Kutchhna Khakhar Gamno Shilalekh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kutchhna Khakhar Gamno Shilalekh" (The Inscription of Khakhar Village in Kutch), based on the provided pages:

This document is a detailed explanation and transliteration of an ancient Jain inscription found in the Shatrunjayavatar Jain temple in the village of Moti Khakhar in the Kutch region. The inscription itself is written entirely in Sanskrit, with three poetic verses in the middle and prose for the rest.

Key Events and Figures:

• The Journey of Pandita Vivek Harsh Gani: The inscription chronicles the activities of Pandita Vivek Harsh Gani, a scholar from the Tapagachchha sect. In the year V.S. 1656, under the guidance of Acharya Vijay Sen Suri, he embarked on a spiritual tour (vihar) in the Kutch region.
• Religious Endeavors in Kutch:
  • Vivek Harsh Gani spent a Chaturmas (a four-month monastic retreat) in Bhuj city and another in Raypur port.
  • During his time in Kutch, he impressed Raja Bharmalji, the ruler of Kutch, with his scholarship.
• Raja Bharmalji's Support for Jainism:
  • Raja Bharmalji, influenced by Vivek Harsh Gani, agreed to prohibit animal sacrifice on specific auspicious days.
  • The Raja also commissioned the construction of a beautiful Jain temple named "Rayavihar" in Bhuj city.
• Establishment of the Shatrunjayavatar Temple in Khakhar:
  • After Bhuj, Vivek Harsh Gani traveled to Jesla, a region in Kutch, and preached to the Oswal community in Khakhar village.
  • He inspired them towards the principles of Jainism, making them devoted followers.
  • Under the leadership of Sh. Vayarsi, with the support of Sh. Shivam, and others from the Ghaghar gotra, a new Upashray (monastic dwelling) was built for the monks of the Tapagachchha.
  • Jain idols were brought from Gujarat, and on Monday, Magha Sud 10, V.S. 1657, Pandita Vivek Harsh Gani performed their consecration (pratishtha).
  • Subsequently, other Jains in Khakhar began constructing another temple. This temple was completed in Fagun Vad 10, V.S. 1659.
  • On Fagun Sud 10 of the same year, Pandita Vivek Harsh Gani consecrated this second temple, naming it "Shatrunjayavatar."

Description of Pandita Vivek Harsh Gani's Accomplishments:

The inscription extensively praises Pandita Vivek Harsh Gani's immense knowledge and abilities. He is described as:

• A Master of Many Sciences: Possessing profound knowledge in grammar, poetry, literature, drama, music, astrology, prosody, rhetoric, logic, various philosophical systems (including Shivmat, Jinmat, Mimamsa, Smriti, Puranas, Vedas, Shrutis), mathematics, and even the texts of "Yavana" (Islamic) and other schools of thought. He is credited with understanding and refuting complex doctrines.
• Skilled in Arts and Languages: Proficient in various scripts like Brahmi and Persian, and adept at creating intricate art forms. He composed beautiful new poems in Sanskrit, enriched with various sentiments and literary devices, and his songs were as sweet as nectar.
• Master of Avadhana (Mental Feats): He was renowned for his skill in performing "Ashta Avadhana" (eight simultaneous mental feats) and "Shat Avadhana" (one hundred simultaneous mental feats).
• Favored by Kings: His intellectual prowess impressed numerous kings from Maharashtra and Konkan, including Shri Jinkurshah, Shri Ramraja, Shri Khan Khana, and Shri Navarang Khan, who granted him honors and liberation of prisoners.
• A Powerful Debater and Preacher: He defeated scholars in various debates, including Yavana scholars in Pratishthanpur, Brahmins in Beridpur, and even Digambara Acharyas in Jallan Nagar. He also defeated a prominent debater named Atmaram in the court of Ramraja.
• Influential Preacher: His teachings led Raja Bharmalji to vow against animal slaughter in his kingdom. He also persuaded the Brahmins to accept the Raja's decree regarding the annual Shravan month festival.

Raja Bharmalji's Role and Devotion:

• Raja Bharmalji, described as a "lion of the Yadava dynasty" and a patron of learning, actively supported Jainism.
• His deep devotion to Lord Rishabhdev led him to build the magnificent "Rayavihar" temple in Bhuj.
• He issued decrees prohibiting animal slaughter during specific periods, including the Paryushan festival, on Ekadashi days, Sundays, and Amavasya.

The Khakhar Village Inscription's Significance:

The inscription highlights the deep respect and devotion of the Jain community in Khakhar towards their spiritual leaders and their faith. It records the construction of important religious structures and the establishment of their consecration, detailing the patrons and their families. The inscription concludes by mentioning that the praise (prashasti) was composed by Vidya Harsh Gani.

Additional Information and Corrections:

The document also includes notes from the compiler regarding potential inaccuracies or ambiguities in the dates and transcriptions mentioned in the original inscription, particularly concerning the date of the Rayavihar temple's construction and the presence of certain Acharyas. These notes suggest that some historical records might need reconciliation. The provided text also references other inscriptions from the same region for comparative study.