Khambhatni Be Aprakat Chaitya Paripatio

This document is a scholarly analysis and presentation of two previously unpublished Jain texts detailing the history and architectural descriptions of temples in Khambhat (also known as Stambhatirtha or Stambhanpura). The book, titled "Khambhatni Be Aprakat Chaitya Paripatio" (Two Unpublished Temple Narratives of Khambhat), by Rasila Kadia and Shital Shah, aims to bring to light these important historical documents for researchers and scholars.

The document is structured around the presentation and analysis of two main works:

1. Matisagar's Khambhati(t)ni Tirthmala (Samvat 1701)

• Background: The existence of this work was previously noted only as a mention in other Jain scholarly works, with limited or no available information. The current study highlights its importance as a historical source for Jain temples in Khambhat.
• Discovery and Acquisition: After extensive searches in various Jain libraries and repositories, a manuscript of this Tirthmala was found at the Gyanmandir in Koba, originating from the Vijayadharmalakshmi Gyanmandir in Agra.
• Author and Context: Matisagar, a disciple of Pandit Lalitsagar of the Vidhipaksha (Anchal) Gachha, composed this Tirthmala in Samvat 1701 (1644 CE). It was written by Jayasagar, a disciple of Matisagar, for the recitation of Premji Veliji.
• Manuscript Description: The manuscript is in moderate condition, spanning two pages, with a size of 24.5 cm x 10.5 cm. Each page has 15 lines, with approximately 46 characters per line. It contains 33 verses (kadi).
• Content and Significance:
  • The Tirthmala begins with salutations to the author's guru, Lalitsagar, and Goddess Saraswati.
  • It describes a pilgrimage through various areas of Khambhat, including present-day Shankarpur and Kansari, and concludes with the temple of "Bavan Jin" (fifty-two temples) in Kapuri.
  • It mentions specific locations like Sanghaviya Patik, Langi Oti, and Akbarpur.
  • A notable mention is the idol of Nemjin, established by King Amra in the temple of Jiravala Parshvanath.
  • The author details the number of idols (bimba) in each temple and sometimes provides estimated quantities.
  • The text notes specific temples and the number of idols, sometimes omitting details for certain prominent temples like the Chaumukhji and Ashtapad in Alipada, and the Bavan Jin in Kapuri.
  • The author provides a total count of 12,178 idols across 82 temples, 13 underground chambers (bhayara), and 21 "dehrasar" (temple complexes), though the individual counts do not perfectly match the total.
  • The document is considered a valuable addition to the existing literature on the history of Jain temples in Khambhat.

2. Padm Vijay's Khambhat Chaitya Paripati (Samvat 1817)

• Background: This work was mentioned by Jayant Kothari in "Jain Gurjar Kavi" but with limited details. Manuscripts were identified in the Limdi Bhandar.
• Author and Context: Padm Vijay (1726-1806 CE) was a significant Jain scholar and poet. The text was composed in Samvat 1817 (1760 CE) in Trambavati Nagari (Khambhat).
• Manuscript Description: The manuscript is in good condition, with two pages, large characters, and a page size of 26.4 cm x 11.5 cm. There are 12 lines on the first page and 14 and 11 lines on the subsequent pages, with an average of 35 characters per line. It contains 35 verses (kadi).
• Content and Significance:
  • This Chaitya Paripati is described as unique in its style, deviating from the typical format. Instead of detailing areas and then temples, it categorizes Khambhat's temples by Tirthankara (Jain Tirthankaras).
  • It also includes information about temples in the nearby villages of Shankarpur and Undel.
  • A distinctive feature is the detailed classification of idols by material (marble, metal, silver) and form (Panchtirthi, Ekalamal, Kaussargi, Chaumukhi, Shatchattar, Panchchovistavata).
  • The author presents two types of counts: general (where Panchtirthi idols are counted as one, and Chaumukhi as one) and special (where they are counted according to their constituent parts, i.e., 5 for Panchtirthi and 4 for Chaumukhi). This meticulous counting is considered rare.
  • The text highlights three special observations made during the pilgrimage: wooden Jina idols, constantly evolving daily rituals (Pujas), and valuable ornaments adorning the idols.
  • The year of composition is cryptically given as "Sanyam 17 Brahmacharya 18 years" which translates to Samvat 1817.
  • Padm Vijay's lineage is traced back through prominent gurus like Sanvegsanghi Satyavijay, Kapoorvijay, Khimavijay, Jinvijay, and Uttamvijay.
  • The document includes a detailed list of temples and idol counts, categorized by the primary Tirthankara. The analysis notes minor discrepancies in the author's counting of metal idols, suggesting potential errors in transcription or calculation.

Appendices:

The document also includes three appendices:

• Appendix 1: Kavi Dungar's Khambhat Chaitya Paripati (16th Century).
• Appendix 2: Kavi Rishabhdas's Trambavati Tirthmala (Samvat 1673).
• Appendix 3: List of temples in Stambhatirtha (Samvat 1900), attributed to Sah Rewachand Panachand.

The publication aims to consolidate this material for enhanced study and provides comparative lists of temples mentioned across these various historical texts, including a list of currently existing temples. The overarching goal is to provide comprehensive historical and architectural information about the Jain heritage in Khambhat.