Nadlai Gamna Lekho

This document, "Nadlai Gamna Lekho" from the "Prachin Jain Lekh Sangraha Part 02" by Jinvijay, details inscriptions found in the village of Nadlai, located in the Godwad region of Rajasthan, India. Nadlai is identified as a significant Jain pilgrimage site with a history dating back centuries. The text meticulously describes and analyzes several inscriptions, providing historical context and linguistic insights.

Key points covered in the document include:

• Location and Significance of Nadlai: Nadlai is described as a modest village located northwest of Desuri, a major town in the Godwad province. It is recognized as one of the five main Jain pilgrimage sites in the region. The village is mentioned in the "Tirthmala Stavana" by Samatsundersuji, identifying it as a place dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar.
• Jain Temples: The village boasts a total of 11 Jain temples. Nine are situated within the village, and two are located on mountains, identified as Shatrunjay and Girnar. Shiilvijayji, a disciple of P. Shivvijayji, mentions nine temples in his "Tirthmala."
• Historical Names: Various ancient names for Nadlai are mentioned, including Nadaladgika, Nakulvati, and Nadafulai. It is also suggested that the name "Vallabhpur" might have been used.
• Temple of Adinath: A prominent temple near the village gate is dedicated to Adinath. It is considered very old and is associated with miraculous stories. The document notes that inscriptions numbered 331 to 344 are found in various temples in Nadlai, with some being published in Epigraphia Indica.
• Detailed Analysis of Inscriptions: The majority of the document focuses on the detailed analysis of individual inscriptions, providing:
  • Inscription Number and Location: Each inscription is given a number (e.g., 331, 332) and its specific location within a temple is mentioned.
  • Script and Language: The script is generally identified as Nagari, and the language as Sanskrit, with occasional mentions of Prakrit or Apabhramsha elements.
  • Date and Historical Context: The inscriptions often contain dating information (Saka or Vikram Samvat), mentioning ruling kings, dynasties (like the Chahamanas), and important figures like ministers, royal family members, and religious scholars.
  • Donations and Offerings: Many inscriptions record donations of land, money, or goods to the temples, often made by merchants, local communities, or royalty for the upkeep and religious services of the deities.
  • Linguistic Observations: The author provides detailed observations on the script, word usage, grammar, and any unusual or rare words found in the inscriptions, often referring to other scholarly works for comparative analysis.
  • Tribal and Social Groups: Mentions of communities like Oswals, Porwads, and their sub-groups (like Bhandari) are present, highlighting their role in the construction, maintenance, and patronage of the temples.
• Specific Examples of Inscriptions:
  • Inscription 331: Found in the Adinath temple, initially believed to be a Mahavir temple, it records a donation from the Chahamana dynasty.
  • Inscription 332: Located in the Neminath temple, it mentions King Rayapala and donations for the deity.
  • Inscription 333: Also in the Adinath temple, detailing donations related to oil and a specific coin ("Visheshak").
  • Inscription 334: Found on the same slab as 333, mentioning a donation for the deity Mahavir.
  • Inscription 335: On a pillar in the Neminath temple, recording a renovation of the temple by Vinayachandrasuri.
  • Inscription 336: In the Adinath temple, providing a genealogy of the Mewar rulers and detailing the installation of an Adinath idol.
  • Inscription 337: On the Adinath idol itself, recording its commissioning by the Sankara family.
  • Inscriptions 338-339: Small inscriptions on surrounding shrines, mentioning renovations by various Sanghas from Gujarat.
  • Inscription 340: On a statue of Munisuvrat in a Suparshvanath temple, mentioning its creation by Sanathaka of the Pragvat caste.
  • Inscription 341: On an Adinath idol in a temple within the old fort ruins, detailing a renovation by the Jain Sangha of Nadlai under the influence of Vijaydev Suri.
  • Inscription 342: Similar to 333, recording an agreement for offering goods for the Mahavir temple.
  • Inscription 343: Recording a donation of oil from a village's oil press for the worship of Mahavir.
  • Inscription 344: In the Adinath temple, mentioning a ritual performed by Lalha, son of Thakarasi.
• Legend of the Adinath Temple: A significant part of the document discusses a popular legend associated with the Adinath temple and a nearby Tapeswar Mahadev temple. The legend involves a contest between a Jain monk and a Shaiva ascetic to establish their respective temples on a hill. The Jain monk is said to have brought the Adinath idol from elsewhere using his mantra power. This legend is linked to Yashobhadra Suri of the Dherak Gacch.
• Historical Evidence of the Temple's Age: The inscriptions provide evidence that the Adinath temple has existed since at least the 12th century (Vikram Samvat 1187 is mentioned). It is also noted that the temple was initially dedicated to Mahavir and later possibly re-dedicated to Adinath.
• Other Locations: The document also briefly mentions inscriptions from other locations, such as Ratnapur (Inscription 345) and Kiradu (Inscription 346), which, while not exclusively Jain, contain references to Jain patrons or principles, such as royal decrees on animal protection. Lalrai (Inscription 347-348) and Saderav (Inscription 349-350) are also discussed in relation to Jain inscriptions and their historical context.

In essence, "Nadlai Gamna Lekho" serves as a valuable epigraphical record, shedding light on the religious, social, and political history of Nadlai and the surrounding region through the study of ancient Jain inscriptions. It highlights the enduring legacy of Jainism and its patronage through centuries.