Girnar Parvat Uperna Lekho

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the inscriptions on Girnar mountain:

Book Title: Girnar Parvat Uperna Lekho Author: Jinvijay

This document is a collection and analysis of Jain inscriptions found on Girnar mountain. The author, Jinvijay, presents a detailed examination of these inscriptions, drawing from various archaeological reports and publications.

Overview of Girnar Mountain Inscriptions (Numbers 38-63):

• Source: The inscriptions discussed (numbers 38 to 63, totaling 23) are primarily located in various Jain temples on Girnar mountain. They have been sourced from the "Revised Lists of Antiquarian Remains in the Bombay Presidency, Vol. VIII."
• Accuracy of Translations: The author notes that while the original publication provides the inscriptions and their English translations, some of these translations are significantly flawed and lack critical analysis.
• Previous Research: Dr. James Burgess's "Archæological Survey of Western India, Vol. II" also includes some inscriptions from this region. Additionally, the six inscriptions related to Vastupal's patronage are found in the "Pravinavama-ru" published by Nirnaysagar Press. A separate book titled "Girnar Inscriptions" is mentioned, but the author has not had access to it.
• Scope of This Collection: Jinvijay has selected and presented only the useful inscriptions from the aforementioned books, using the first publication as the primary reference for the locations.

Key Inscriptions and Their Significance (Numbers 38-43):

• Vastupal and Tejpal's Inscriptions: Six inscriptions (Numbers 38 to 43) are considered particularly important and significant. These inscriptions are attributed to the influential ministers and devout Jains, brothers Vastupal and Tejpal.
• Location: According to Acharya Vallabhji Haridatt, these six inscriptions are located on the "chhadali" (lintel) of the doors of two temples flanking the central temple built by Vastupal and Tejpal. These temples are situated on the right side of the path leading towards Girnarji from the Ketana gates. Originally open, these areas have been enclosed by Jains in recent years.
• Structure and Content: All six inscriptions follow a similar pattern:
  • An initial verse (pady) offering praise to a Tirthankar.
  • A prose section (gadya) of 7-8 lines detailing historical accounts.
  • Concluding verses (pady) praising Vastupal and Tejpal (primarily Vastupal).
• Content of the Prose Section (Example: Inscription #38):
  • Date: Vikram Samvat 1288, Phalguna Shudhi 10, Wednesday.
  • Historical Narrative: It details the lineage and life of Mahamatya Vastupal, son of Shashraj and Kumaradevi, brother of Lunig and Maldev, and elder brother of Mahamatya Tejpal. It mentions Vastupal's son Jayantsinh. It describes Vastupal's business in Stambhatirtha before Samvat 79, his pilgrimage to Shatrunjay and Girnar, his attainment of the title "Sanghadhipati" (leader of a religious procession), and his receipt of state authority from Maharaj Viradhavaldev. He is also described as a favorite of Saraswati. Tejpal, who was engaged in the currency business in Dholka before Samvat 76, is also mentioned.
  • Patronage: The brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal, are credited with building new religious establishments and undertaking significant renovation work at major pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjay and Arbudaachal (Abu), as well as in cities like Anahilpur (Patan), Bhrigupur (Bharuch), Stambhankapur, Stambhatirtha (Khambhat), Darbhvati (Dabhoi), and Dhavalkak (Dholka).
• Specific Constructions by Vastupal: The prose section lists numerous constructions by Vastupal on Girnar, including:
  • Temples dedicated to Rishabdev (Shatrunjayavatar), Parshvanath (Stambhankapuravatar), and Mahavirdev (Satyapuravatar).
  • A Saraswati statue.
  • Devakulikas (small shrines) for two Jinas, Amba, Avalokan, Shamb, and Pradyumna, featuring Nemithdev.
  • Idols of his paternal grandfather (Thakur Shrim) and father (Thakur Ashraj).
  • Three ornate torans (arches).
  • A Sukhadghatanak stambha (pillar) with idols of Nemithdev, his ancestors, elder brothers, younger brothers, and son.
  • Works at Ashtapad Mahatirtha.
  • A new temple with a mandap dedicated to Nemithdev, built for his father and his father's wife, Mahamatya Lalitadevi (daughter of Thakur Kanhaḍ).
  • The consecration was performed by Acharya Vijayansuriji, disciple of various prominent gurus.
• Praise Verses: The concluding verses, composed by different poets like Someshwardev and Narachandrasuri, extol Vastupal's virtues such as generosity, philanthropy, righteousness, wisdom, courage, eloquence, and fame.
• Inscription Writers and Carvers: The inscriptions mention the scribe (Jaitrasinh or Jayantsinh) and the sculptor (Kumarsinh, son of Sutradhar Bahad). The inscriptions often include blessings for Vastupal's lineage.
• Inscription #43: Located on the southern side of the southern door, this inscription also praises Sametshikhar. The prose section is similar, but the concluding 9 verses by Udayaprabhsuriji praise Vastupal's fame, beauty, charity, and piety. The final three verses identify the scribe and sculptor.
• Eastern Door Inscription (#43): Found on the lintel of the eastern door of the same temple, this inscription is mostly effaced. The prose is similar, followed by 11 verses by Maldhari Narachandrasuri detailing Vastupal's knowledge, wealth, justice, valor, charity, wisdom, dharma, and family. The scribe and sculptor are the same.
• Central Temple, Eastern Door Inscription (#41): Located on the eastern door of the central temple (on the north side), this inscription begins with praise for Ashtapad Tirtha. The prose is similar to others, with additions like "velakul" (port) as a descriptor for Stambhatirtha. Lalitadevi is replaced by Sokha, and Sametshikhar by Ashtapad. The 13 concluding verses by Maldhari Narendra Suri highlight Vastupal's bravery, valor, charity, intellect, learning, poetic ability, fame, and renown. The scribe and sculptor are the same.
• Central Temple, North Door Inscription (#40): Located on the northern door of the central temple, this inscription praises Nemith Tirthankar. It includes 16 concluding verses by Someshwardev, highlighting Vastupal's philanthropy, charity, valor, fame, beauty, and generosity. The scribe is the same. The name Jayantsinh is used, and detailed ancestral names are provided. The sculptor is identified as Purushottam, son of Bakulswamisut, who also built temples for Harimandap and Nadidhar. A special mention is made that this religious place was established by Sakha, wife of Mahamatya Vastupal.
• Central Temple, Western Door Inscription (#39): Located on the western door of the central temple, this inscription is slightly damaged at the beginning and praises Ujjayant (Girnar). The prose is similar, followed by 7 verses by Narachandrasuri detailing Vastupal's dharma, charity, wealth, knowledge, peace, radiance, uniqueness, and influence.
• Inscription #44: Carved on a stone slab west of the Gemukh path and east of the Rajulvajul cave. It begins with a verse praising Girnar's beauty enhanced by Vastupal's constructions. The prose section mentions Vikram Samvat 1289, Ashwin Vad 15, Monday. It details Vastupal's construction of four new temples: Shatrunjayavatar (Adinath Temple), Sametshikharavatar (20 Tirthankar idols), Ashtapadavatar (24 Tirthankar idols), and a temple behind the Kapadiyaksha temple for his father's welfare. These temples are described as having unique design and excellent structure.
• Inscriptions #45-46: Located in niches on either side of the mandap of the central temple of Vastupal's three temples. Inscription #45 mentions the idol of Mahamatya Vastupal and Mahamham Lalitadevi. Inscription #46 mentions Mahamatya Vastupal and Mahamham Sokha.
• Inscriptions #47-48: Found on the mountain path in two places, these appear to be part of the inscription mentioned in #44.

Vastupal's Constructions on Girnar Detailed:

The author clarifies the inscriptions' descriptions by referencing Pandit Jinhharsh Gani's "Vastupal Charitra." Vastupal's extensive constructions on Girnar included:

• Vastupal Vihar: A temple dedicated to Adinath, named "Vastupal Vihar," built behind the main Nemithnath temple for his father's well-being. It featured a golden kalash, a crystal-like idol of Bhagavan, and statues of Ajitnath and Vasupujya for his ancestors. The mandap housed idols of Thakur Chandap, Ambikadevi, and Mahavirjin. Idols of his father and Tejpal were placed on the sides of the sanctum's door.
• Sametavatara: A temple on the left side of the Vastupal Vihar for the merit of his first wife Lalitadevi, containing 20 Tirthankar idols and statues of his ancestors.
• Ashtapadavatara: A temple on the right side of the Vastupal Vihar for the merit of his second wife Sobuka, containing 24 Tirthankar idols, and statues of his mother Kumaradevi and his father's six sisters.
• Torans: Three beautiful and unique torans were constructed for these three temples.
• Kapadiyaksha Temple: A temple resembling an "Anuttara Viman" was built behind the central temple, housing the Kapadiyaksha and a statue of Adinath's mother, Marudevi, mounted on an elephant.
• Doors of the Main Nemithnath Temple: Ornate torans were installed on the south, west, and north doors of the main Nemithnath temple.
• Ancestor Idols: Statues of his father's father and grandfather were placed on the south and north sides of the mandap.
• Ajitnath and Shantinath Statues: Idols of Ajitnath and Shantinath were placed in the mandap for the welfare of his parents.
• Indra Mandap: A large mandap called "Indra Mandap" was built in front of the main temple to alleviate congestion during rituals.
• Sukhadghatanak Pillar: A tall pillar named "Sukhadghatanak" (opener of happiness) was erected in front of the temple, featuring an idol of Nemith Tirthankar and images of his ancestors.
• Four Devakulikas: Four devakulikas were built, including those for three Tirthankars (Shatrunjayavatar, Stambhanakavatar, and Satyapuravatar), and one for Saraswati with his ancestors' idols.
• Golden Kalash: Golden kalash were placed on the main mandap of the Nemithnath temple.
• Ambika Temple: A mandap and a devakulika for a Tirthankar were built before the Ambika temple.
• Ambika Shikhar: The area around Ambikadevi was adorned with white marble. Three statues of Nemith, Thakur Chandap, and Maldev were installed on this peak.
• Aknan Shikhar: Three statues of Nemijin, Thakur Chandprasad, and his father were installed for the merit of Thakur Chandprasad.
• Pradyumna Shikhar: Three statues of Nemijin, Thakur Sem, and Tejpal were installed for the merit of Thakur Sem.
• Shamb Shikhar: Three statues of Nemini, Thakur Ashraj, and his wife Kumaradevi were installed for the merit of Thakur Ashraj.

Changes and Deterioration:

The author notes that many of these constructions have changed or are destroyed over time. The family idols are no longer visible, and the devakulikas on the peaks have vanished. The "Indra Mandap" and "Sukhadghatanak Pillar" are also no longer present. Only the original temples (Shatrunjayavatara, Sametavatara, Ashtapadavatara, and Kapadiyaksha temple) remain, known collectively as "Vastupal-Tejpal ni Tuk."

Other Inscriptions:

• Inscription #49: Located near the Ghadi Ghatu temple on the north door of the Nemithnath temple. Dated Samvat 1215, Chaitra Sudhi 8, Sunday. It mentions Sutradhar Jasad's son Savodeva repairing devakulikas under the supervision of Sanghavi Thakur Salvahan. It also mentions Thakur Pandit Salivahan building a kund with four idols and an Ambikadevi statue.
• Inscriptions #50-51: Found on the north wall of the mountain path near Suvavadi Parba. Dated Samvat 1222 and 1223, respectively. They mention Mahamatya Thakur Ranig's son, Thakur Ambanak, constructing a "pady" (step-path). This relates to King Kumarpal's efforts to improve the path to Girnar.
• Historical Context for #50-51: The text elaborates on King Kumarpal's visit to Girnar, his inability to ascend due to the difficult path, and his subsequent order to construct a proper path. Maha-kavi Siddhpal recommended Ranig's son Ambra (Ambak or Amkhad) for this task. This event is documented in Somaprabhacharya's "Shashruti Vaidya" or "Hemkumarcharita" (completed in Samvat 1241).
• Inscription #52: Located near where inscription #49 is found. This inscription is damaged, and its meaning is unclear. It mentions an Acharya named Dhaneśvar, disciple of Nishirbhatt, who performed consecration work on Mount Revat and answered questions posed by a "Mahamatya."
• Inscription #53: Located at the base of a Parshvanath statue in the mandap of the central temple of Vastupal's temples. Dated Samvat 1305, Vaishakh Shudhi 3, Saturday. It records the construction of a Parshvanath idol by Mahamatya Shalakh (Salakshan) and his elder brother Samantsinh, sons of Padmasinh, for the welfare of their parents. The consecration was performed by Jayananadsuriji. This inscription is significant as it mentions Udayan, a prominent minister, and provides insights into his lineage.
• Udayan Dynasty Analysis: The author provides a detailed discussion of Udayan's family tree, correcting discrepancies found in other historical accounts. It mentions his sons like Vahad (Vagbhat), Ambad, Chahaḍ, and Sollak, highlighting their roles in administration and their family connections. It also discusses the confusion between different individuals named Chahaḍ.
• Inscription #54: Located on the right pillar of the north door of the Nemithnath temple. Dated Samvat 1333, Jyeshtha Vad 14, Monday. It records the donation of 200 drammas by Harilal, son of Aaspal, resident of Uchchhapuri, for the daily worship of Nemithdev at Girnar, as instructed by Jinprabodh Suri. The author provides a biographical sketch of Jinprabodh Suri.
• Inscriptions #55-56: Found on the opposite pillar. Inscription #55 is incomplete, mentioning a donation by Dhvalkak resident Vildan. Inscription #56, dated Samvat 1339, Jyeshtha Sudhi 8, Wednesday, records a donation for the welfare of Gunasiri, wife of Punsinh, by their son for the worship of Nemithdev.
• Inscription #57: Its location is unknown. Dated Samvat 1356, Jyeshtha Sudhi 15, Friday. It mentions a donation by Tejjalde, wife of Sah Padam, for a Munisuvratswami idol and devakulika for her grandfather's merit.
• Inscription #58: Found on a marble slab in the library of Mr. Narshinhprasad Hariprasad. Dated Samvat 1370, Vaishakh Sudhi 2, Thursday. It mentions an Adinath idol for the merit of Liladevi.
• Inscription #59: Located at the base of two statues on a pillar near the south door of the main Nemithnath temple. Dated Samvat 1485, Kartik Sudhi 5, Wednesday. It records the death (nirvana) of Thakur Jetsinh at Girnar and details his lineage, culminating with Thakur Khethasingh and his wife Bai Chandagah paying respects to Nemithnath.
• Inscription #60: Located on the east wall of the same temple. Dated Samvat 186, Ashadh Sudhi 13, Thursday. It mentions a pilgrimage to Girnar by Sah Gunraj and others.
• Inscription #61: Found near Hāthipagalā. Dated Samvat 1983, Kartik Vad 10, Monday. It mentions the renovation of an old path on the east side of Girnar by Sanghavi Meghji.
• Inscription #62: Located near inscription #52. This is a very old inscription, possibly from the time of Siddharaj Jaysinhdev, but heavily eroded, making its content unclear. It is included for preservation.
• Inscription #63: Also found at the location of inscription #59. This inscription is also incomplete due to damage. The remaining text mentions the construction of a prasad by Sav, Savai, Mela, and others for Nemithnath, with consecration by Muni Singh.

Condition of Inscriptions and Conclusion:

The author concludes by stating that the inscriptions provide valuable historical and genealogical information, particularly regarding the patrons like Vastupal and Tejpal, and the Udayan dynasty. However, many of these inscriptions are in a dilapidated state, with significant portions lost or damaged, similar to the inscriptions at Shatrunjay. The author hopes to publish a separate, detailed study of a particular inscription (not fully included here due to its length) that sheds light on the Chudasama Rajputs of Saurashtra. He also mentions a potential inscription from Siddharaj's time that warrants further investigation.