Pacharai Aur Gudarke Mahattva Purna Jain Lekh

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about the inscriptions from Pacharai and Gudar:

This article, titled "Important Jain Inscriptions of Pacharai and Gudar" by Kumari Usha Jain, M.A., Jabalpur, details two significant Jain inscriptions. The Pacharai inscription dates to Vikram Samvat 1122, and the Gudar inscription dates to Vikram Samvat 1206. Both inscriptions are related to the Shantinath (Peaceful Lord) images in their respective locations.

Pacharai Inscription (Vikram Samvat 1122):

• Location: Shantinath Temple in Pacharai.
• Dimensions: 60 cm length and 20 cm width.
• Script and Language: Nagari script and Sanskrit language.
• Content: The inscription consists of seven verses in eight lines.
  • The first verse praises the 16th Tirthankara, Bhagavan Shantinath, describing him as a Chakravarti (universal ruler) and the lord of both desire (Rati) and liberation (Mukti), thus identifying him as both Kamadeva and a Tirthankara.
  • The second verse mentions Shri Leelchandra Suri, a disciple of Shri Shubhanandi Acharya, who belonged to the Deshigana of the Shri Kundkund lineage.
  • The third verse refers to the reign of Ranpal. His father, Bhima, is compared to Bhima of the Pandavas, and his grandfather, Hariraj Dev, is described as being like Hari (Vishnu).
  • The fourth verse mentions Sadhu Maheshwar from the Parpat lineage, who was renowned like Maheshwar (Shiva). His son was named Bodh.
  • The fifth verse states that Bodh's son, Rajan, achieved fame throughout the three worlds, similar to the Jinendras (Jinas), through his virtue named Shubhakirti.
  • The sixth verse mentions two other Goshthikas (members of a group or assembly) from the same lineage. The first was located in a "Panchamsha" (fifth part), and the second in a "Dashamsha" (tenth part). The article suggests that "Panchamsha" is a Sanskritized form of the village name Pacharai, also known as "Pachlai" in contemporary inscriptions.
  • The seventh and final verse names the first Goshthika as Jasahad, who was a repository of all fame and renowned in the Jinashasana (Jain teachings).
• Concluding Remarks: The inscription concludes with the auspicious phrases "Mangalam Mahashri" and "Bhadramastu Jinashasanaya" (May there be great prosperity and well-being to the Jinashasana). It is dated Vikram Samvat 1122.
• Historical Context: Raja Hariraj is identified as the first ruler of the Pratihar dynasty in Bundelkhand. The connection between this dynasty and the famous Gurjar Pratihar dynasty is not yet clear. Earlier inscriptions from Hariraj's time (VS 1055 near Chanderi) and his copper plate inscription (VS 1040 in Bharat Kala Bhavan, Kashi) are mentioned. An inscription from Ranpal Dev's reign (VS 1100) was found in Budhi Chanderi, making the Pacharai inscription his second dated record.

Gudar Inscription (Vikram Samvat 1206):

• Location: Gudar, a small village approximately eight kilometers south of Khaniadhana. Three large Tirthankara statues (Shantinath, Kunthunath, and Aranath) are located in a field opposite the modern Jain temple. The largest of these statues is about nine feet high.
• Inscription Details: The inscription is found on the pedestal of this large statue.
  • Dimensions: 34 cm length and 21 cm width.
  • Script and Language: Nagari script and Sanskrit language.
  • Content: This seven-line inscription begins with praise for Shri Shantinath. It then states that in Vikram Samvat 1206, on the 9th day of the waning moon of Ashadha, on a Wednesday, Ratne, son of Mam and father of Dharmadev, belonging to the Lambakanchanuk lineage, organized the Pancha Mahakalyanak Mahotsav (Great Festival of Five Auspicious Events). He consecrated the images of Shantinath, Kunthunath, and Aranath (representing the Ratnatraya or Three Jewels) and worshipped them daily with devotion. These idols were installed for the destruction of karma.
  • Ratne's wife was named Gahlā. His father was Supat, a servant of the munis (ascetics), who possessed right faith (Samyaktva) and performed Chaturvidh Dan (donation in four categories). Supat's father was Gunchandra, who belonged to the Lambakanchanuk (modern Lamechu) lineage.
• Historical Context: The inscription provides significant information about the Lambakanchanuk lineage and the religious activities of the time, including the consecration of Tirthankara images and the importance of auspicious rituals.

Additional Information:

The article concludes by mentioning that apart from these two major inscriptions, several other inscriptions are available in Pacharai, which mention scholars like Acharya Shambhanandi, disciple of Pandityacharya Shri Veerchandra, disciple of Pandityacharya Shri Shruthakirti of the Deshigana, and his disciple Shri Leelchandra Suri.