Jaisalmer Puratattvik Tathya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text "Jaisalmer Puratattvik Tathya" by Bhanvarlal Nahta, focusing on its archaeological and historical aspects:

Overview:

The text, "Jaisalmer Puratattvik Tathya," by Bhanvarlal Nahta, delves into the rich archaeological and historical heritage of Jaisalmer, a city renowned for its magnificent Jain temples and ancient palm-leaf manuscripts. The author highlights Jaisalmer's significance as a key historical and religious center in western India, emphasizing its Jain legacy despite facing challenges like water scarcity and the passage of time.

Key Themes and Content:

Preservation Efforts and Scholars: The book acknowledges the efforts of various scholars and archaeologists who have worked to preserve and document Jaisalmer's heritage. It mentions Bhanvarlal Nahata's own extensive work in compiling and publishing Jain inscriptions and manuscripts, contributing significantly to the Jain Lekh Sangrah (Collection of Jain Inscriptions). Other notable figures mentioned include Harisagarsuriji, Munishri Punyavijayji, Puratatvacharya Jinavijayji, Chimanlal Dahyabhai, Pandit Lalchand Bhagwandas Gandhi, and Jauharimalji Parakh, who documented, organized, and even facilitated the filming of manuscripts.
Early Jainism and Idol Worship: The text asserts that Jainism is ancient in Aryavarta, with idol worship being a long-standing practice. It contrasts this with other religions where idol worship apparently began later, citing divine realms and islands as evidence of its ancient origins. The author notes that opposition to idol worship arose during Muslim rule, and this influence also affected Jainism.
Founding of Jaisalmer and Religious Sites: A fundamental principle highlighted is the custom of building a temple for the presiding deity before establishing a new town. Jaisalmer itself was preceded by the ancient temple at Lodhravaji. The text mentions that while the current Lodhravaji temple is about four hundred years old, the worn stones beneath it suggest an even older origin, possibly dating back thousands of years. Jain settlers from various parts of Rajasthan established numerous home temples and temples within the fort. Lodhravaji later became deserted.
Temple Construction and Patronage: The book meticulously details the construction of Jain temples in Jaisalmer, relying on inscriptions, temple rituals, and colophons of palm-leaf manuscripts.
- Pārśvanātha Temple: The earliest known construction of a Pārśvanātha temple in Jaisalmer is attributed to Seth Jagaddhar, a devout follower of Acharya Jinapatisuriji. This temple was built during the time of Acharya Jinapatisuriji's visit in Samvat 1260. The installation of the Pārśvanātha idol was a grand event. This family was the ancestor of the Bothra and Bachhavat communities.
- Later Temple Renovations and Additions: The text describes further activities, such as the installation of the Pārśvanātha idol and flag hoisting on the spire of the temple built by Jasodhaval in Samvat 1321 by Jineswarsuri (II). In Samvat 1323, a golden finial (dandakalash) made by Sa. Ganadev was installed on the Javalipur Jain temple. The grand festival for the installation of golden finials and other adornments took place in Samvat 1325.
- The Current Pārśvanātha Temple: The current ancient and main Pārśvanātha temple is believed to have been built by the Ranka Seth family. Its construction began in Samvat 1459 and was completed in Samvat 1473, taking 14 years. The temple is also known as Lakshmanvihar, named after Maharawal Lakshmanji. Two inscriptions related to the temple's construction are published in Naharji's work.
The Ranka Seth Family and Their Contributions: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to tracing the lineage of the Ranka Seth family, prominent patrons of Jainism in Jaisalmer.
- Genealogy: The book provides a detailed genealogical tree starting from Ranka Shreshthi Yakshadev, tracing through various generations of prominent individuals like Jhambatk, Ganu, Ganev, Jaisal, Mohan, Ambaraaj, Kihat, Pasadatta, Dhanna, and Jagpal. The text highlights their religious devotion, charitable activities, and contributions to Jain temples and religious texts.
- Manuscript Patronage: The text mentions that Ambaraaj, along with his brother Jindamidh Mulraj, had the book written for the merit of their mother Punji. The inscription from the Kalpasutra manuscript, written in Samvat 1497, is extensively quoted, further detailing the lineage and philanthropic activities of these patrons.
- Key Figures and Their Activities:
  - Jagaddhar: Built the Pārśvanātha temple in Jaisalmer.
  - Bhuvanaal: Son of Jagaddhar, who built the temple named Mandalraay and installed the idol of Lord Mahavir. He was known for his charitable deeds and religious practices.
  - Veerdev: A noted figure who organized religious processions (sanghs) to pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjaya in Samvat 1381.
  - Kihat: Undertook pilgrimages to Shatrunjaya and Girnar in Samvat 1449, along with his mother Punji and other relatives, and participated in a festival with Acharya Jinrajsuri.
  - Dhanna and Dhama: Performed a significant religious observance (Panchmi Udhyapan) in Samvat 1454 under the guidance of Sagarachandrasuri.
  - Dhanraj: In Samvat 1473, along with his family and invited sanghs from various regions, he successfully organized the installation of idols.
Historical Context: The text places Jaisalmer's Jain heritage within its historical context, mentioning its prosperity in the 15th and 16th centuries and the subsequent destruction by Alauddin Khilji, which impacted ancient temples. It also notes the changing political landscape with rulers like Maharaj Karnadev and the presence of Yavanas (Turkic people).
Artistic and Architectural Significance: The Jain temples of Jaisalmer are consistently described as "artistic" and "magnificent," contributing to their worldwide fame. The text alludes to the craftsmanship and grandeur of these structures.

Conclusion:

"Jaisalmer Puratattvik Tathya" serves as a vital record of the historical and archaeological significance of Jaisalmer's Jain heritage. It meticulously documents the lineage of its patrons, the construction of its temples, and the preservation efforts undertaken by various scholars. The book highlights the deep-rooted Jain traditions and the enduring legacy of devotion and patronage that have shaped this historically rich city.