestal has the Dharma-chakra and deer, with nine planets depicted. Yaksha Sarvanubhuti and Devi Ambika with a child are seated on lotus pedestals on the sides. Much of the detail is lost due to extensive worship. The inscription on the back simply reads: "Vihil." (Measurements provided).
Parshvanath (Tritirthi image, VS 1178): Parshvanath is shown with his attendant deities. The inscription mentions the "Haipuriya Gachha" (a Jain monastic lineage) and names the donor as Jaganaog, son of Navi. It also mentions his wife Jayadevi. (Measurements provided).
Parshvanath (Ektirthi image, VS 1216): The serpent emblem is present below the seat. Images of lions, Yaksha-Yaksha, Dharma-chakra, deer, planets, and a stupa/kalasha are depicted. The inscription mentions the donor Jasdhar, son of Jasdhaval, from the "Tharagachha" lineage. (Measurements provided).
Shantinath (Ektirthi image, VS 1218): The deer emblem of Shantinath is almost destroyed. The image features lions, Yaksha-Yaksha, attendants holding chamaras (fly-whisks), celestial musicians (Gandharvas), donors, Dharma-chakra, deer, planets, and Ashok leaves. The inscription mentions Acharya Bhavadeva and the donor Jasdhaval and his daughter. The "Bhavadeva Gachha" (also known as Bhavadacharya Gachha) was a prominent lineage. (Measurements provided).
Parshvanath (Ektirthi image, VS 1225): The serpent emblem is present. The inscription mentions donors Lakahman, Palhan, and Delhan, with their mother Rupini. It suggests "Shri Parmanand" might refer to the preceptor Parmanand Suri. (Measurements provided).
Mahavirswami (Ektirthi image, VS 1234): This image, like others, features various auspicious symbols. A unique feature of West Indian style is the depiction of Shanti Devi in a seated posture below Mahavir's seat. The inscription credits Gunadevī as the donor and mentions installation by Acharya Chandrapra. (Measurements provided).
Jina Image (Ektirthi, VS 1239): The identity of this Tirthankara is uncertain due to damage, but the inscription "Shri Mal" suggests it might be Mallinath. The inscription mentions donors Ranarala and his mother Priyam. (Measurements provided).
Parshvanath (Ektirthi image, VS 1223): The inscription is partially damaged, with only the year "Samvat 1223 Varsh" being clearly legible. (Measurements provided).
Parshvanath (Tritirthi image, VS 1301): Depicts Parshvanath with seven cobra hoods. The inscription mentions the "Pragvat Gachha" and donors Tihonpal and Palak, along with their son Kshemsinha and wife Nyaka. It was installed by Acharya Yashodev Suri. (Measurements provided).
Adinath (Ektirthi image, VS 1327): This image has a distinctive parikara (aura). The inscription mentions the "Bhanda Raja" family from the "Shri Mal" lineage and their son Rana. It was installed by Acharya Bhavdeva Suri of the "Bhavada Gachha," which is another name for the Bhavadeva Gachha. (Measurements provided).
Chandraprabhaswami (Ektirthi image, VS 1326): Features standard iconography. The inscription highlights the donor Ahada from the Modh community and its installation by Acharya Parmanand Suri, making it historically significant. (Measurements provided).
Adinath (Ektirthi image, VS 1331): This image has unique features like eight planets on a square base and representations of the sun instead of Yaksha-Yaksha. A staff-bearing attendant is also depicted. The inscription mentions the donor Maham. Sagam, son of Maham. Rupa, from the Pragvat community, indicating they were from a ministerial lineage. (Measurements provided).
Parshvanath (Panchtirthi image, VS 1353): This image has fewer decorative elements compared to others of the same period. It depicts Parshvanath with two seated Tirthankaras and two standing Tirthankaras. The inscription mentions installation by Acharya Shri Chandra Suri of the "Shri Gachha." (Measurements provided).
Parshvanath (Ektirthi image, VS 1374): Features Parshvanath with Yaksha-Yaksha, Dharma-chakra, and planets. The inscription mentions the Ukey family and the donor Bhimsingh, son of Sadhu Tihun, installed by Acharya Parmanand Suri. (Measurements provided).
Adinath (Ektirthi image, VS 1391): This image is also adorned with auspicious symbols and a double pedestal. The inscription mentions the donor Ubhadena, son of Kelan of the Pragvat community, installed by Acharya Sarvadeva Suri. (Measurements provided).

Significance: This publication serves as a crucial resource for understanding Jain art, iconography, religious practices, and the history of various monastic lineages (Gachhas) in medieval India, particularly in the region of Bharuch. The detailed descriptions and transcriptions of these inscriptions offer valuable insights into the artisans, patrons, and the evolution of Jain temple art over several centuries.